I always feel bittersweet about Guy Fawkes Day. The conspirators were seeking religious freedom after years of violent persecution, and why that doesn’t justify blowing people up, it’s still difficult to not sympathize. Of course, King James was a lot more moderate than his predecessors, but Catholics still had to practice their faith in secret out of fear or death or exile.
But what gets me is that the celebrations were government created! The monarchy and parliament told everyone to celebrate, they didn’t choose to.
I ramble, but it was a fascinating event.
