Bonfire Night quote: What is it and what does it mean?

The long-awaited night of the year has arrived, where we all get to wrap up warm and welcome the festive season with a bang. 

Families and friends will be huddling around bonfires and taking in incredible fireworks displays up and down the country.

But before you light your sparkler or order your fourth hot chocolate tonight, take a moment to remember, remember why you're there in the first place.

Red and gold fireworks display. Credit: Canva

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night? 

Every November 5, we light up sparklers and we count Catherine wheels during the fireworks display.

All things considered - once we have warmed up by the bonfire and can feel our fingers again - it's a night filled with happy memories for us all.

In truth, the history behind fireworks night is much darker and it's not all happy memories - at least for Guy Fawkes.

We celebrate Bonfire night - or Guy Fawkes night to remember the 1605 failed assassination attempt on the Protestant King James I of England VI of Scotland.

READ MORE: 10 top tips to keep your dog calm this Bonfire Night

The assassination plot was organised by a group of Catholics, led by Guy Fawkes, who were conspiring to replace him with a Catholic head of state.

People began lighting bonfires in the months following the attempt to celebrate King James I's survival.

Before the group was executed for treason, parliament passed a law called the "Thanksgiving Act".

The act meant it would become compulsory to go to church and give thanks that the King survived and so it became an official day in the British calendar.

The story behind the Bonfire night quote

Although the day has split from its religious roots and many don't associate the day with the Gunpower plot anymore, the night remains steeped in history.

Just look at the most famous quote associated with Guy Fawkes night:

"Remember, Remember the fifth of November

The Gunpowder Treason and Plot;

I know of no reason why the Gunpowder Treason

Should ever be forgot."

This verse actually stems from various rhymes that have changed a bit over the years. 

The first recorded verse about Bonfire night actually comes from 1742 and it used to sound like this:

"Don't you Remember,
The Fifth of November,
'Twas Gunpowder Treason Day,
I let off my gun,
And made'em all run.
And Stole all their Bonfire away."

The rhymes were originally a source of entertainment when people collected wood for the bonfire. 

The wood was often gathered by working-class children who would use the songs to get food, money and fuel for the fire from the wealthy in their neighbourhood.