"Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot"
Have Fun with some Sparklers
While many might know the first line of this poem, many also are likely to not know its meaning. It is quite true that the plan to blow up British parliament around 400 years ago holds little significance in Australian life, but a tradition that has spawned from the plot is one that you can enjoy anywhere in the world. Guy Fawkes Night, also known as
bonfire night, can be a fun chance to get everyone together for a fun bonfire and food with friends and family.
The obvious main aspect of bonfire night, is building a bonfire. Guy Fawkes night is on the 5th of November each year, so you will have to make sure that it doesn't interfere with any fire bans in your area as this can be a dangerous time of year. The other important aspect is your
Guy Fawkes effigy. This can be as simple as two wooden broom handles dressed in some clothes, but a popular way to create your own Guy Fawkes is by using old panty hose.
Guy Fawkes Waiting on the Fire
There really isn't any particular way to make the effigy. One way is to grab one pair of pantyhose and stuff them with newspaper, then put some old pants on them. Stuff an old shirt with newspaper, and roughly sew this to the top of the pants. To make your head you can just use a stuffed paper bag, just make sure that you draw the Guy Fawkes face, complete with moustache and goatee. Kids will have lots of fun making their own Guy Fawkes, and then placing him on the fire to burn. If you feel that this is a little too morbid for your children then feel free to leave it out and just enjoy the bonfire. You could always let the kids make their own Guy Fawkes without putting him to the flame.
The Bonfire
If you're in Canberra you'll be lucky enough to be able to set some fireworks off on the night, but if you're not don't worry, there are still other ways to have fun. Grab some sparklers, so that while your bonfire burns you and the kids can enjoy running around with these. Kids will also love toasting marshmallows on the fire, just make sure that you find nice long sticks for them to use. Bonfire Night is also a great opportunity for having a barbecue, so cook up a feast and enjoy it while the fire burns. To finish the night you could head inside to sit down and watch V For Vendetta, a film that classically references Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Treason.
Plan a fun night at home with some friends and a nice warm fire, and use an old English tradition to help make the night a little more interesting. Guy Fawkes Night is celebrated on the 5th of November every year.
