Tuesday, Nov. 5

ENGLAND – GUY FAWKES DAY — In 1605, twenty barrels of gunpowder were secreted in a cellar under Parliament with plans to blow up both the Parliament and King James I on Nov. 5. The night before the intended explosion, the gunpowder was discovered and the conspirators arrested. Tried and convicted of the “Gunpowder Plot,” the eight conspirators (including the most famous, Guy Fawkes) were beheaded and their heads displayed on pikes at London Bridge. The day was officially declared a day of thanksgiving in 1606 and is still observed today. Sometimes “Guys” are burned in effigy and the old verses repeated: “Remember, remember the fifth of November,/ Gunpowder treason and plot;/ I see no reason why Gunpowder Treason/ Should ever be forgot.”

Friday, Nov. 8

ETHIOPIA – ST. MICNAEL’S DAY — Michael is known as a prince, greatest of all angels in Hebraic tradition. On St. Michael’s day people travel distances to attend ceremonies at any church consecrated to St. Michael. Following rituals involving waters sanctified by St. Michael’s name, the “Mika ‘el ” tabot (holy ark) is carried out of the church accompanied by elaborate chanting and dancing by the clergy. A procession, including laymen shouldering their rifles (probably spears in older times), marks the return of the tabot to the church. Folk dancing and singing follow and go on until late afternoon. Traditionally, the afternoon festivities provided a good opportunity for young men to spot a potential bride, about whom he would ask his father to make inquires.