Day 169

Today was Guy Fawkes, a British holiday that is enjoyed by pyromaniac Kiwis.

My understanding is that Guy Fawkes was part of a group that attempted to blow up parliament way back in the day. Apparently he got caught and was tortured, but he wouldn't reveal his co-conspirators. He was eventually convicted of treason and executed.

On Guy Fawkes day people shoot off a lot of fireworks. There have been fireworks going off all week, really. There is even a house down the street that is selling fireworks out of their garage. Initially I thought that people were shooting off the fireworks to celebrate Guy Fawkes & Co. standing up to the government, kind of like the Fourth of July... The only thing is, the Fourth of July is to celebrate independence from Britain... I don't think Guy Fawkes day is to celebrate Britain's independence from itself... I have since been advised, by a British person, that people are actually celebrating the capture and execution of Guy Fawkes. Apparently people in England put dummies in wheelbarrows on Guy Fawkes day, wheel them around and collect money... And then burn the dummies in a giant bon fire... Nice.

I have also heard that the movie V for Vendetta is about Guy Fawkes, but I never saw the movie so I don't really know.

Remember, remember
The fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot
I see no reason
Why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot

Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes
He's intent
To blow up the Houses of Parliament
Three score barrels of powder below
Poor old England to overthrow

By God's providence he was catched
With a black lantern and a burning match
Holler, holler boys
Ring the bells, ring!
Holler, holler boys
God save the King

-Traditional