The night of bonfires refers to the celebrations carried out during the night that foresee the lighting of bonfires and fireworks. Celebrations are celebrated to celebrate different traditions in some countries of Europe, the Caribbean and North America on different days. Today this celebration has significant commercial value. Despite environmental concerns about the effect of fires and fireworks in the atmosphere, as well as the physical danger it poses to people, bonfire nights are still celebrated. Restrictions are still in effect for the use of fireworks in some countries.
The bonfire night in Britain
The bonfire night is celebrated in November 5 th and is also known as Guy Fawkes night. Bonfires and fireworks are put on display during this day. The day has a rich history behind it; Guy Fawkes is the reason for this day because of his infamous plot to assassinate the Protestant King James I in 1605. The plot involved placing explosives in the House of Lords and Guy Fawkes. The plot failed and the conspirators were arrested. King James I allowed citizens to celebrate and they did so by lighting bonfires.
The celebrations were approved on the condition that there would be no public disturbance. November 5 thhe had to celebrate the fact that the king survived this plot. The Parliament later acknowledged the day overcoming the observance of November 5 th Act. On this day anti-Catholic sentiments were openly shown as sermons were made to highlight the dangers of Popery. Effigy of hate figures were burned. The settlers brought this tradition to the British colonies in North America and now Commonwealth countries. The celebrations diminished as the religious and political significance gradually faded from it. People now compete to show how high their rockets can fly and play quizzes.
The bonfire night in Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, the bonfire night is known as 11 th Night. It comes before the celebration of the Ulster Protestant and involves the lighting of bonfires composed of tall wooden pallets and tires. 11 thThe night has a rich history thanks to its association with the glorious Revolution of 1688 and the War of Williamites in Ireland from 1689 to 1691. The fires were lit on the hills to help Williamite ships pass quietly through Belfast Naught overnight . Celebrating this day was to commemorate the defeat of Catholic armies in 1690 at the Battle of Boyne by Protestant armies.
Symbols of Irish nationalism and manifestations of racism and intolerance towards immigrants were shown during this day. The concern for these demonstrations is justified by the fact that they carry the incitement. Civil disorder is also a problem on this day when people get drunk and messy. THE’ Environmental pollution is also experienced due to the toxic fumes created by the fires. Fires also cause damage to buildings. These concerns were addressed by the Belfast City Council which implemented regulations to stop pollution and disorder, as well as symbols of hatred to be burned.
