The document summarizes the history and tradition of Bonfire Night celebrations in the United Kingdom. It describes how in 1605, Guy Fawkes and other Catholic conspirators plotted to blow up the Houses of Parliament to protest the persecution of Catholics. The plot was foiled when an anonymous letter warned authorities to search Parliament, where Guy Fawkes was found guarding barrels of gunpowder. Ever since, people in Britain celebrate on November 5th with bonfires, fireworks, and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes to commemorate the foiling of the plot. The tradition spread to British colonies and is still observed today.
10. For 400 years, bonfires have burned on November 5th to mark the failed Gunpowder Plot. The tradition of Guy Fawkes-related bonfires actually began the very same year as the failed coup. The Plot was foiled in the night between the 4th and 5th of November 1605. Already on the 5th, agitated Londoners who knew little more than that their King had been saved, joyfully lit bonfires in thanksgiving. As years progressed, however, the ritual became more elaborate. Soon, people began placing effigies onto bonfires, and fireworks were added to the celebrations. Effigies of Guy Fawkes are today burned on the fire at celebrations.
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12. "On the night itself the societies march through the steep streets of Lewes carrying paraffin-soaked torches and crosses and parading effigies of Guy Fawkes, the Pope of 1605, and other "enemies of the bonfire". The marchers wear fabulous costumes - Vikings, Zulus (faces blacked up), Elizabethans and Red Indians and are trailed by noisy marching bands. Bonfire Boys run with burning tar barrels to Cliffe Bridge where they toss them, flaming, into the River Ouse. Later the societies reconvene at sites around the town to light mountainous bonfires. Members dressed as bishops conduct bonfire prayers and repeatedly ask the crowd: "What'll we do with him?". The answer, of course, is "Burn him!" at which point the popes and Guy Fawkes go up in flames and the firework displays begin."
