English Holidays

In England, there are many different holidays that are celebrated throughout the year: state, so-called legal holidays, religious and traditional, important events of national history, festivals. The best way to touch British traditions is to get to one of them. Some of the holidays have origins in the distant past, others - a relatively new, modern.

The main holidays in England, celebrated everywhere, are Christmas, New Year and Easter. Easter in 2013 will be celebrated on March 31.

Official holidays in England are called "Bank holidays", in the literal translation - "non-working days of the bank", which, in fact, means: banks and other state organizations do not work on general rest days.

The designation "Bank holidays" was introduced in the XIX century by the banker, politician Sir John Lubbock, who considered that two types of holidays should be distinguished. In the law of 1871 on the days off, it was said of four official holidays: Easter Monday, May Day , Last Monday in August and Boxing Day.

Today this term is used for many public holidays, which, however, are not officially recognized as "Bank holidays".

Eight national holidays in England: New Year (January 1), Great Friday (2013 March 23), Easter Day 2 (2013 April 1), May Day, Spring Holiday (May 27 2013), Summer Holiday Day (August 26 in 2013), Christmas (December 25), Boxing Day (December 26).

Popular traditional British holidays

The New Year is perhaps the only truly global holiday. In London, a grand parade is organized, which involves more than 10,000 performers - dancers, musicians, acrobats, cheerleading teams.

January 5 - Twelfth Night - the eve of Epiphany, the twelfth and final night of the Christmas season, the twelfth day is Baptism itself.

English holidays in February:

On February 2, they celebrate the Presentation of the Lord.

Valentine's Day (February 14), a popular traditional event and a Christian holiday, which is associated with romance and love. People express love for each other by sending postcards, called "valentines", with symbols depicted on them (hearts, red and pink roses, figurines of cupids), give flowers, sweets, small memorable gifts.

Tuesday at the oil week - Christian carnival on the eve of the Day of Repentance, before the Great Lent.

In March:

March is the International (or Historical) Women's Month, dedicated to women in history and modern society, highlighting their achievements in many spheres of life. Every year the theme of the month is determined: in 2013 it is associated with literature, painting, alternative arts. It is celebrated throughout March, including March 8 - International Women's Day.

The second Monday in March is the Commonwealth Day. Annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations (British Commonwealth of Nations) with the indispensable participation of Elizabeth II, who is the Head of the Commonwealth.

The fourth Sunday of Lent is Mother Sunday. For many centuries it is considered very important for people to reunite the whole family in a paternal house on that day, or at least to come to the "mother" church (the main church or cathedral in the locality where they were born).

In April:

April 1 is the Day of Cheerful Deceptions.

April 21 - The birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.

In May:

May 1 - May Day, which includes a variety of celebrations, dances around the May tree, folk dramatized dance "Morris", the choice of the Queen of the feast.

May 29 - Day of Ink Nuts. This is a special day, and it is still celebrated in many villages. In due time - the state holiday, which marked the restoration of the English monarchy in May 1660.

English Holidays in June:

June 2 - The day of the coronation of Elizabeth II.

June 24 is the Day of the Summer Solstice. The holiday is celebrated in England from the 13th century with the kindling of bonfires, feasts, fun. In recent years, special celebrations are held at Stonehenge.

In July:

July 15 - St. Svitun's Day. Svitun was the Anglo-Saxon bishop of Winchester, then rector of the Winchester Cathedral. Traditionally, his holiday lasts for forty days. In England, he is associated with certain beliefs. It is said that if it rains on St. Vitus' day, then it will not cease for forty days.

In August:

August 1 is Yorkshire Day.

August 28-29 - Notting Hill Carnival.

English Holidays in September:

Illuminations - autumn festivals of lights in several resort English towns and villages, among them: Matlock Bath, Maushole, Walsall, Blackpool. Founded in Blackpool in 1979, it is held from late August to early November (when the season ends in other English seaside resorts) and is positioned as the largest light show on earth.

In October:

October 21 is the Day of the Apple. Since recent times, it is usually observed on Saturday and Sunday, coming by October 21. For the first time the event was organized in 1990 by the Common Ground charitable organization in Covent Garden. Since 2000, hundreds of events across the country have been organized by restaurants, museums, garden communities, and cider producers.

October 31 - Halloween.

In November:

November 5 - Night of Guy Fawkes.

November 11 is the Day of Remembrance.

English Holidays in December :

The ceremony of lighting the lights of the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square.

December 25 - Christmas.

December 26 - Boxing Day.