Bonfire Night: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Bonfire.jpg|right|thumb|350px|[[Bonfire]]s are lit all over the UK to mark the 1605 attempt to destroy the English parliament. | [[Image:Bonfire.jpg|right|thumb|350px|[[Bonfire]]s are lit all over the UK to mark the 1605 attempt to destroy the English parliament.]] | ||
'''Bonfire Night''', also known as '''Guy Fawkes Night''' or '''Fireworks Night''', is a national celebration held every 5th November in the [[United Kingdom]] and some [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] countries to mark a failed attempt in 1605 by several [[Catholicism|Catholic]] conspirators, notably [[Guy Fawkes]], to blow up the [[Palace of Westminster|Houses of Parliament]] and [[assassination|assassinate]] the [[Protestantism|Protestant]] [[James I of England|James I]]. The failure of this '[[Gunpowder Plot]]' is marked across the UK with [[bonfire]]s on which an effigy of Guy Fawkes is burnt, along with [[fireworks]] displays. Several traditional foods are also eaten, including [[toffee apple]]s and [[baked potato]]es. Often the event spills over into the days and even weeks either side: as fireworks go on sale, it has become increasingly common to hear them being set off well before the event, and also around [[Halloween]] a week earlier. | '''Bonfire Night''', also known as '''Guy Fawkes Night''' or '''Fireworks Night''', is a national celebration held every 5th November in the [[United Kingdom]] and some [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] countries to mark a failed attempt in 1605 by several [[Catholicism|Catholic]] conspirators, notably [[Guy Fawkes]], to blow up the [[Palace of Westminster|Houses of Parliament]] and [[assassination|assassinate]] the [[Protestantism|Protestant]] [[James I of England|James I]]. The failure of this '[[Gunpowder Plot]]' is marked across the UK with [[bonfire]]s on which an effigy of Guy Fawkes is burnt, along with [[fireworks]] displays. Several traditional foods are also eaten, including [[toffee apple]]s and [[baked potato]]es. Often the event spills over into the days and even weeks either side: as fireworks go on sale, it has become increasingly common to hear them being set off well before the event, and also around [[Halloween]] a week earlier. | ||
Revision as of 08:11, 6 June 2009
Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night or Fireworks Night, is a national celebration held every 5th November in the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries to mark a failed attempt in 1605 by several Catholic conspirators, notably Guy Fawkes, to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate the Protestant James I. The failure of this 'Gunpowder Plot' is marked across the UK with bonfires on which an effigy of Guy Fawkes is burnt, along with fireworks displays. Several traditional foods are also eaten, including toffee apples and baked potatoes. Often the event spills over into the days and even weeks either side: as fireworks go on sale, it has become increasingly common to hear them being set off well before the event, and also around Halloween a week earlier.
Controversy
Despite the event's roots in the centuries-long battle between the Catholic and Protestant branches of Christianity, there is little sectarian association with the event. The most controversial aspect of Bonfire Night is the sale of fireworks, which has been increasingly restricted in recent years due to injuries and occasional deaths involving fireworks and fire. Additionally, many pet owners complain that their animals, dogs in particular, are frightened by the noise of the fireworks. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) recommends that pets be kept indoors in the evenings around Bonfire Night.[1] Hedgehogs are also at risk, as they can set up home in bonfires as they are built.[2]
Footnotes
- ↑ News Shopper: 'Protecting your pet on Bonfire Night'.
- ↑ Wildlife Trusts: 'Bonfire Night'.