The Pagan and the Pen #8

My monthly column The Pagan Heathen, on The Pagan and the Pen, is now available!

This months topic is (click the title to go to the article):

An interview with R. Phillip Prince,

author of 'The Mouse in the Viking's Beard'.

(click on the above cover to buy the eBook)

I hope you enjoy the read! :)

It all happened again and again...

Raise your horn in a salute to those we have lost.

This video says it all...

Remember, Remember...Again

I don't usually re-blog any of my posts, but I thought this one deserved it, especially today. Enjoy!

Drawing by Crispin van de Passe the Elder.

'Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I know of no reason
Why the Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t'was his intent
To blow up the King and Parli'ment.
Three-score barrels of powder below
To prove old England's overthrow;
By God's providence he was catch'd
With a dark lantern and burning match.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, let the bells ring.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!'

 

November 5th is the night known as Bonfire Night, Fireworks Nights and/or Guy Fawkes Night in England. What is this all about? You may wonder.

Basically, in 1605 Guy Fawkes, along with several other Catholic restorationists, created the Gunpowder Plot to blow up King James I of England (James VI of Scotland) when he opened Parliament on November 5th. Although the plot was overseen by Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes was only the explosives expert, Guy Fawkes is the most remembered of the plotters. He was also the one caught leaving the area of the explosives (under Parliament) just hours before they were due to be ignited.

Several other members of the plot were discovered and so began the torture, trials and executions of those involved.

Guy Fawkes being arrested under the Houses of Parliament.

Since 1605, Guy Fawkes has forever been associated with fires, fireworks and the destruction of Parliament...

His influence can be seen even today from popular hero imagery, to 20th century political posters, from the 'V for Vendetta' movie to 'Fawkes' the Phoenix in Harry Potter.

To this very day, the 5th of November is still celebrated. It was originally for the safety of the King, however, today I get the feeling that the attempted act is now celebrated instead. ;)

My memories of Bonfire Night are of me shivering, trying to get warm around the wonderful bonfires both at home and at public gatherings with fireworks, sparklers, mulled wine and cider, hot dog's, hamburgers, jacket potatoes in foil and mushy peas with mint sauce. More importantly, all these things mixed in with friends, family and lots of laughter and excitement.

I have to say it is definitely one of the things I miss about England, few folks here know of it and in this area it is not celebrated at all but I hear some do over on the eastern coast. I know one thing for sure, when we have land we shall be having a good old fashioned Bonfire Night with all the trimmings and will be sharing it with our Canadian friends.

*raises her pot of steaming mushy peas and mint sauce to you all*

Happy Bonfire Night! :)

 

Loony Luna Day #36

Marijuana Filled Firewood in Newfoundland...

'Hello, is this the Police Office?'

'Yes. What can I do for you?'

'I'm calling to report 'bout my neighbor Jack Murphy...He's hidin' marijuana inside his firewood! Don't quite know how he gets it inside them logs, but he's hidin' it there..'

'Thank you very much for the call, sir.'

The next day, twelve St Johns Police Officers descend on Jack's house. They search the shed where the firewood is kept.

Using axes, they bust open every piece of wood, but find no marijuana. They sneer at Jack and leave.

Shortly, the phone rings at Jack's house.

'Hey, Jack! This here's Floyd....Did the Police come?'

'Yeah!'

'Did they chop your firewood?'

'Yep!'

'Happy Birthday, buddy!'

(Newfies know how to get'er done)

Enjoy! :)