Bonfire Night is not here...

... because in the US, no one knows what bonfire night is! Unless they've seen V for Vendetta and have some kind of clue. But even then, most people have no idea.

"Remember, remember the fifth of November.
Gunpowder, Treason and Plot.
I see no reason why Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot."

Nowadays, November 5th is essentially a night where you have big bonfires, maybe burning an effigy of Guy Fawkes (or other disgraced person currently making headlines, I hear Mr Lance Armstrong will be making a few appearances this year) and have fireworks and sparklers. With the fireworks, it's a little like 4th July, except colder!

Bonfire night is essentially a celebration of successfully foiling a 1605 plot (plot) to blow up parliament (gunpowder), kill the king (treason) and lead a revolt to return Catholicism to Britain.

Many British people learn about this in school history lessons, usually in primary school. I hope they still do! Most will find the following picture of the conspirators very familiar, with Mr Guy Fawkes himself third from the right.

Guy Fawkes was the first man connected to the plot that was found in the cellars below parliament and arrested. Although I think it is well known that Fawkes was not the leader, as he was the first one caught red handed, his name is synonymous with November 5th (hence the whole V for Vendetta mask and story).

Anyway, seeing as I will not be partaking in any kind of fireworks or bonfire I wanted to share the story with you all. You can find way more detail online if you want to know more

I will say that during 5th November fireworks they do not play patriotic British music... that's one huge difference between 5th November and 4th July fireworks displays!!