Gunpowder Day or Guy Fawkes Day
When is Gunpowder Day? This holiday is always observed on November 5
Guy Fawkes Day and Gunpowder Day are one and the same. This November 5 holiday commemorates the infamous Gunpowder Conspiracy of 1605 in England. It was led by, you guessed it, Guy Fawkes.
Thought for the Day: Are we celebrating Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators, for attempting to eliminate religious persecution? Or, are we celebrating the government’s successful discovery of the plot, saving many lives? …You make the call.
The Roots of Gunpowder Day or Guy Fawkes Day
In 1603, King James I took the throne in England. An avid Protestant, he began persecuting Catholics in the country. Because of his religious beliefs, 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. Thus, 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.
How to Celebrate Gunpowder Day
How do people in England celebrate Gunpowder Day and the Gunpowder Conspiracy? Here’s how:
First, celebrate with fireworks and bonfires. You can do so, too.
Then, use this day to learn more about Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Conspiracy.
Today's Quote
“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” – – George Eliot
History and Origin of Gunpowder Day
We know the origin of the cause for this special day. However, we do not know when this special day began to be celebrated. It likely began in the 1600s.
Note: This special day lends proof to the theory that notoriety results in recognition.
This Day in History
Besides Gunpowder Day, here are some things that happened on this day:
Parker Brothers markets the board game Monopoly. (1935)
Voters re-elect President Franklin D. Roosevelt for an unprecedented third time. (1940)
Roy Rogers, the “King of the Cowboys”, born Leonard Franklin Sly, was born on this day in 1911.
More About Today
Famous November Birthdays – Find out who shares your birth date.
Recipe of the Day: Easy Cinnamon Apple Fritters – Dontcha just love any recipe that starts with the word “easy”!?
Ecards – Send a free Ecard daily for Guy Fawkes Gunpowder Day or just about any October calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Without a doubt, it’s fun for both the sender and the recipient.
Holiday Insights, where every day in November is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Thus, please join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year. all in all it’s a great place to enjoy every holiday.
Did You Know? Furthermore, in addition to Gunpowder Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. and many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. November holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.
