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The ‘Bamboo Blowing’ Tradition

Origin

Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Day and Bonfire Night, is an annual commemoration observed on 5 November, primarily in Great Britain. Its origin dates back to the events of 5 November 1605, when Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot, was arrested after being caught guarding explosives placed beneath the House of Lords.

Discerning that Guy Fawkes was part of a plot to assassinate King James I and therefore, residents of London and the immediately surrounding areas took to celebrating the day as one when the King survived an attempt on his life. Months later, the introduction of the Observance of 5th November Act enforced an annual public day of thanksgiving for the plot’s failure.

The Tradition is St. Vincent

Due to the fact that St. Vincent and the Grenadines was once colonised by the British, a number of the British traditions were practised in this country, some of which have continued, even after independence was granted in 1979.

Some traditions that have continued, albeit with some addition and re-interpretation, are tea drinking and tea parties, and bamboo blowing and bonfires as part of the Guy Fawkes celebration. The English language, furniture making and designs, Christmas and Easter holiday celebrations, religion (Anglican, Catholic & Salvation Army), along with the parliamentary system which recognises the Queen as the crown and symbolic head of state, are also some British traditions and practices this country has adopted.

Bamboo Blowing

Bamboo blowing is a pastime and skill practised primarily by young Vincentian males. The practice begins in early October and ends on November 5, Guy Fawkes Day.

Bamboo blowing is an imitation of igniting a cannon, used in ceremonial and military parades.
The ‘fun’ of blowing the bamboo is manifested in a spirit of competition to see whose bamboo can make the loudest blast.

Other things used to celebrate the Guy Fawkes Day include star lights and fireworks.

Bamboo blowing – Dos

* Parental supervision is necessary for children under 10 years of age
* Use only kerosene in the bamboo
* Keep your bamboo blowing away from flammable materials
* Let your neighbours know that you will be blowing your bamboo, and for how long
* Seek permission from your parents /guardians before blowing your bamboo
* Break/cut open the bamboo after use (immediately or the next day)
* Show respect for other people’s space.

Bamboo blowing- Don’ts

* Do not cut your bamboo longer than four joints
* Do not blow your bamboo in the street or pointed to vehicles
* Do not put gasoline in the bamboo
* Do not blow into the hole of the bamboo if there are flames around it
* Do not block the end of the bamboo with objects or hand
* Do not discard the used bamboo in the drains
* Do not walk around blowing the hot bamboo
* Do not play games with the fire from the flambeau.

Parental Support

Bamboo blowing is an avenue of socialization in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It inculcates a sense of tradition and it encourages a sense of co-operation and tolerance among the young men who practise the art.

Recently, there has been some outcry against the practice and may be, understandably so. Communities have grown, the population ages and the loud blasts can prove to be very disconcerting.

However, in the interest of continuing a tradition that has helped to create community spirit and camaraderie among young people especially, may be the parents and guardians, who may well have been practitioners of the art when they were young, could join their younger ones in some ‘bamboo blowing’. Who knows? The outcome could be some element of organization of the practice.

Source of article:
The Vincentian
Contributed by the Adult and Continuing Education Division.
28/10/2011
www.thevincentian.com