'Remember, remember the 5th of November'

Those opening words of a rhyme based on John Milton’s poem “In Quintum Novembris” tell a tale of political passion in overdrive. Rather apropos — and a tad amusing — that Guy Fawkes Day falls on election day this year.

“Remember, remember the 5th of November” alludes to the failed Gunpowder plot of Nov. 5, 1605, when London police arrested Guy Fawkes before he could blow up the House of Lords of English Parliament. In addition to King James I and key members of government, the explosion could have also killed many other citizens nearby.

Their supporters had hoped once the king and House of Lords (representing the wealthiest and titled folk) had been eliminated, Britain’s Catholic monarchy would be restored. Remember, this wasn’t long after King Henry VIII broke with the church — thanks to his insatiable and fatal appetite for wives — and established the Church of England.

Anyway, when the news of the Guy Fawkes arrest spread, bonfires erupted around London to celebrate the king’s safety. To this day the building is ceremoniously searched before Parliament opens each Nov. 5.

Guy Fawkes Day remains a major British holiday, with the poem’s first line as its slogan. Giant Bonfires are a big part, as well as burning Guy Fawkes dolls in effigy. Celebrated with family parties, fireworks, and general festivities much like our July 4, English Pilgrims imported the holiday to America, although it didn’t last.

Through time, protesters have burned other figures in effigy — politicians they disapprove of — on Guy Fawkes Day or in his memory. Nor did everyone in 1605 agree with the crown; the ruling side may have defined the legacy, but others sided with Fawkes. The symbolism of the 5th of November has evolved throughout the years.

And while we aren’t in Britain, they are part of our roots. Political passion knows no single nationality.

Beyond the treasonous plot itself, the 5th of November also represented, at least to some, God’s religious deliverance. Catholics of course saw it differently. Great Britain still occasionally struggles with Catholics vs. Protestants issues.

But this date has also represented a class struggle — one still present in U.S. politics, too, with parties and platforms at least unofficially representing the monied vs. the common man.

For roughly three centuries after the foiled plot, Guy Fawkes Day meant increasingly violent class-based confrontations. Bans against bonfires and fireworks lasted many years. By the 1850s, things had calmed down and Guy Fawkes Day became more the social commemoration it is today, bonfires and all.

Following so closely on the heels of Halloween and with our two cultures’ mutual influence, the slowly increasing popularity of Halloween in England is beginning to run into Guy Fawkes Day celebrations. But the latter will likely never die (at least not figuratively). Nov. 5 is too synonymous with feelings against suppressive government.

That includes us. Supporters of the “Occupy Movement” sometimes wore the mask of Guy Fawkes to protest perceived corruption and lack of accountability in financial and political spheres. Some also see the Guy Fawkes image as a symbol of terrorism. To others, it represents unity against greed or, more in line with its origins, against persecution.

Whatever it means, to “remember the Fifth of November” on election day reminds us of the strong, potentially powerful role each citizen has in the political process.

Please vote. If we all do it, it will matter.

You can register when and where you vote; click “elections” at Kcgov.us.

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Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at [email protected].