I'm not sure if wishing someone a 'Happy Guy Fawkes Day', and encouraging the celebration of same, is entirely appropriate. It makes me wonder how one "celebrates" September 11th, and whether Guy Fawkes Day is used as a day of remembrance in Britain, to reflect on the causes of modern terrorism.Remember, remember the 5th of November,
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot;
I can think of no reason why the Gunpowder Treason
should ever be forgot.
2 comments:
Actually, I've heard Guy Fawkes Day IS a semi-big deal, though I've never been in the UK in November. My understanding is that people use its memory to remember that government is for the people, and folks don't like it when you lose that sense of purpose.
But, hey, they're on the opposite side of the world from me...what do I know?
Yeah, Bonfire Night is a big deal over here (although Halloween has stolen some of its' thunder - no pun intended - in the last decade or so).
It allows us Brits to celebrate our ancient and honoured traditions of burning stuff, admiring explosions, reminding the powers-that-be that we will do what we like without their say-so, and setting fire to effigies of those who displease us. Also, toffee apples and sparklers.
Ours is an ancient, sophisticated, and rather blood-soaked culture. :)
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