As the saying goes, "remember, remember the fifth of November" but for most what is actually being remembered is lost amongst the excitement of explosions in the sky.
Every year on November 5 we celebrate the old English tradition known as Guy Fawkes with bonfires and fireworks. However, what we are celebrating and why seems to drift further into history with each year.
The origins of Guy Fawkes stem from events that took place in 1605 when a group of 12 men attempted to blow up Britain's House of Parliament. This event was to become known as the Gunpowder Plot and a man named Guy Fawkes was behind it.
The Gunpowder Plot conspirators thought violent action was needed to end the persecution of the English Catholics. They intended to kill the King and others who were responsible for the persecution by blowing up the Houses of Parliament.
However as the plan was developing some of the conspirators involved began to have doubts and one sent a letter of warning out. The letter reached the King which led to authorities storming the House of Parliament in the early hours of November 5.
It was here that Guy Fawkes was caught with 36 barrels of gunpowder. He was sent to trial and to show that treason would not be tolerated he was sentenced to death by the most horrible form of execution - he was to be hung, drawn and quartered.
On November 5 Londoners were encouraged to light bonfires to celebrate the King's escape from assassination. The tradition was continued to emphasise the seriousness of treason.
The tradition still continues to this day and bonfires are lit on the same night each year and an effigy of Fawkes is often burnt.
Another tradition to emerge is "a penny for a guy" where children will beg for money for their guy which will be burnt on the fire at the end of the night. The money is then used for fireworks.
Guy Fawkes/Bonfire Night.
