It is interesting to note that while the Guy is grotesque the lads carrying him are rather calm and non threatening. They are going about their seasonal celebration duty bound and in an orderly way- as good boys would- they even look a bit bored! The holiday still was a bit rough and dangerous in the 19th century but the grand processions and mob actions of the 18th century had by and large passed. The holiday was perhaps as the boys, on its way to being domesticated and tamed. Note the components of the proper guy- lantern, matches and the clothes of a gentleman. The holiday would become one of role reversal in the cities of Colonial America. It became a time to get back at the gentlemen who had not been caught for the missdeeds which were known to the community. The celebration became that of a celebration of "people" power always the deterrant against those who tried to beat the judicial system. But what has happened to it in the late 19th century and early 20th? Not many have taken on the following of the celebration much beyond the 18th century.

To learn more about the effigy tradition click here