How Is Guy Fawkes Night Celebrated?

**Bugbear** · 10th October 10, 04:34 PM

Thanks, all, I enjoy your descriptions. And thanks, English Bloke, for the recipes, they sound very good.

**Pleater** · 11th October 10, 02:23 AM

Parkin is best made in advance and placed in a tin or wrapped in foil to mature, developing a slightly sticky coating as the inside dries out a little. It should be moist but not soggy - getting it just right can take practise.

Whilst you have the ginger out don't forget to make a gingerbread man for everyone, the same recipe as for ginger snaps.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

**Schiehallion** · 11th October 10, 07:57 AM

The building and collecting of wood for the bonfire was a daily and exciting chore after school. It was a good way that people could dispose of their garden and general rubbish, as long as it would burn we would take it. The activity of going from house to house to collect and in guarding the pile as it got bigger and bigger was paramount for weeks before. The pile became as high as 12 to 15 feet and about 12 feet across. The money from people who we hoped admired our 'Guy' went to buy fireworks, and on many a street corner you would hear "Penny for the Guy". On the night, the flames would leap high into the November sky! Yes, Parkin, Treacle toffee, baked spuds in the embers, and loads of fireworks. A great family occasion. (The night before was Mischief Night when we would get up to all sorts of pranks.) These days bonfires are smaller and less evident and displays of fireworks are far more common (Health and safety issues in our Nanny State) I miss the days of my boyhood and have very vibrant memories of our festivities.

The Guy is named after Guido Fawkes who was executed in 1606.
The gunpowder Plot was a Roman Catholic conspiracy to get rid of a protestant King who would be opening Parliament, and had nothing to do with James I of England /James VI of Scotland being a Scot.
Originally effigies of the Pope were burned, but not after the reign of James II who was Catholic. To this day the Palace of Westminster Parliament buildings are search prior to the State Opening by the Monarch.