The rain nearly took the bang out of our first Guy Fawkes Day. One day in the week leading up to it, Daddy Low had excitedly come home with his loot - 2 boxes of fireworks! He had chanced upon the fireworks offerings in the supermarket aisles and decided that we will have a bit of spectacular fun in our own backyard. We invited some friends, planned some simple refreshments and waited excitedly for the big day.
Guy Fawkes Day commemorates the capture of Guy Fawkes, an English Catholic and one of the conspirators of the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605 - the plan to blow up Westminster, overthrow King James I and restore the Catholic monarchy on the throne. Throughout England now, On November 5th, fireworks, often accompanied by the burning of effigies of Guy Fawkes in a bonfire, mark the capture of this English traitor (who would be termed a terrorist these days), though it must be said, some of the English have been known to wonder, in a tongue in cheek kind of way, whether they are celebrating Fawkes' execution or honoring his attempt to do away with the government.
We woke up to a grey, cold and wet Guy Fawkes Day. I was hopeful that the weather will improve, but as the clock crept towards late afternoon with no signs of change, we started to feel resigned to a soggy night. In the end, most of us stayed indoors and watched from the comfort, dryness and warmth of the dining room, while Daddy Low braved the elements to light the fireworks. We have to thank our lucky stars that by evening, the rain had lessened much, allowing the fireworks to be successfully ignited.
Daddy Low started with the little, simple ones first - they would just have little, regularly spaced-out bursts and were just one colour. Then, we moved on to more and more elaborate ones - simultaneous bursts of sparkly flowers, spinning whizzes of light in various colours, dazzling sprays of little droplets of fire etc that would climb higher and higher in the sky. And the noise level just kept climbing.
It was amazing to watch them, especially when you realize that they are in your own garden. When Daddy Low came home with them, I was more concerned than excited, for in Singapore, it would be illegal to have your own fireworks unless you apply for a licence for the occasion. In contrast, Daddy Low could barely contain his excitement, that for the first time, he could play with such delicious "forbidden fruit". And of course, it would be Julien's first Guy Fawkes and we could all share with him this special moment of legally playing with something dangerous... :)
The children had different reactions. Some liked it, and some were terrified, but the latter would give such glowing comments after the fireworks display - that it was great fun, beautiful etc. Julien was rather nonplussed, actually falling asleep. However, on the second night we tried the remaining fireworks, I watched Julien's face as he watched the fireworks. He was riveted by the colours, watching intently every sparkle, every little shiny, dazzling fireworks shower. And at one point, he actually smiled. Is it in reaction to the pretty sight or just a facial reflex, who knows? But like any proud mother, I would say it's the former! Heheheh...
And this second evening, I was watching secretly from the darkened dining room. Daddy Low had gone on ahead, thinking I was not interested. And it was sweet watching Daddy Low's anticipation and evident pleasure, as he set up the fireworks, run quickly back to the safety of the house and his full absorption, as he watched the fireworks explode and rise into the air. He was a kid all over again, and I am happy that he can enjoy such moments, because I know he works so hard for us and barely has time for himself to do his favorite things. And I think to myself - how wonderful we have a little son and what fun these two will have when Julien is older. I can just see how Julien is gonna turn out - mischievous, fun-loving, funny and with a generous nature like his father.
I am indeed feeling blessed. Happy Guy Fawkes, everyone!
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