British holidays
The British are said to be conservative.They still use traditional system of weights and measures, they drive on the left, they still wear traditional uniforms at schools, they are polite and they have good table manners.Everybody knows English dry humour and everybody knows the English saying „My house is my castle“.Americans aren´t conservative.They say „Time is money“ and they aren´t so reserved as many British people are.Both the British and the Americans like holidays and feastdays with the national customs and traditions. New Years Day-1st January-Titles and decorations are awarded by the sovereign. St. Valentine´s Day-14th February-It is lovers day.On this day young people send Valentine cards to a person of the opposite sex, usually anymously.The cards have funny, loving or serious text.Originally this day commemorated the Roman priest who gave aid to the persecuted Christians.
St. David´s Day-1st March-It is the patron saint of Wales.
St. Patrick´s Day-17th March-It is patron saint of Ireland.People often wear shamrocks on this day.
All Fools´ Day-1st April-On this day people make jokes and tricks on people and then they can shout April Fool!
Easter-April-Spring holiday of Christian Church.40 days before Easter Sunday begins lent.Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.Holy week consist of Palm Sunday(Jesus entry into Jerusalem), Maunday Thursday(Last Supper), Good Friday(Jesus Christ crucifixation), Easter Sunday(the Resurrection of Jesus).
St. George´s Day-23rd April-It is the patron saint of England.
May Day-1st May-Political parties take place public meetings and processions.
Mother´s Day-2nd Sunday in May-honours all mothers
Spring Bank Holiday-last Monday in May-Bank holidays are public holidays when
anks and shops are closed.People going for excursions, to the coast if possible.Londoners(real
ocneys) take their families to a big fair on Hampstead Heath.
The Queen´s Official Birthday-in June-Various ceremonies take place such as the
eremony of Trooping the Colour at the Horse Guards Parade in London.It is ceremonial
ounting of the guard with the presence of the sovereign.
Father´s Day-3rd Sunday in June-honours all fathers
Summer Bank Holiday-last Monday in August
Halloween-31st October-Originally, it is Celtic holiday of the last day of the year and the beginning of the winter.When the pagans were Christanized, the holiday was converted to the Eve of All Saints´ Day honours the memory of the dead.In Britain it is celebrated in the North of England and in Scotland, but it is generally celebrated in the USA and Canada.Children celebrated it by dressing up in a Halloween costumes with masks over their faces.They go house by house and when people come to the door, children say „Trick or treat“ which means „Give us a treat or we will play a trick on you“.The people treat the children with sweets, fruit or money.The most common trick is soaping the windows of houses or cars(it means drawing pictures on the windows with soap). Favourite custom is to make jack-o-lantern from a
umpkin with eyes, nose, mouth and a candle inside.People sometimes give parties on
Halloween.The guests wear costumes and masks and the rooms are decorated with moons, witches and ghosts.
Guy Fawkes Day-5th November-Guy Fawkes was conspirator who, with other catholics, attemt to blow up James I. and parliament.The plot was discovered and the conspirator executed.The anniversary is celebrated with bonfires, fireworks and the burning the effigies of guys.
Remembrance Day-11th November-There is a ceremony at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London in which two minutes silence commemorates those killed in the two world Wars. St. Andrew´s Day-30th November-It is the patron saint of Scotland.
Christmas-24th December
