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By Diane Forrest
I'm sure you remember the Occupation Wall Street event
that took place last year. Many
protesters of big corporations gathered together to voice their
complaints. As a representative of the
protests, they chose the figure of Guy Fawkes.
Guy Fawkes, as seen in the above pictures, was a rebel in 1605. His name is synonymous with the famous Gun
Powder Plot which threaten to destroy Parliament in England. He was captured and held in the Tower of
London for 4 days as they tried to get him to name his conspirators. He refused, and was sentenced to be
hung. As the noose was placed around his
neck - he jumped from the platform, breaking his neck.
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On 5 November 1605 Londoners were encouraged to celebrate
the King's escape from assassination by lighting bonfires, "always
provided that 'this testimony of joy be careful done without any danger or
disorder'.
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Annual commemorations of the foiled plot began soon
after, as reminders to defend England from other traitors, especially disloyal
Catholics. Over time they became a day and night of fun and pranks, with
bonfires, fireworks and the burning of children’s effigies of Fawkes. Today
kids have swapped effigies for Halloween, leaving just Bonfire Night and its
fireworks.
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Today is Guy Fawkes day, so if it is chilly outside, and
you want to light a bonfire and burn a political representative in effigy, this
would be a good year - to show your feelings for the candidate you are not in
favor of.
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