Remember, remember the 5th of November!
Traditions often disappear with generations, their origins forgotten or their significance only vaguely remembered. Some traditions, however, live on regardless as an occasion for celebration. One such celebration, much anticipated by children all over the UK, is nearly upon us – Guy Fawkes Night!
Guy Fawkes Night on November 5th, marks the anniversary of the infamous Gunpowder Plot of 1605 when Guy Fawkes and his group of conspirators attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate King James I.
His motive? He wanted to get rid of the King and his administration because they were Protestants and Guy hoped to restore Catholic rule in England. At the time, the religious turmoil in England often resulted in Catholics and Protestants inflicting death and suffering on each other.
Guy and his co-conspirators slowly amassed gunpowder in the cellars under Parliament from the summer of 1605 and Fawkes was given the job of igniting it on the night of November 4th. He would have succeeded had it not been for an anonymous letter sent to the authorities. Royal guards were sent to search the cellars and in the early hours of November 5th, Fawkes was caught and arrested.
In the Tower of London, he was tortured for information about the rest of the group and the plotters, including Fawkes, were sentenced to be hanged, drawn, and quartered. However, Fawkes, weak from torture, managed to climb high enough up the ladder at the gallows to die from a broken neck on his fall rather than having to endure the full horror of his sentence whilst still alive.
In the years that followed, after the king’s narrow escape from being blown sky high, he encouraged national remembrance and celebrations on the anniversary of November 5th. People willingly joined in and it became an occasion to show loyalty to the king and for Protestantism. Within a few decades Gunpowder Treason Day, as it was known, became an English state commemoration where people celebrated into the night and burnt effigies of popular hate figures, such as the Pope!
Over the years, November 5th often erupted in scenes of public disorder but decorum was eventually restored as the festivities eventually lost their religious and political edge and morphed into a fun occasion for families to enjoy.
Organised entertainment became popular in the late 19th century, and 20th-century pyrotechnic manufacturers renamed Guy Fawkes as Firework Night.
Guy Fawkes Night also became known as Bonfire Night and any bit of land that could be used was commandeered to build a bonfire. Wood or any other combustible material would be piled up there with youngsters stealing wood from rival bonfires to enlarge their pile or setting fire to someone else’s bonfire before the night of the 5th. These days, however, with our increased awareness of health and safety, bonfires tend to be more organised affairs at sports grounds and public parks across the country, although some people still enjoy a bonfire in their back garden.
Other Guy Fawkes traditions thrived, such as ‘Penny for the Guy’’ where children would make a ‘Guy’ out of clothing stuffed with straw and newspapers. The idea was to take your ‘Guy’ around the streets on a small cart and then ask for a ‘penny for the ‘Guy’. In reality, the penny wasn’t for the ‘Guy’ at all, it would be spent on sweets, sparklers and small fireworks.
Guys would be taken into schools to be shown off and prizes would be offered for the best dressed ‘’Guy’. Then, when the night of November 5th came, the Guy would be thrown onto the bonfire and burnt. This fun tradition has largely died out although you might see the occasional Guy on the bonfire at public events.
Nowadays, burning effigies and rioting have both been replaced by a modern-day Guy Fawkes Night which is an altogether warmer and cosier celebration, quite different from its turbulent origins. Wrapped up warmly in scarves, hats, and coats to ward off the autumn chill, families and friends huddle around bonfires, and watch fireworks roasting marshmallows or sipping hot chocolate.
Crackling bonfires, colourful fireworks bursting overhead, the crowd emitting a chorus of soft aahs – it’s a shared spectacle of warmth, family and community. Many people nowadays also associate Guy Fawkes night with traditional nostalgic treats like toffee apples, jacket potatoes, or treacle toffee, a time of simple pleasures and friendly, family fun.
One of the few outdoor winter festivals that we celebrate in the UK, Guy Fawkes Night offers a great opportunity for sales of homemade woollens. Here are a few ideas…
1. “Stay Warm by the Bonfire” Bundles
Offer discounted sets of woollen goods, like scarves, gloves, hats, and blankets for staying warm and cosy while watching fireworks or gathering around the bonfire. Maybe include some sachets of hot chocolate or a thermos flask!
2. “Bonfire-Ready” Themed Products
Design a limited-edition line of woollen products specifically for Bonfire Night in festive autumn colours or patterns inspired by fireworks.
3. Collaborate with Local Events
Reach out to the organisers of local Bonfire Night events and partner with them, so that you can set up a stall and sell your woollen goods there on the night! If you are going to do this, make sure that you have your product liability insurance for crafters in place!
4. Bonfire Night Giveaway
Host a Guy Fawkes-themed social media giveaway in which people share their best Bonfire Night memories or plans. Offer a free set of woollen goods, like scarves or blankets, to a few winners.
These ideas could help tie your woollen goods to the cosy, communal feel of Guy Fawkes Night, making your products an essential part of the celebration.
If you are just starting as a seller of handmade woollen goods you should obtain product liability insurance for crafters to protect your new business against any possible claims. Why not give us a ring and either Naomi or Sam will advise you as to the right kind of cover? We have many years of experience providing product liability insurance for crafters and we would be delighted to help.