1. Remember, Remember the 5th of November! Gunpowder, treason and plot! The now-infamous nursery rhyme relates to Guy Fawkes' night, a celebration in the UK that commemorates the revolutionary act of Guy Fawkes who attempted to blow up parliament. On November 5, 1605, Guy Fawkes and a group of Catholic conspirators attempted to blow up Parliament with barrels of gunpowder in an attack against James I, the Protestant king. The Gunpowder Plot was a failure, however, it continued to incite anti-Catholic sentiments for a century afterwards.
2. Bonfires. In the UK, bonfires are a significant part of Guy Fawkes traditions. In many places throughout the country, effigies of the fallen revolutionary are burned. The festival also coincides with the Celtic harvest festival of Samhain -- the tradition of ligthing bonfires for this celebration dates back to Celtic times when people would light fires to mimick the energy of the sun and its power for growth. They also acted as shields against harmful spirits and had protective and cleansing powers. Nowadays people roast marshmallows and sausages.
3. Fireworks. Fireworks have become an important part of Guy Fawkes celebration, ironic reminders of the barrels of gunpowder. Children used to run around with an effigy of Fawkes asking for "A penny for the Guy?" which they would then use to buy fireworks. However, fireworks are not readily commercially available in the UK anymore. Huge fireworks displays are still common.
4. A Gruesome History. Guy Fawkes was tortured following his arrest. He was sentenced to be hanged, but jumped from the platform himself and broke his neck. His body was drawn and quartered, scattered to the four corners of the kingdom.
5. V for Vendetta. Alan Moore released a series of graphic novels in which the lead character, V, wore a guy fawkes mask while attempting to overthrow a totalitarian regime. Warner Brothers adapted a film version in 2005.
Here is a full version of the rhyme:
Remember, remember!
The fifth of November,
The Gunpowder treason and plot;
I know of no reason
Why the Gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot!
Guy Fawkes and his companions
Did the scheme contrive,
To blow the King and Parliament
All up alive.
Threescore barrels, laid below,
To prove old England's overthrow.
But, by God's providence, him they catch,
With a dark lantern, lighting a match!
A stick and a stake
For King James's sake!
If you won't give me one,
I'll take two,
The better for me,
And the worse for you.
A rope, a rope, to hang the Pope,
A penn'orth of cheese to choke him,
A pint of beer to wash it down,
And a jolly good fire to burn him.
Holloa, boys! holloa, boys! make the bells ring!
Holloa, boys! holloa boys! God save the King!
Hip, hip, hooor-r-r-ray!
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