Some of my friends actually set off fireworks on the day I was born.
What a great honor huh?
And if you are wondering why these folks are so devoted, well, it is because they are from England.
Now that does not really explain the fireworks does it?
Notwithstanding their delightful accents and delectable gifts (like Terry’s Chocolate Oranges, Cadbury Biscuits, and All Butter Shortbread Fingers from Harrod’s), these lovely people always remember November 5th and they have been remembering it since 1605!
They celebrate that day because a fellow named Guy Fawkes tried to blow up King James I during the opening of Parliament.
Having long memories and able to hold a grudge for centuries, the English have been drinking cavorting, and setting off fireworks ever since. In other words, every year they celebrate
G u y F a w k e s Day!
And that’s my birthday! A little history never hurts right?
Now if you are not English, will you please mark your calendar so as not to miss this auspicious event?
History of Guy Fawkes Day
There are lots of stories about Guy Fawkes Day, but here is a concise summary from www.history.com:
Catholic dissident Guy Fawkes and 12 co-conspirators spent months planning to blow up King James I of England during the opening of Parliament on November 5, 1605. But their assassination attempt was foiled the night before when Fawkes was discovered lurking in a cellar below the House of Lords next to 36 barrels of gunpowder.
Londoners immediately began lighting bonfires in celebration that the plot had failed, and a few months later Parliament declared November 5 a public day of thanksgiving.
Guy Fawkes Day, also known as Bonfire Night, has been around in one form or another ever since. Though originally anti-Catholic in tone, in recent times it has served mainly as an excuse to watch fireworks, make bonfires, drink mulled wine and burn Guy Fawkes effigies (along with the effigies of current politicians and celebrities).
Very interesting! That’s something I didn’t know. If you are in town on Wednesday, please do stop by the shop. Thanks! Julie
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How wonderful to have fireworks set off in your honor. Happy Early Birthday, Dor! I hope you enjoy your special day.
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Happy birthday -:)! Guy Fawkes Day is a big day in NZ too – every household sets off fireworks from back-yards and there are great public fireworks too! Guy Fawkes lives on!
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But the real reason for the fireworks is your birthday. Have a glorious one!
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I wonder what happened to the original Guy Fawkes. They weren’t very kind to dissidents those days.
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Well, an early Happy Birthday to you! (I have a sister-in-law with the same birthday.)
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Hmmmm – good question. I will check with Google…..
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Agreed! Thanks Ronnie. 🙂
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Any excuse for a light show! 🙂 Thanks for your good wishes Daniela.
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Would it were true….. thanks for your sweet wishes though Jill. 🙂
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Thanks Julie… see ya soon. 🙂
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Thanks for the good wishes Dianna! 🙂
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Thank you Dorothy. News of Guy Fawkes day has not arrived in the western frontier of the colonies but the news of your birthday has! Happy Birthday all the fireworks I will have seen today will certainly be in your honor!
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Have a great birthday Dorann, fireworks and all – somehow I think Bill and the kids are going to make it memorable. Best wishes for a wonderful year!
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I always knew you were a real firecracker! Happy Birthday, darling Dor!! You have a way of lighting up our days without any help from gunpowder!!
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You are truly the sweetest person Barbara. I am thankful again that I found you. 🙂
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Many thanks for your lovely wishes Mary. 🙂
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You are a wonderful sister (never mind the in-law part) and I am lucky to have you. Thanks for your good wishes. Wish you were here. 🙂
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I hope that you had a wonderful birthday! I learned something new today. I never heard of Guy Fawkes until I read this post.
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I did have a great birthday Sheryl and thanks for your good wishes. Glad you liked the Guy Fawkes history lesson. I never heard of him either until my English friends told me.
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