Is Guy Fawkes Day still relevant?

Remember, remember, the 5th of November is how the rhyme goes, but do you know what it is all about?

Guy Fawkes Day is celebrated annually on 5 November with a lot of big bangs and explosions of fireworks. It’s a practice that many residents partake in, even if they are unsure of the reason why it is done.

Guy Fawkes joined a group of anti-government citizens in London in a plot to kill King James I of England. Together they stockpiled 36 barrels of gunpowder in a cellar under the House of Lords, with the intention of blowing the House up, and King James with it, on 5 November 1605. The plot was foiled after an anonymous letter alerted the authorities who searched the parliamentary buildings, and found Fawkes lurking in the cellar, guarding the explosives.

The residents of London were so happy that the plot was foiled they immediately started lighting bonfires in celebration. A few months later 5 November was declared as a public holiday of thanksgiving by Parliament.

The Record took to the streets to find out if residents know what this day is about and if they celebrate it. This is what they had to say:

JP Dreyer said he does not know what Guy Fawkes Day is and does not celebrate it at all. “If it is not a holiday, I do not celebrate it,” he said laughingly.

Tshepo Mahlangu said he is aware of what the day is all about and celebrates it with fireworks and everything going along with it.

“I do not know what Guy Fawkes Day is all about and also do not celebrate it,” said Benedict Molefi.

Keegan Martin said he had learned about Guy Fawkes Day but could not remember what it is about. “I do not celebrate the day, solely because I do not know what the reason for the day is,” he said.

Tertia Horak said their family knows what the day is all about but do not celebrate it. “We do not partake in the celebrations because we have pets. I also get very angry with our neighbours who set off fireworks because our dogs are terrified of the loud noises and we battle to keep them calm,” she said.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.

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