Remember, Remember the 5th of November
The phrase “Remember, remember the 5th November” is the first verse of John Milton’s poem in Quintum Novembris (On the Fifth of November), which he composed in 1626 at Cambridge. The traditional poem alluded to the happenings of the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, is often recited during the anniversary of Guy Fawkes Day, when straw effigies of Fawkes are tossed in the bonfire.
LONDON – MARCH 08: Actors in character costume arrive at the UK Premiere of ‘V For Vendetta’ at the Empire Leicester Square on March 8, 2006, in London, England. The film is based on the Alan Moore book set in the and is written and co-produced by The Matrix duo Andy and Larry Wachowski. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Getty Images)
This habitual verse exists in several variations to add flavor to the poem. The line from the poem is mainly known in the U.S. for its use in the first trailers of the film V for Vendetta . The protagonist V in the film was also seen wearing a Guy Fawkes mask.