November the 4th was quite definitely a day to remember, congratulations to Barack Obama! However, remember, remember the 5th of November.

Today is the day when residents of the UK celebrates the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot of the 5th of November, 1605 in which a number of Catholic conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, were alleged to be attempting to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London, England.

The tradition is to light large bonfires, and burn upon it an effigy of Guy Fawkes, the most well known member of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. The traditional song sung on this night is:

Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I can think of no reason
Why the Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t’was his intent
To blow up the King and Parli’ment.
Three-score barrels of powder below
To prove old England’s overthrow;
By God’s providence he was catch’d
With a dark lantern and burning match.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, let the bells ring.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!

Don’t forget though that the symbolism of burning Guy Fawkes is to show show the country’s hatred of the Catholic church. In some small villages around the UK it has been known for people to burn effigies of the Pope! Did you know that Catholics can’t hold the office of Prime Minister of Parliament! That’s good old fashion religious persecution at work there.

We shouldn’t be burning Guy Fawkes, we should be commemorating the death of one of histories greatest anarchists!

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