The Significance of Fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night
Fireworks are a significant part of today’s celebration of Guy Fawkes Night. It represents the explosives that would have been used by the conspirators. Since November 1928, The Yeomen of the Guard perform a ceremonial search of the Houses of Parliament with lanterns before the state opening, to check if no prospective arsonists are hiding in the cellars.
Bonfire Night, Skinningrove, North Yorkshire, England, Wednesday 5th November 1997. (Photo by Teesside Archive/Mirrorpix/Getty Images)
There were several attempts to ban the use of fireworks during the celebration. King James II first banned fireworks in 1685, but it was not successful in toning down the celebration of Guy Fawkes Night. The use of fireworks was revived in the 18th century.