It is a characteristic of the human being to be attached to their traditions. As for the British, their traditions are the basis of the kingdom. In any country traditions and holidays are closely knit together.
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day, which is on January 1, marks the start of the year in the Gregorian calendar. It's a public holiday in many countries including the UK. People who were up on New Year’s Eve welcome the New Year and then they have a day off work on New Year’s Day having a chance to visit friends or to stay in. Feasting and making New Year’s resolutions is also a widespread practice.
St. Patrick's Day
Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, that is the patron saint of Ireland, is a cultural celebration held on 17 March. St Patrick’s Day is celebrated in the Britain and in many parts of the world, especially by Irish communities and organizations. Many people wear an item of green clothing on the day. Parties featuring Irish food and drinks are part of this celebration.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a religious holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is a public holiday in the United Kingdom. It falls on the Friday just before Easter Sunday. It can seem strange that a day of Christ’s death is known as 'Good' Friday. There are a number of theories. One of them is that the word 'Good' may have another, now lost, meaning of 'holy'.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday occurs after Easter Sunday, which commemorates Jesus Christ's resurrection and falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the March equinox. Easter Monday is a bank holiday in the UK. Many people decorate Easter eggs or just share chocolate eggs. For other people, it is just a day off to enjoy the spring weather and to take part in egg competitions.
May Day
May Day is the first Monday of May. It is a public holiday in the UK. For some people it’s a time to campaign for workers’ rights. But for others it’s an extended weekend with the extra day, when people can celebrate the coming of summer with lots of different customs. Traditional May Day celebrations include Morris dancing and dancing around a Maypole.
Spring Bank Holidays
The spring bank holiday, also known as the late May bank holiday, is a time for people in the United Kingdom to have a day off work or school. It falls on the last Monday of May but it used to be on the Monday after Pentecost. Some people choose to take a short trip or vacation. Others use the time to walk in the country, catch up with family and friends.
Summer Bank Holiday
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the summer bank holiday is on the last Monday of August. In Scotland it is on the first Monday of August. This day marks the end of the summer holidays for many people who return to work or school in the autumn. Some people take trips or short vacations during the three day weekend. In London the Notting Hill Carnival is held on this day.
Christmas Day
Christmas is celebrated on the 25th December. It is the time when Christians around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Most people are on holiday in the UK and stay at home with their families on Christmas day. It is the most favourite day for children. They wake up early in the morning to find their Christmas stockings have been filled by Father Christmas.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day is usually celebrated on the following day after Christmas Day. It is the day to open the Christmas Box to share the contents with the poor. Traditionally, it was a day when employers distributed money, food or other valuable goods to their employees. In modern times, it is an important day for sporting events and the start of the post-Christmas sales.
This paper describes the history of British official holidays, and some of the traditions and customs associated with them. Given the limited amount of work, only state official holidays are considered. Great Britain has many interesting and original holidays, traditions, and ceremonies. People deeply respect these customs and try to observe them. They understand that in order to appreciate and comprehend everything that happens to them, it is necessary to know the essence and history of this phenomenon.
THE END