The Amazing Story Behind Bonfire Night Celebrations
Did you know that the word bonfire originated from a time when the corpses of witches, heretics, and other nonconformists were burned on a pyre instead of being buried in consecrated ground? Spooky. The literal meaning of the “bonfire” is a large open-air fire on which bones are burnt and it’s derived from the term “banefyre”
Fireworks and celebrations were associated with the term “Bonfire Night” by us. But do you know how this tradition was started? Let’s take a small tour through the interesting history of ‘The Bonfire Night’ before we get into the ways to celebrate bonfire night in a student accommodation
We need to go back over 400 years to 1605. On this very night, a man by the name of Guy Fawkes. Well, so he was caught red-handed while keeping an eye on a huge quantity of gunpowder placed under the Houses of Parliament. The Gunpowder Plot was not only designed to kill King James I, but also to destroy the entire building. If you’re wondering why exactly, it came down to religion. Being a faithful catholic, Guy Fawkes wanted to topple the protestant kingship ruling the country at that time.
Early the next year, Guy Fawkes and his seven accomplices were quickly arrested and sentenced for betrayal. Let’s avoid the details of how they were put to their deaths, it was brutal. On the night of the failed attempt to kill the King, people lit bonfires around the city to celebrate the event. The tradition grew quickly and from the next year forward, bonfires were spotted across the country, often with a dummy of Guy Fawkes burning in the middle of the bonfire.
There are many ways to celebrate bonfire night in a student accommodation. People on bonfire night throw straw dummies of Guy Fawkes to drive away evil spirits, in England. During the centuries this tradition crossed over the oceans and was fixed in other colonies. But, now the Bonfire is a symbol of happiness and celebration apart from the reason why it began. Bonfire Night or Guy Fawkes Day is celebrated as thanksgiving in Great Britain and also in a number of countries.
How To Celebrate Bonfire Night
Light The Bonfire
- To avoid the fire from unfurling, trace a mark around the area with bricks, place crumpled newspapers or pinecones at the bottom of the fire pit. Then go ahead and stack tiny bits of wood on top.
- Once you have lit the fire and it is steadily burning, place larger pieces of wood on to keep it burning.
Straw Dummies
- To reminisce about the day’s heritage, toss straw dummies into the bonfire. Effigies (dummies) are small figurines of people that are burned to remember the day that the British Parliament was almost destroyed.
- You can buy these dummies from a Guy Fawkes stall or make one of your own by stuffing old clothes with straw. Is one of the most fun ways to celebrate bonfire night in a student accommodation
Explosive Bonfire Night Event Ideas
- Light fireworks and sparklers to celebrate the day with a bang. This is one of the most popular ways to celebrate Guy Fawkes, which the younger kids prefer.
- Keep note that you buy fireworks from an authorised supplier and only purchase fireworks that are considered to be safe for use.
- It is very important to follow the instructions on the packet and light them in an open space, maybe at the beach or on a grass field.
- Always light the fireworks away from children and pets to help prevent injuries.
Food! Food! Food!… And Drinks
- Food at social gatherings is the best thing ever! Celebrate the day with some bonfire food. Food on Guy Fawkes day tends to vary between different groups. Hot soup and grilled potatoes are some favorites that will keep you warm throughout the night. Parkin cake is a good option for something sweet.
- Drink mulled wine to celebrate the occasion. Drinking mulled wine is a great way to stay warm on cold nights and helps to make the evening feel festive.
Mask It
- Wear a Guy Fawkes mask if you want to dress up. These masks are normally black or white and have moustaches, goatees, and eyebrows painted on them.
- This is another way to celebrate bonfire night in a student accommodation. The sinister look of these masks is a reflection of the dark origin of Guy Fawkes’s days. Though, don’t let the scary masks put a brake on your celebrations!
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Fun Ways To Celebrate Bonfire Night
Parades And Stalls
Guy Fawkes parades generally have a range of festive stalls, a parade of floats, and fireworks. This is a fun way to immerse yourself in your community’s
Firework Shows
Watch a fireworks show with your friends or family. This is a great option if you want to see professional fireworks and it is a much safer option than lighting them yourself.
Community Bonfires
Join a friend’s bonfire or attend a community bonfire event. Sitting around a bonfire is a great way to bond with friends whilst remembering the history of the day.
House Parties
Guy Fawkes parties are usually held in people’s homes and involve eating some yummy food, lighting fireworks, and dancing.
Apart from these ways to celebrate bonfire night in a student accommodation. You could celebrate this day in your own way while remembering to be safe.
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