November Bonfires and Burning a "Guy”

Although celebrations in England on November 5th are associated with Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot, it has its roots in a more ancient tradition. From the 13th century, the word “guy” was used to mean a dummy or effigy. Bonfires and “guys” were part of the ancient religion. The beginning of November marked the start of the pagan year and the first day of winter. Bonfires were lit and torches carried in processions. Sacrifices were also made to drive away evil spirits. Since ancient times, Celts have reckoned the year to end on Samhain, or Bonfire Night. As autumn gives way to winter, this world and the next are supposed to be at their closest point (there are autumnal mists which can turn to heavy fogs in early November). November 5th is located exactly half way between autumnal equinox and the winter solstice

“Remember, remember the fifth of November, Gunpowder treason and plot.”

Words of "Remember Remember" refer to Guy Fawkes with origins in 17th century English history. On the 5th November 1605 Guy Fawkes was caught in the cellars of the Houses of Parliament with several dozen barrels of gunpowder. He was subsequently tried as a traitor with his co-conspirators for plotting against the government.

The following year in 1606 it became an annual custom for the King and Parliament to commission a sermon to commemorate the event.The guy on the bonfire came to represent Guy Fawkes.

The 'guys' are made by children by filling old clothes with crumpled newspapers to look like a man and the effigies are then burned.

 

From:

http://www.yorkshirefireworks.co.uk/gunpowderplot.html

http://www.chalicecentre.net/samhain.htm