How about a British Thanksgiving Day or two?

Thanksgiving is coming up and I’m trying to visualize how the British can try and sneak a version of the American holiday into their calendar. Why would they want to, I hear you ask?

Well it seems that they have co-opted Halloween mainly at the expense of Guy Fawkes Night so why not have a British Thanksgiving Day… or even several. The supermarkets will love it.

Maybe those who can trace their roots back to Viking times can celebrate with some roasted boar followed by a bit of rape and pillage.

And those whose relatives came over with the Normans and then the French can chew on foie gras and coq au vin followed by a little archery contest.

You probably think it will never happen. But don’t ignore the aggressiveness of retailers. I’m pretty sure that the Guy Fawkes tradition would have continued to prosper were it not for the fact that the nation of shopkeepers realized they could make more money out of selling costumes and sweets; especially once the sale of fireworks was restricted. What’s wrong with putting a ‘banger’ through a neighbour’s letterbox? Spoilsports.

Guy Fawkes Night is a truly British event, celebrating as it does a plot to blow up the House of Commons. (How many wish they could do that today!?)

Obviously as the Health and Safety wonks took control of the country the night became anesthetized and street bonfires burning Fawkes’ effigy went the way of the Ford Cortina.

Canada keeps the tradition alive

I hope Guy Fawkes makes a comeback in much the same way as Real Ale did 20 years ago. Folks then said we don’t want this rubbish the brewers are trying to fob off on us. They wanted real British beer and eventually that’s what they got.

Let’s hope the country realizes there is value in remembering real British acts of anarchy and having a good time replicating them in some small way. Bring back neighbourhood events complete with bonfire baked potatoes and slabs of treacle toffee you can only break with a hammer.

Meantime if I am ever unfortunate enough to be freezing in England at the end of November I’ll give thanks to my ancestors who came over with the Roman Legions. Not strictly true but it sounds plausible.