The History of British holidays
The aim of my project is to review the major types of English holidays, compare English holidays with Russian ones and analyze the influence of the English holidays to tradition of other countries
I have presented the following objectives: - to find information about English holidays and their influence to English culture -to determine how people celebrate these holidays -to compare English holidays with Russian ones
Research methods: - to analyze of the literature and Internet sources; - to study of television programs about the traditions of the British; - to compare and generalize the results .
For preparation of my project I used the Internet and held the survey: What is your favorite holiday?
Official holidays in Great Britain
Date
Official Name
1 January
New Year’s Day
3April
Good Friday
April
Easter Monday
May
Early May bank holiday
May
Spring bank holiday
August
Summer bank holiday
25 December
Christmas Day
28 December
Boxing Day
Up-Helly-Aa
- January
- People make 30-foot model of a Viking ship, dress up in the outfits of the Vikings, taking up the torches and through the city carry the ship to the sea.
- Burn it
Saint Valentine’s Day
- February 14
- Was started in the time of Roman Empire.
- Is dedicated to St. Valentine.
- People send a card to someone they love, like, fancy or admire.
Pancake Day
- In March
- The last day before Lent.
- Pancake race-running while holding a pancake in a frying pan. Competitors have to throw it in the air and catch it again in the pan.
St. Patrick's Day
- March 17
- St. Patrick's Day is celebrated by the Irish and Irish at Heart
- The symbol of this holiday is shamrock
- People wear green clothes
Mother’s day
- March 30
- It is a day to thank mothers for everything they do during the year.
- British give their mothers gifts or cards, cook a meal for them or treat them to a day out.
April Fools’ Day .
- April 1
- It is encouraged to play tricks and practical jokes.
- Mass media often feature fake stories.
- If you want to reveal the joke, you just say ‘April fool!’!
Easter
- In April.
- The celebration of the Resurrection of Christ
- Schools are closed for two weeks.
- People give each other chocolate eggs that are wrapped in silver paper.
The London Marathon
- April
- One of the biggest marathons in the world.
- Each year about 30,000 people start the race and about 25,000 finish.
- Raise money for charity.
May Day
- May 1
- A pagan festival to celebrate the end of winter and welcome summer.
- Children dance around the maypole and sing songs.
Chelsea Flower Show
- In May
- Britain’s most important flower and garden show.
- Thousands of people come to see the prize flowers and specially built gardens.
Father’s Day .
- June 15
- It is a day to show appreciation to grandfathers, fathers and stepfathers.
- People in Great Britain give their fathers gifts or cards.
Trooping The Colour
- The second Saturday in June.
- Celebrates the Queen’s official birthday.
- Lots of marching, military music and the soldiers are dressed in colourful uniforms.
Cheese race
- June
- There are 4 tracks located on a hillside
- Competitioners run down the hill after the cheese
- The first who comes to the finish line wins the cheese
Notting Hill Carnival
- The last weekend in August.
- Takes place in Notting Hill.
- People dress up in fabulous costumes.
- Steel bands play African and Caribbean music.
Halloween
- October 31
- A pagan festival celebrates the return of the souls that visit their former houses.
- People dress up as witches, ghosts etc.
- Houses are decorated with pumpkins.
Guy Fawke’s Night
- November 5
- He was a terrorist.
- The day marks the discovery of a plot to blow up Parliament in 1605.
- People make models of him and burn them on big bonfires.
The rally from London to Brighton
- November
- The first motor rally from London to Brighton took place in 1896
- who has finished until 5 o’clock in the evening becomes the champion and receives a medal.
- The rule was established only cars manufactured before 1 January 1905 can take part in the race.
Remembrance Day
- November 11
- Red poppies in the UK have become the symbol of the Day of memory of victims in wars
- Handing out red poppies in October-November in exchange for 1 pound or any other reward, and the proceeds go to help Fund war veterans
St. Andrew`s Day
- December 1
- This is the Day of the patron Saint of Scotland
- The emblem of Scotland is Thistle
- In the IX century the Vikings landed on the East coast of Scotland and wanted to conquer it
- one of the Vikings stepped on a Thistle.
- Hearing the cry, the Scotts woke up and defeated the enemy
Christmas Day
- December 25
- Religious ceremony commemorating the birth of Christ.
- Children wake up early to find presents in their stockings.
- Traditional Christmas tree and dinner.
Boxing Day
- December 26
- It is usually spent in front of the TV, recovering from Christmas Day.
- Servants go from house to house with collecting boxes.
New Year’s Eve
- December 31
- Traditionally Scottish celebration.
- At midnight everybody joins hands and sings Auld Lang Syne.
Public holidays in Russia
Date
Official Name
January 1
New Year's Day
January 2-6
New Year Holiday Week
January 7
Orthodox Christmas Day
February 23
Defender of the Fatherland Day
March 8
International Women's Day
May 1
Spring and Labor Day
May 9
Victory Day
June 12
Russia Day
November 4
Unity Day
Popular holidays in Russia which are not public holidays
- The Old New Year on January 14
- Tatiana Day (student's day) on January 25
- Valentine's Day on February 14
- Maslenitsa
- Easter
- Annunciation in April
- Cosmonautics Day on April 12
- Paratroopers Day in August
Survey
- What is your favourite Russian holiday?
Conclusion
- People in every country celebrate holidays. Although the word «holiday» literally means «holy day» most English holidays not religious, but commemorative in nature and origin.
- There are some holidays in the United Kingdom. They can be divided into two groups: bank holidays and religious holidays. Some of them are more popular and people look forward to them. On these days traditions are observed. But often they fall on ordinary working days. There are other anniversaries, festivals and simply days.
- The British have a lot of old traditions and joyful celebrations, and many countries are willing to borrow these traditions. Many festivals have taken root in Russia such as Halloween , April Fool’s Day, St. Valentine’s Day.