Hi, I'm an American living in England. I feel a bit stupid for not knowing this, but, we went and watched fireworks this evening and I'm not really sure what was being celebrated?! Thanks in advance!! : )
2007-11-03 10:10:58 · 5 answers · asked by Jen E 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Independence Day
This is probably associated with Guy Fawkes Day, which is November 5. I would assume that the fireworks were this evening because the actual celebration falls on a weeknight.
Briefly, in the early 1600's, there was a great deal of tension between the various religious factions in England - the protestant Church of England, which was the official religion, Catholics who had refused to convert and were sometimes persecuted for it, and the Puritans who didn't think that the CoE went far enough in removing Catholic influences. A group of Catholics instigated a plot to overthrow the government, part of which involved blowing up the Houses of Parliament with 1800 lbs of gunpowder.
On November 5, 1605, Guy Fawkes was arrested underneath Parliament, reportedly just as he was about to light the fuse to set off the explosion. The plot collapsed, and November 5 became a popular holiday celebrated with, among other things, fireworks and bonfires.
If you've seen the movie or read the graphic novel "V for Vendetta," V's plot is an attempt to recreate the Gunpowder Plot, and the final action takes place on November 5. In addition, the mask V wears is an imitation of the traditional Guy Fawkes mask worn for Guy Fawkes day.
Hope that helps
2007-11-03 10:41:41 · answer #1 · answered by abba-dingo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our "cousins" are celebrating "GUY FAWKES DAY" ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes_night ) celebrating the "Gunpowder Plot of 1605... thought that is ACTUALLY on November the 5TH.
Perhaps they've adopted the lousy American habit of celebrating holidays only on weekends ?
I see no actual holiday on the 3rd.
2007-11-03 10:31:16 · answer #2 · answered by mariner31 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm an Australian, living in Australia & want to know why peopla ask questions about other countries in the AUSTRALIA DAY page?
As to your question, try Guy Fawkes day.
Not bad for one of Convict Stock, huh?
2007-11-03 13:38:21 · answer #3 · answered by DreadSmurf 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry I don't Know....
but when I come to London, 11-18/25=2007 perhaps YOU can tell me then!
Or sooner when YOU find OUT?
Thanks for Asking ! RR
2007-11-03 10:15:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Guy Fawkes day.
2007-11-03 10:15:19 · answer #5 · answered by bete noire Carpe Noctum 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋