A lot of people seem to believe that Halloween is an American import. The pagan festival of Samain (end of harvest) is believed to have been adapted by Christianity in Celtic countries to celebrate All Saints Eve or All Hallow's Eve (een in Scotland/ Ireland). The Eve of All Saints day was when the souls of the dead were believed to roam the earth and dressing up and generally partying was thought to scare them away. It has always been (and still is) popular in these countries and immigrants took this practice over the water. It was not until the early 20thc that it became nationwide in the USA. The British, in recent years have adopted 'trick or treat' and using hollowed out pumpkins instead of turnips (Scots call swedes turnips) My grandchildren go out guising round the neighbours and get sweets, toffee apples, nuts and tablet in return for telling a joke, reciting a poem or singing a song. It is an ancient festival that pre-dates Guy Fawkes although nowadays they both seem more jumbled up together.
These things all become mixed up. My eldest daughter here in Flanders has been out with burning torches tonight. Something to do with the feest of Sint Maarten. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Martin%27s_Day I suspect that much of western Europe has similar pre-Christian bonfire traditions connected with evil spirits and winter. The Sussex bonfires pre-date Guido Fawkes as well. I do like a good bonfire !
Couldn't agree more, Rich. The fire is the best bit. Again, Lewes holds the crown on that score for me. Never seen a pile of wood so large blaze away so quickly.
Battle Abbey is dedicated to St Martins and Battle was granted the right to a St Martin Mass fair which ran from about 10 to 22 November. The fair has long since ceased.but just thought you'd like to learn something new....
Who are they burning in Lewes this year ? Theresa May ? It's a bit short notice to model three High-Court judges....If it was down to me, it would be the editor of The Daily Mail. He likes it inflamatory.
I haven't seen anyone with a Guy Fawkes or youngsters asking 'Penny for the Guy' for years. In the modern era there might be too much work involved.
I shan't be there...but I believe that Sussex Police are still looking for the teenage me for throwing bangers...That they are now armed doesn't surprise me !
Donald Trump. if telly be believed Chris This is a reply to the thread above asking who they were burning in Lewes this year. I did press 'Quote' but with no result.
Cheers, Chris. Quotes are odd on the new forum. I think that you simply have to use the 'reply' option next to the post. If you don't want to then use the box at the bottom. I've messed it up several times.
Bonfire Prayers Remember, remember the Fifth of November The Gunpowder Treason and plot, I see no reason why Gunpowder Treason Should ever be forgot. Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes ’twas his intent To blow up the King and the Parliament, Three score barrels of powder below Poor old England to overthrow. By God’s providence he was catch’d With a dark lantern and burning match, Holler boys, holler boys, ring bells ring Holler boys, holler boys, God Save the King! A penny loaf to feed the Pope A farthing o’cheese to choke him, A pint of beer to rinse it down A faggot of sticks to burn him. Burn him in a tub of tar Burn him like a blazing star, Burn his body from his head Then we’ll say old Pope is dead. Hip Hip Hoorah! Hip Hip Hoorah! Hip Hip Hoorah! https://www.lewesbonfirecelebrations.com/poems-verse/bonfire-prayers/
Bonfire Prayers Remember, remember the Fifth of November The Gunpowder Treason and plot, I see no reason why Gunpowder Treason Should ever be forgot. Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes ’twas his intent To blow up the King and the Parliament, Three score barrels of powder below Poor old England to overthrow. By God’s providence he was catch’d With a dark lantern and burning match, Holler boys, holler boys, ring bells ring Holler boys, holler boys, God Save the King! A penny loaf to feed the Pope A farthing o’cheese to choke him, A pint of beer to rinse it down A faggot of sticks to burn him. Burn him in a tub of tar Burn him like a blazing star, Burn his body from his head Then we’ll say old Pope is dead. Hip Hip Hoorah! Hip Hip Hoorah! Hip Hip Hoorah! https://www.lewesbonfirecelebrations.com/poems-verse/bonfire-prayers/