Yes I know it is 3 November but in UK we celebrate Guy Fawkes/Bonfire Night on 5 November

Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot...

The picture is of the 'Gunpowder Plot' conspirators

Guy Fawkes & the Gunpowder Plot ....
The words of "Remember Remember" refer to Guy Fawkes with origins in 17th century English history. On the 5 November 1605 Guy Fawkes was caught in the cellars of the Houses of Parliament with several dozen barrels of gunpowder. Guy Fawkes was subsequently tried as a traitor with his co-conspirators for plotting against the government. He was tried by Judge Popham who came to London from his country manor. Fawkes was sentenced to death and the form of the execution was one of the most horrendous ever practiced (hung ,drawn and quartered) which reflected the serious nature of the crime of treason.

The Tradition begins...
The following year in 1606 it became an annual custom for the King and Parliament to commission a sermon to commemorate the event. A genteman by the name of Lancelot Andrewes delivered the first of many Gunpowder Plot Sermons. This practice, together with the nursery rhyme, ensured that this crime would never be forgotten! Hence the words " Remember , remember the 5th of November" The poem is sometimes referred to as 'Please to remember the fifth of November'. It serves as a warning to each new generation that treason will never be forgotten. In England the 5th of November is still commemorated each year with fireworks and bonfires culminating with the burning of effigies of Guy Fawkes (the guy). The 'guys' are made by children by filling old clothes with crumpled newspapers to look like a man. Tradition allows British children to display their 'guys' to passers-by and asking for " A penny for the guy".

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In the evening as we all gather around the bonfire having placed the 'guy' on the top, favourite foods are on offer such as burgers, hot dogs, jacket potatoes, baked beans. Often the night will be cold so soup would be a very welcome warmer! Or, later partake of some hot chili, bangers and mash, whilst taking off your winter coats indoors. Children might enjoy toasted marsh mallows or toffee apples. As for a drink, a hot punch or mulled wine for the adults and punch made of hot apple juice for the children would be very welcome!

Smaller children might hold sparklers whilst fireworks would be organised by adults for a showing at the end of the evening's entertainment.

Here are some ideas from some of my BBEST friends to remind us of autumn and impending winter as we huddle around the bonfire to keep warm.

Aceo Original Painting Carmel Apple Autumn Treat Quest by

Backroomtreasures

As the moon rises in the sky you might well encounter a scene such as this collage by

Vanfleetstreetdesign

Take a Hike....(Original Collage)

As we stand around, the wind is starting to whip around us; even a few snow flurries could be forecast!

As shown in

Art Quilt Autumn Flurries by

Artmixter

When the festivities are over and the little ones have left to go to their homes and so to bed all that remains is for the adults to round off the evening with a nice mellow glass of wine using these beautifully hand painted ......

Autumn Leaves Wine Glasses by

Glitz n Glass

And so the dying embers from the huge bonfires around the country smoke and splutter their last sounds before collapsing into the scorched soil underneath; next year it all starts again as the children make their 'guys' and look forward to bonfire night!