....is what was on Guy Fawkes' mind when he tried to blow up Parliament in London back in 1605. Fortunately he was caught before King James 1 was annihilated. Parliament was saved and Mr. Fawkes was subsequently chopped into 4 pieces whilst his head hung in the town square. I bet no one tried that one again!
What has come out of this twisted conspiracy is an odd little yearly celebration in England called "Bonfire Night" or "Guy Fawkes Night." Since we had the privilege of living in the jolly ol' place for three years, we have continued with this fun, yet extremely odd, tradition which goes like this....
On or around the anniversary of the plot, November 5th, people gather around a big bonfire for a rather macabre celebration. With them they have brought homemade "Guys" which are stuffed dummies (or drawn versions on cardboard, or made out of anything you want, really) of Guy Fawkes. Jacket potatoes are served and a feast ensues.
A contest is often held for who made the best "Guy," and then, with the fire roaring, the guests one by one hurl their "Guy" onto the fire while cheering and laughing. Sometimes a chant will be heard amongst the crowd as the "Guys" are thrown to their death....
Guy, guy, guy
Poke him in the eye,
Put him on the bonfire,
And there let him die.
Weird, I know.
So this brings me to last night. Our very dear friends who lived in England with us have carried on this yearly tradition. So here we are, celebrating this rather bizarre, but somehow really fun, holiday....
Everyone lines up with their "Guys" for judging. There were probably about 10 entries.
Adam and his guy...."locked in jail, with chains on him, missiles hitting his head, a bomb in his hand, and a skull on his shirt and foot." (Should I be worried as to what this celebration is doing to my child?)
The competition is steep. Who knew guy Fawkes was a "Y" fan?!
Haylie drew a picture (free-hand!) of his real likeness which gave her the prize for "Best over-all Guy."
The prizes were, well, shall we say, a little Deseret Industries-ish? Haylie tries to act like she likes her beautiful new woman statue.
Haylie, Raegan, and Adam by the bonfire, watching the poor Guys being flung to their demise.
Poor guy.
10 comments:
Haha! What a fun tradition. Adam's Guy was certainly creative. And I think you meant to say you were celebrating this "bizarre" holiday instead of "bazaar." ;)
Oh, thank you Madison! I "spell-checked" and it told me bazaar. I KNEW it wasn't right but just left it. Lesson learned - never trust blogger's spell-checker!
Fun post. I just have one question, did you save a piece for me?
That's fantastic. I don't know why I don't do the same thing ?!
It's a bit early isn't it? :D
I always enjoy looking at your photos, you're so talented.
I loved Adam's pic! So funny. I think like that with Caleb trying to over analyse his pics, Steve is so chilled about everything as usual!
Glad you got to celebrate it, although it isn't til 5th Nov! Sorry, just had to remind you!!
The pies looked good! Yummy!
Was that Matthew in the other pic-I didn't recognise him. He has really grown up. Hailey too-such a sweet girl.
Love to all, happy bonfire night!
Love becky & boys xxxxx
p.s. How is life after primary? I just got called on sunday, 1st counsellor! I kind of guessed!!
1st counsellor in primary I meant!
YOu did it! A post very close to the actual event! THAT is the lens I want to talk about...fabulous pics!
We do indeed know that November 5th is the actual date, but why have the celebration when it's 12 degrees outside when we can do it in October and only wear light jackets?! It was the loveliest weather EVER for Guy Fawkes :o) Who needs cold and snow? Bah.
Nice!!! That's a cool holiday (kind of) to celebrate! I wish my family would celebrate it! I think it would be very cool to make a dummy (or whatever) and then burn it!!!! Also why is there a pie baking contest, I mean, I like pie and everything but why pie?
Maryanne, as always, your photography is so good. I have never heard of the Guy story, and think it's cool that you've brought back this British tradition and made it into a fun affair. I LOVE coconut cream pie and would have voted for yours, no doubt. Haylie is an awesome artist. The all are actually!
Post a Comment