Burning Effigies
Lynx
festivity during which some effigy would be burnt. This reminded me of that
old "tradition" Guy Fawkes night, and the burning of the effigy, and
fireworks of course. The question is whether this "tradition" is still
practiced in the UK.
Jim Watt
Yes, but with the cost and the nanny state anxiety about
fireworks not to the same level as in the past.
I believe the effigies of the pope are also burnt in some
places to commemorate the evil catholic plot. If you are
ever in the UK for 5th Novbember visit Lewes
http://www.lewesbonfirecouncil.org.uk/
"These days sectarianism plays scarcely any part in the festivities.
What is chiefly celebrated is a pride in freedom and independence,
stemming from an innate dislike of being dictated to by outsiders - be
they foreign powers, or any who attempt unfairly to exert their
authority or influence."
Now that sounds familiar :)
Guidio Fawkes was, incdentally a subversive insurgent trained
by the Spanish who planned and nearly executed a terrorist act.
--
Jim Watt
http://www.gibnet.com
Lynx
"Jim Watt" <jim...@aol.no_way> wrote in message
news:ofutf1trjj1plsarp...@4ax.com...
Yes, I have fond childhood memories. Standing there within a stone's throw
of this huge bonfire, in one of then numerous mews in London. Gazing in
amazement at the brilliance of those flames against the darkness of the
night. The warmth of the fire a welcomed element. Topping it off, of course,
the firecrackers!
But in this day and age, should we really be burning effigies of human
beings? Chucks! I'm going for my voodoo doll!
Ken
"Lynx" <M...@home.tranquilo> wrote in message
news:iHELe.84700$oJ.8...@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
Heck no! Take up acupuncture - then you can stick your pins in REAL people!
Ken
Lynx
"Ken" <k...@k1at.freeserve.co.uk> wrote in message
news:ddpqm0$hfv$2...@news6.svr.pol.co.uk...
I cannot stand the sight of a needle. Everytime I have a needle I warn the
nurse (who often smiles), I turn away and white at the same time.
My point is more to do with the burning of a Catholic effigy. A point which
often goes amiss amongst the many. A sign of the times. It's ok to burn the
effigy of a Catholic, but heaven forbid burning the effigy of any other
denomination! You can knock Rome, The Vatican and all the Catholics till the
cows come home. But don't you dare knock any other religion or sect! Oh no!!
Ken
"Lynx" <M...@home.tranquilo> wrote in message
In the UK the blasphemy laws apply only to Christianity, and FAIK not to all
denominations therein. Mind you they're all so similar it is difficult to
imgaine how blasphemy in one strand might not be seen as blasphemy in
another. THAT is seen as discriminatory. There are moves on one side to do
away wqith such legislation altogether, others would have such laws for all
religions. Then comes the argument, what is a religion and what is a cult?
How do blasphemy laws contradict the laws on freedom of speech? How about
the right to say what you like, v the other man's right not to be offended?
Of course in the UK the CofE has special place because it's the Chruch of
the Establishment, with carious eats in the Upper House being reserved for
certain bishops etc. Perhaps the state and church (all / any of them) ought
to be divorced from each other.
Frankly it would all be lots easier if the world stopped having religion at
all. Then perhaps fewer people would die in the name of someone else's god.
But we've covered the need for Homo sapiens to believe rather than accept
evidence before now.
Ken
Lynx
Lynx
Agreed, sometimes the less said about these things, the better.
I have to say though, some would be historians sure do like to rub-in the
ins and outs of others religious festivities.