It's strange that we celebrate Bonfire Night to remember some bloke who tried to blow up Parliament many moons ago and got caught in the act. It's a national festival held up to remind us of the danger of dissent. I can imagine why an old skool monarch would want to stick that day in the calendar. Especially after the imminent danger of having almost been blown to pieces. But it's funny that it still holds.
Is it just a gripping moral tale from the past? Or is it still a useful metaphor to help the government warn the common public what might happen if we try to put a rocket under David Cameron's arse? Turn it on its head, and maybe it's actually a celebration of dissent? The very fact that it's a festive occasion where we utilise Guy's weapon of choice to send pretty lines and coloured spirals through the sky is something I reckon he might've quite liked. Unfortunately for him though, by the time the fireworks kick off, he's usually endured his millionth death by bonfire via the form of another childish effigy wearing Dad's old tennis shoes and Hawaiian shirt. Maybe there is no particular reason for holding up the festivities except it's tradition, innit. And everyone loves an excuse for a celebration. And Mum loves an excuse to burn Dad's vile shirts.
I was just reading about Guy Fawkes (Wikipedia of course). Apparently (according to trusted source mentioned in previous sentence) when he was first caught for the Gunpowder Plot he gave the authorities a false name. Instead of Guy Fawkes, he told them he was 'John Johnson'. HA! That is a man in the moment of panic....'shit...my name...think of a name...definitely not Guy...another name...any name...a man's name...John...a surname...bollocks...nothing...John...John...son?'
Remember, remember the 5th of November. When a bloke fucked up and got caught trying to blow up the government.
I have decided to take my own message from this. Remember, remember:
1) we're all a bit fucked up
2) that's what makes us beautiful and real
3) striving for perfection is death to the masterpiece
4) embrace all of you, including the messy fucked up bits! It's liberating for you, and the guy next door will breathe easier too when he knows you've just fucked up and even more so, he'll admire you when he sees that you can handle it.
5) That's what I'll be celebrating this Bonfire night. Three cheers to you big Guy - for fucking up, and getting a whole country to light up the sky in honour of that on a yearly basis for over 400 years.
