My wife suggested we went shopping in Lewes this afternoon. I asked her if she had taken leave of her senses. The town goes into virtual lock-down from 2pm: Link Link Terry
Brilliant images! Looks like burn a banker/politician/paedophile has taken over from Mr. Fawkes. Suits me.
I can't get my head round this. Looks like Hogmanay, Hallowe'en, Guy Fawkes Night, Up Helly Aa and The Burnin' o' the Clavie all in one!
Yes, the burning crosses surprised me as well - what's that all about? It seems a bit tasteless to me...
The seventeen burning crosses is an old tradition dating back to the 16th century. It commemorates the seventeen Protestant martyrs, who were burned at the stake in front of the Star Inn in 1556-7. The crosses pre-date the KKK by about 300 years. Terry
In Klan tradition lighting a cross was a mark of faith in the cross. Earlier, the Scots lit crosses as a sign to join in battle. This one says much: I was on Tyneside when launched, and half the town was too.
Maybe nothing at all. Cross burning as a symbol to do battle, or rememberance of martyrs. Burning effigies of corrupt individuals or establishments - getting their just deserves. A night of letting off fireworks and having a big burn in a mock representation and desire of what Mr. Fawkes failed to achieve. A chance to dress up and act daft in a humourus/semi-serious display just for the hell of it. In contrast, where I live we never heard a single firework go off. Bliss!
Of course they didn't, nor did it fly a French flag, nor did the French have an aircraft carrier called that, or the Ark Royal sink outside the Palace of Westminster. Maybe someone was having a 'dig' at the French I don't know, put it down to artistic licence. Brilliant piece of artwork though. 'Dance to my defence cuts tune - or I'll cut you off'.
Well, surely it's something to do with the story from around 2010 that we and the French were going to share an aircraft carrier. It just occured to me that for anyone wanting unbiased, incisive and up-to-date political comment, CPL probably isn't the place...
