Is Guy Fawkes still relevant to Kiwis?
The celebration of Guy Fawkes has been instilled into our national traditions and become part of our culture. But do people living in New Zealand know the meaning and the history behind Guy Fawkes, and why do we still we celebrate it today?
The origin of Guy Fawkes dates back to 1605 in London, England, when he, along with 11 other men, tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament. The aim was to kill King James I and MPs in protest against the refusal to grant greater religious tolerance towards Catholics.
Fawkes was tried, convicted and executed, and a day of celebration at The Gunpowder Plot plot being foiled was celebrated in the UK and across the British Empire.
Guy Fawkes Day in New Zealand has evolved over time to primarily involve fireworks displays, it’s also a time for family and community gatherings. However, in Britain it’s more common to have bonfires and burn effigies of Guy Fawkes.
So how relevant is commemorating this event in New Zealand today?
A group of 15 students and teachers from Wintec School of Media Arts were surveyed in question to what they know about Guy Fawkes, and asked about their views on the distribution and restrictions around fireworks in Aotearoa.
Most were unable to form a personal connection to ‘Guy Fawkes’ but could comment on how fireworks related to them in some way.
The general consensus was that fireworks are a fun way to celebrate an occasion but the reason behind why we commemorate the anniversary of Guy Fawkes has been lost in translation.
“Who’s Guy Fawkes” was one comment from an international student, Lisette Elisala
“I only know him out of V for Vendetta” – Chad Merriman
One student, Olivia Ludbrook had “no idea” why kiwis still celebrated Guy Fawkes.
“Some guy committed a crime that later got celebrated” – Julia Bartley
Finnish born student, Nina Naveri said “I don’t understand why New Zealand celebrates an event that happened halfway across the world, centuries ago”
Journalism student Jordan Sing said Guy Fawkes means nothing to him but that fireworks on the other hand, are something he can find some meaning behind “fireworks are a way to advocate that something good has happened, they symbolize a bit of joy, it’s a seasonal thing, anytime I’ve seen fireworks be used, it’s for a celebration”
Adult learner Vanya Derwin said she doesn’t remember the entire story but knows the British parliament was blown up and we celebrate it because we were colonised with Britian at the time. She said she has a nostalgic connection with fireworks from her childhood, but that she agrees with having restrictions in place “because there are stupid people out there who ruin it for everyone else.” She said having sales down to 3 days is understandable “but trying to get rid of fireworks all together is just another way to take away our freedom”
Senior Academic Abby Dalgety said “going to Huntly speedway and watching a good display” is what Guy Fawkes is all about for her family. “Other than that, I know some guy blew up something” Dalgety said she agrees with the current restrictions around fireworks in New Zealand and that she prefers to go to an event, “buying your own is so expensive, for lack of luster”
Programme Coordinator Cate Prestidge said she is happy for fireworks to be restricted because they do cause problems, but she enjoys them for special occasions. “Guy Fawkes was something we celebrated when I was a kid, I come from a British background so we would burn an effigy, but it’s not so much about the history these days, it’s more about the festivities of watching fireworks”
The responses and opinions gained from the cohort of students and teachers was almost unanimous. Results show the more than 400-year-old tradition has lost its meaning to the average New Zealander. But the influence of celebration with fireworks is still instilled into our culture. Most agreed that fireworks are a fun way to celebrate, and the sales around fireworks should remain restricted as they can be dangerous, if not handled correctly.
