'Remember, remember the fifth of November' [Fawkes notoriety continues through celebration, movie]

Bonfires and elaborate firework displays will be started across England tonight to commemorate one of the most notorious terrorist plots in British history.

Known as the Gunpowder Plot, Nov. 5 marks the day that former soldier Guy Fawkes was caught in the basement of Parliament with 36 barrels of gunpowder in a scheme to blow up the building, the king and all representatives inside in an attempt to restore Catholicism in England.

Although notorious in England, in America, Fawkes is synonymous with the graphic novel-turned-movie, "V for Vendetta" (2006). In a futuristic take on Fawkes, V wants to blow up Parliament in an effort to overturn the government.

"The recent movie 'V for Vendetta' … used the image of Guy Fawkes along with acts of anarchy and destruction in reverse, trying to overturn an intolerant regime," assistant professor of history Jennifer DeSilva said.

"Now, when Parliament opens at Westminster every fall, a ceremonial ‘searching of the basement' is held to make sure no explosives are there," Scheele said. "King James I declared Nov. 5 as a celebration day, since the plot was discovered."

In 1605, 13 young men planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament in what is now called "the Gunpowder Plot". The Gunpowder Plot came about after Queen Elizabeth I died in 1603. English Catholics, who had been persecuted under her rule, were bitterly disappointed when her successor, James I, who had a Catholic mother, failed to be more tolerant of their religion. Their leader Robert Catesby decided to blow up the Houses of Parliament, hoping to kill the King, the Prince of Wales, and the MPs who were making life difficult for Catholics. Among 13 young men was Guy Fawkes, Britain's most notorious traitor and Roman Catholic convert. He was arrested in Parliament's cellar with 36 barrels of gunpowder. Fawkes was tried, convicted, and executed for treason.
Even now, four hundred years later, the reigning monarch only enters the Parliament once a year for the State Opening of Parliament. And before the opening, according to custom, the Yeomen of the Guard searches the cellars of the Palace of Westminster.

"You come up with some of the most interesting tidbits of history"

Folks! Let's set the record straight. Until public education took hold, every British kid knew the Guy Fawkes story in general terms. The 'thing' burnt on the bonfire is not an effigy - it is a guy. Every group of kids with a piece of land and the ability to collect anything that burns will celebrate. Fireworks of all sorts are let off.

HOWEVER, since Britain has been a socialist paradise for over a decade, restrictions have been placed on everything, like having bonfires, letting off fireworks, celebrating unofficial things instigated by (gasp) the monarchy. Joking aside, it is not a 'holiday', but it is the next best thing.

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