400 years on and still fomenting revolution: Guy Fawkes now the symbol of a generation of disenchanted Hong Kong youths
The origins of the Guy Fawkes mask, now a protest symbol, will be celebrated today
It's become a must-have wardrobe item for many anti-establishment protesters - including those in Hong Kong - and today, its origins will be celebrated across Britain with events as explosive as anarchy itself.
The Guy Fawkes mask has, in recent years, come to encapsulate a passion for protest and anger at the status quo.
But the origins of Guy Fawkes Day, also known as Bonfire or Fireworks Night, go back more than 400 years to a foiled attempt by Catholics to overthrow the Protestant king by blowing up the Houses of Parliament in 1605.
In Hong Kong, exactly a year ago tonight, about 50 protesters wearing Guy Fawkes masks created eye-catching scenes at the Occupy protest site in Admiralty, while another 100 sporting the mask occupied streets in Mong Kok.
In September 2011, anti-capitalist protesters from the Occupy Wall Street movement in New York adopted the mask, giving rise to its relevance to a new generation of disenchanted youths. In October 2011, Hong Kong protesters, in solidarity with the Occupy cause, also wore the masks.
Hacker group Anonymous has also appropriated the visage, and tonight, thousands of their supporters in London are expected to gather in Trafalgar Square and Westminster.
There are hundreds of events to mark Guy Fawkes Day in Britain, with areas in London hosting evening fireworks displays from tonight to Sunday evening.
In Hong Kong, the mask has been adopted by radicals and revellers alike.
"The mask is very popular during Halloween so we sold a lot last week," said staff yesterday at Matteo Party, a fancy dress shop in Causeway Bay. "It's quite a classic character."
