Happy Gunpowder/Guy Fawkes' Day

So this morning, I'm looking at my cute pug calendar that hangs by my desk, and it says today is Guy Fawkes' Day... never heard of the dude, so I googled it. Seems it's a pretty significant day in England:

In 1603, King James I took the throne in England. An avid Protestant, he began persecuting Catholics in the country. He forbid Catholics from practicing their religion ,and punished Catholics who did not convert to the Protestant church.

The Gunpowder Conspirators were a group of Catholics who sought to take action against the king. They plotted to blow up the British Houses of Parliament. They planned to do so, when the king and his supporters were in the buildings. Their plot was uncovered on November 5, 1605. Thirty six barrels of gunpowder were found in the basement of Parliament. Guy Fawkes, the leader of the conspiracy, was arrested and tortured until he confessed. He was arrested just as he was about to ignite the gunpowder.

So, is the celebration in support of the rebellion against the king and persecution, or does it support the fact that they were discovered before they could blow the place up?

Anyways... seems they celebrate the day in England with fireworks and bonfires. Cool!



Have a great day!!!!