Remember, Remember the 5th of November

 The Fifth of November

    Remember, remember! 

    The fifth of November, 

    The Gunpowder treason and plot; 

    I know of no reason 

    Why the Gunpowder treason 

    Should ever be forgot! 

    Guy Fawkes and his companions 

    Did the scheme contrive, 

    To blow the King and Parliament 

    All up alive. 

    Threescore barrels, laid below, 

    To prove old England's overthrow. 

    But, by God's providence, him they catch, 

    With a dark lantern, lighting a match! 

    A stick and a stake 

    For King James's sake! 

    If you won't give me one, 

    I'll take two, 

    The better for me, 

    And the worse for you. 

    A rope, a rope, to hang the Pope, 

    A penn'orth of cheese to choke him, 

    A pint of beer to wash it down, 

    And a jolly good fire to burn him. 

    Holloa, boys! holloa, boys! make the bells ring! 

    Holloa, boys! holloa boys! God save the King! 

    Hip, hip, hooor-r-r-ray!

Today, the 5th of November, Guy Fawkes Night is the day to celebrate King James I surviving the attempt of Guy Fawkes and his companions trying to blow him and Parliament up. It is celebrated with fireworks (which have been continuously going off since sunset) and bonfires. It was originally the annual day of thanksgiving for the failure of the plot, and an anti-catholic sentiment. Today Guy Fawkes Day is celebrated much like the 4th of July, with large festivals, fireworks, and bonfires to celebrate the country.