Each year as November approaches, a certain phrase pops up in our subconscious: “Remember, remember, the 5th of November.” You might recognize it from the famous movie V for Vendetta, but you might not know its origin story, the origins of this line go way back, tied to a real historical event and the idea of rebellion. A story of failed treason, political frustration, and, yes, even fireworks. Let’s find out where this phrase came from, why it has become a symbol for anarchy, and how it found its way into modern pop culture.
The Origin: Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot
The phrase “Remember, remember, the 5th of November” comes from an old English folk rhyme that refers to the events of November 5, 1605. On this day, a group of English Catholics, led by Robert Catesby and famously including Guy Fawkes, attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London. They wanted to kill King James I and the members of Parliament, hoping to spark a religious revolution, a Catholic revolution in a largely Protestant country.
The group had grown frustrated with the oppression of Catholics in England, and they opted this as a bold way to change things. However, their plot was discovered before it could be carried out. Guy Fawkes was caught red-handed in the basement of the Parliament building, standing guard over a stash of gunpowder barrels. He was arrested, tortured, and eventually executed, but the memory of this event lives on.
Ever since then, November 5th has been celebrated in the UK as Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night, where people light fireworks and burn effigies of Guy Fawkes to remember the failed plot. The rhyme, in its original form, goes like this:
Remember, remember, the 5th of November,
Gunpowder, treason, and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgotten.
From History to Anarchy: The Symbol of Rebellion
Fast forward a few centuries, and Guy Fawkes’ name has taken on a whole new meaning. Instead of being a cautionary tale about a failed traitor, he has become a symbol of rebellion against oppression. This shift is fascinating. In the past, the idea of blowing up Parliament would have been seen as pure treason, but today, many see Guy Fawkes as someone who fought back against a powerful and unfair system.
This transformation of Fawkes into a rebel hero is especially evident in the anarchist movement. Over the years, anarchists and other groups who feel oppressed have adopted the Guy Fawkes mask as a symbol of resistance. The mask, with its sly smile and blank eyes, represents the fight against governments, corporations, and any form of authority that seems unjust. You’ve probably seen it in protests or even as part of online hacker groups like Anonymous.
This is where the phrase “Remember, remember, the 5th of November” becomes more than just a historical reference. It’s now a rallying cry for anyone who feels that the system is rigged, reminding people that rebellion, even in the face of failure, can be powerful. Whether they agree with the violence of the Gunpowder Plot or not, many people see November 5th as a day to question authority and think about the role of government in their lives.
The Pop Culture Phenomenon: V for Vendetta
Perhaps the most significant reason why so many people today know the phrase “Remember, remember, the 5th of November” is because of the movie V for Vendetta. Based on a graphic novel by Alan Moore, the film was released in 2005 and quickly became a cult classic. It tells the story of V, a masked vigilante who fights against a totalitarian regime in a dystopian future Britain.
V wears a Guy Fawkes mask, and his mission is to bring down the corrupt government using methods that echo the original Gunpowder Plot. He even plans to blow up Parliament on November 5th, just like Guy Fawkes. Throughout the film, the phrase is repeated as a reminder of the power of resistance and the importance of standing up against tyranny.
I remember watching V for Vendetta for the first time and being struck by how timely the story felt, even though it was set in a fictional future. The themes of government control, censorship, and the fight for freedom seemed eerily relevant. It’s no surprise that the film has become a favorite among activists and protest movements, with the Guy Fawkes mask becoming a symbol for all kinds of struggles against oppression, from Occupy Wall Street to various anti-government protests around the world.
How the 5th of November Can Inspire Us Today
So, what does all this mean for us as November 5th approaches? Well, the story of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot is a reminder of how far people will go when they feel like they aren’t being heard. It’s also a chance to think about how we, as individuals, interact with systems of power. Are there parts of our lives where we feel like we don’t have a voice? How can we challenge these systems in a constructive way?
Of course, I’m not suggesting anyone take up gunpowder and start plotting a revolution! But the 5th of November can remind us of the importance of speaking up, staying informed, and taking action when we see injustice. Whether it’s voting, protesting, or simply being aware of what’s going on in the world, we all have a part to play.
Personally, every time November rolls around, I like to watch V for Vendetta again. It serves as a kind of gut-check for me: am I paying attention to the world around me? Am I using my voice to stand up for what’s right? It’s easy to get comfortable and let things slide, but the message of V for Vendetta—and the historical event that inspired it—reminds me to stay alert and engaged.
Final Thoughts
“Remember, remember, the 5th of November” started as a warning to never forget a failed attempt at treason, but over time, it has become a powerful reminder of the importance of resistance and the fight for justice. Whether through history, anarchist symbolism, or pop culture, this phrase continues to resonate with people who are frustrated with the status quo.
As November approaches, take a moment to reflect on what this day means to you. Maybe you’ll be lighting a bonfire and watching fireworks, or maybe you’ll be re-watching V for Vendetta and thinking about how you can make your voice heard. Either way, the 5th of November is a day worth remembering—just make sure it’s for the right reasons.