British Holidays

British Holidays

Every nation and every country has its own traditions and holidays. In Britain traditions play a more important role in the life of people than in other countries. British people are proud of their traditions and carefully keep them up. But when we speak about British traditions we always remember that there are four parts in Britain – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Traditions are different in these parts of the country. You already know some of the English traditions and holidays. I hope you remember St. Valentine's Day, Mother’s Day, Halloween which have also become traditional British holidays. Here are some more facts about old English traditions. One of the old English legends says that London can be the capital of the country, rich and great until twelve black ravens live in the Tower of London. Each has got its name and the keepers carefully look after them. If one of the birds dies, another younger raven takes its place. Londoners believe this legend and always bring some food to give to the birds when they come to the Tower. The keepers cut the bird's wings a bit as they are afraid that they may fly away. Another old English tradition is Guy Fawkes Day. Children go out into the streets on the 5th of November with figures like scarecrows. They stand in the streets and squares asking for the usual “Penny for the Guy”. Then with the money they have collected they buy fireworks and burn the guy on their bonfire. There is a very special royal tradition. On the river Thames there are hundreds of swans. Traditionally, a number of these beautiful large white birds belong to the Queen. In July, when the young swans are about two months the Queen’s swan-keeper goes up the river Thames in a boat from London Bridge to Henley to mark the royal ones. This unusual custom is called swan-upping. Holidays in Great Britain are historic and public. Most public holidays are called bank holidays because banks, companies and most shops do not work on these days. Such holidays include Christmas Day, Easter Monday and others. The most popular bank holiday is Christmas Day. It is celebrated on December 25th. Christmas symbolizes the birth of Jesus Christ. On this day many people go to Churches, get Christmas presents and make a traditional Christmas dinner (roast turkey and pudding). On this day children wait for a special person who comes down the chimney during the night and brings them presents. It is Father Christmas. Children usually hang long socks or stocks on their bed and hope that Father Christmas will put his presents in them. Christmas trees are set in the living-rooms and are decorated with toys by children. St.Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th. On this day people send Valentine cards and get presents and “valentines” from their sweethearts. A valentine is a colourful card with tender love words composed by the sender. It is a kind of a love-token. Valentine cards are usually not signed. Those who get them must guess who the sender is. Mothering Sunday or Mother’s Day is celebrated on the 4th Sunday in Lent in March. On this day mothers get presents from their sons and daughters. And all children despite their age return to their homes. Most mothers like to celebrate this day with the whole family. Some people take their mothers to a restaurant for dinner. Halloween is on the 31st of October. The most memorable symbol connected to this holiday is a lantern made of a pumpkin. A pumpkin is cut like a face and a candle is put inside of it. So it looks like a face with burning eyes. Usually people dress in colourful costumes of witches and ghosts and go to fancy parties. Children go from one house to another and say: “Trick or treat”. If people do not refuse to give them something they sing. If they do refuse children play tricks. Halloween is on the eve of All Saint’s Day. The word “halloween” means “holy evening”. The tradition of Halloween goes back with its roots to a time when people believed in evil spirits. Some holidays do not coincide in Ukraine and Great Britain. For example, Christmas in Ukraine is on the 7th of January, while in Great Britain it's celebrated on the 25th of December. Christmas celebration in Ukraine begins when the first star appears in the sky. According to traditions the whole family should gather around the table. There are usually 12 courses on the table and the main course is kutia. Koliadkas are special Christmas songs which are sung by kids. Children visit neighbours in search of candies and cookies. It always reminds me of British Halloween. The International Women’s Day is also not so widely celebrated in Great Britain as in Ukraine. Britain is full of customs and traditions. A lot of them have a very long history. Some are funny and some are strange. But they are all interesting. They are all part of the British life. You cannot really imagine Britain without all its traditions that have always been an important part of people’s life and work.