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The Postwick Bonfire |
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Postwick, like many other villages in England, has for many years built an oversized bonfire in early November which is lit with a degree of ceremony to celebration the foiling of The Gunpowder Plot. Guy Fawkes, a Roman Catholic, with a small group of accomplices attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament on November 5, 1605 with gun powder smuggled into its cellars. The occasion was the opening of parliament and the motivation was a protest against the anti-Roman Catholic laws of the time. He was caught in the act and with his co-conspirators was hung. Few people would suggest that this security triumph merited annual celebration for almost 400 years even at this time when security is a priority of all governments. But Guy Fawkes Night is still celebrated across the length and breath of the kingdom. There is, of course, considerable currency in the security context. But little is made of this. The reality is that at this time of year most gardeners have a lot of combustible material to dispose of, particularly in Postwick, and burning it in a corner of the village playing field is a convenient way of getting the job done. The fireworks industry has also probably done much to promote the practice. But this element of the traditional celebration does not feature prominently at Postwick, probably because most villagers figure they have better uses for their money than burning it. Even the tradition of placing an effigy of Guy Fawkes at the top of the bonfire is not observed. This might be regarded as politically incorrect in view of the habit four hundred years ago of the monarchs of the day of disposing of prominent Christian of opposing denomination by burning them at the stake. But even this simple, functional and comforting bonfire is now threatened. Bonfires are seen as being environmentally unfriendly. One would suppose the environmental objections are that they create air pollution and contribute to global warming. More likely, however, the objections are to the very conspicuous nature of fireworks displays and bonfires. Those who do not have the wealth to afford fireworks or the spirit to build a bonfire resent the celebrations. And this is in all probability the fundamental motivation of many environmentalists. December 1, 2002 top of page Maintained by:David Walker . Copyright © 2002. David Walker. Copyright & Disclaimer Information. Last Revised/Reviewed: 021203 |