British Festivals and Traditions YOU NEED to Know For British Citizenship!
There are over 125 thousand recognised people that become british citizens every year. In recent years the British Citizen test has become harder and harder requiring you to answer a whole series of difficult questions and answers that most legitimate british citizens wouldn't even be able to answer themselves - even if they were born there! Therefore if you are looking into applying for british citizenship then you should make sure that you are fully prepared for the questions that you will be facing. One topic that you will be tested on is that of british traditions and festivals and it is important that you have good in depth knowledge of these in order to demostrate your understanding of british culture and tradition.
Festivals and Traditions
New Year is generally celebrated on new years eve (31st December) whilst waiting for the clock to reach midnight (1st January). New years day is a public holiday and a time spend with family and friends.
Valentines Day falls on February 14th every year regardless of the day, and is a time when romance can be expressed and shown between couples and lovers. Presents are usually exchanged, and couples usually celebrate it together by perhaps going out for an evening, or cooking a nice dinner for one another. It is a chance to show affection and love for one another. Cards are also given on this day as a token of love.
Saint David's Day falls on the 1st Marchis the national day of wales, whereby the welsh celebrate their patron St David.
Mothers Day is the Sunday before Easter, and it is a time for all to show their love and affection for their mothers. Cards and presents are usually given to the mothers, with the most popular gifts being flowers and chocolates. It is a day to say thank you for everything that they have done for you.
St Patricks Day is the national day of ireland and falls on the 17th March each year in order to remember St Patrick. St patricks day is also known for drinking large amounts of guiness.
April 1st (April Fools) is a day when people play jokes on one another. Again this is not a religious festival but a fun time when everyone can laugh together.
St Georges Day is celebrated on 23rd April by the English. The St Georges Flag is flown high and public houses become a known place for celebration on this day.
Halloween is celebrated on the 31st October each year and is celebrated with parties, costumes and pumpkins. Children go "trick or treating, which involves knocking on peoples doors and giving them the option of a trick or a treat. If the person who open the door says trick then he/she may regret it, otherwise they should give the children a treat, whether it be candy, apples or money etc.
Bonfire Night 5th November is celebrates each year and is also known as Guy Fawkes night. It comes from the 1600's when catholics attempted to kill the king. It is celebrated by having fires and setting off fireworks. A guy is usually placed on top of the fire and everyone watches it burn. There are usually competitions for who can make the best guy.
Remembrance Day is on the 11th November and is a time to remember those that lost their lives fighting for their country in world wars 1 and 2. There is a 2 minutes silence at 11am on the day in order to remember and show respect.
St Andrews Day falls on the 30th November and is the day when the Scottish people celebrate their country. Usually wearing tartan and bagpipes are played throughout Scotland.
Christmas is the Christian festival which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is celebrated with families and friends, and involved giving and receiving presents to show love for one another. A traditional family dinner including a Turkey is eaten at the table.
Test yourself and see how much you can remember without looking. Work through the yearly calendar and try to memorize all of the above. By doing so you demonstrate a good understanding of culture and tradition in Great Britain.
