05 盖伊·福克斯之夜 Guy Fawkes Night

Guy Fawkes Night is a very British celebration. It celebrates a failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament (that’s where Big Ben is) in London. This was probably one of the first examples of terrorism, only it didn’t work. It all happened on November the fifth, 1605. A group of Catholics who were unhappy with their Protestant rulers wanted to bring the government down. Their leader was a man called Guy Fawkes and his plan was called the Gunpowder Plot. Fortunately, some passers-by saw Guy Fawkes and his followers with the gunpowder. Guy Fawkes was arrested. He was put on a bonfire and burned to death. In Britain and former British colonies, this day is also called Bonfire Night.

Bonfire Night is perhaps the biggest outdoor celebration in Britain. Unfortunately, it is in winter and takes place at night. You have to brave the cold, but it is a happy occasion. Every town and village puts on a fireworks display. There is usually a large bonfire in the middle of the town. People gather at it to watch the fireworks and eat traditional Guy Fawkes Night food. Baked potatoes and toffee apples are the most popular treats. There is usually a mock guy on the bonfire to represent the real one that died 400 years ago. Many families have smaller celebrations and will have their own, private fireworks display in their garden. There are many warnings to be careful because every year, children are injured in fireworks accidents.

盖伊·福克斯之夜 （或篝火节之夜）,这是英国的传统节日，时间为每年的11月5日。它是为纪念“火药的阴谋”这个历史事件———天主教反叛分子密谋炸毁位于伦敦威斯敏斯特的英国国会大厦，但是密谋泄露了，一个卫兵发现了盖伊·福克斯，在严刑拷打下盖伊·福克斯招供了一切。今天，孩子们都非常喜欢这个节日。他们自己制作“盖伊”用旧衣服填充做成的假人，再把它放到篝火上焚烧。最后，当绚丽的焰火燃放起来时，代表多年前的那场爆炸根本没有发生过。