Traditions make a nation special. Some of them are forgotten,
but many are still living though people may not remember their origins. The
British always remember their traditions and observe them even if they are
old-fashioned. Guy Fawkes Day is a good example of that. It is associated with
a conspiracy to destroy the English Houses of Parliament. It happened in the
beginning of the XVII century. The British never forget it and burn a guy made
of old clothes each year on the 5th of November. Children let off
fireworks and make bonfires. It is a very noisy custom!
The British celebrate Christmas widely. It is a family holiday
for which a special dinner is prepared with the traditional roast turkey and
puddings. On the other hand, New Year is often not celebrated at all. Some
people ignore it and just go to bed. Others arrange parties. A funny tradition
connected with New Year is the First Foot. This is the first visitor to enter a
house on New Year’s morning. It is an important person. The First Foot must be
a man because it is believed that a dark-haired man will bring luck for the
whole year. Traditionally the first visitor of the year must carry food, drink
and coal into the house.
Another British celebration – St. Valentine’s Day – has become
as popular all over the world as it is in Great Britain. Valentine is
believed to be a Christian priest who helped lovers. On the 14th of
February he was killed, and this day is observed as a day for sweethearts.
People send colourful cards called valentines to those whom they love. The
cards are often heart-shaped or have hearts painted on them.
Hallowe’en is one of the oldest holidays with origins going
back thousands of years. It was associated with the beginning of winter
darkness. On the eve of All Hallows, the 31st of October, adults
hold special parties and listen to tales of ghosts, goblins and witches. The
younger generation dresses up and goes from house to house asking "trick or
treat” and receiving sweets and fruit.
All those customs have deep roots and are loved by the British.
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