Student: Huseynli Zeynab
Teacher: İsmayılova Husniyya
Specialization: Regional Studies (America)
Faculty: History
Subject: English
Topic:British holiday
Group: RA114
1. Overview of British Holidays
Title: Introduction to British Holidays
Content: The UK celebrates a wide range of holidays, influenced by
its culture and history. Holidays in Britain are often family-focused
and tied to both religious and national traditions. Major holidays
include both religious observances such as Christmas and Easter, as
well as secular ones like New Year's Day. British holidays often
combine social gatherings, feasts, and public celebrations, reflecting
the country's rich heritage and contemporary trends.
2. Key National Holidays and Celebrations
Title: Major National Holidays in the UK
Content:
• Christmas (December 25th): The most significant holiday in
Britain, Christmas is celebrated with gift-giving, festive meals,
and various public events. People often decorate their homes
with Christmas trees and lights, and attend church services.
• Easter (Date Varies): Easter commemorates the resurrection
of Jesus Christ and is celebrated with church services, family
gatherings, and special meals. The Easter weekend is marked
by traditions like Easter egg hunts and the giving of chocolate
eggs.
• New Year's Day (January 1st): The start of the new year is
celebrated with fireworks, parties, and public festivities. New
Year's Day marks the end of the holiday season and often
involves gatherings with family and friends.
• The Queen’s Birthday (Second Saturday in June): A national
holiday honoring the monarch’s birthday, it is celebrated with
parades, public events, and the famous “Trooping the Colour”
ceremony in London. This holiday is marked by national pride
and displays of loyalty to the monarchy.
3. Distinctive British Holiday Traditions
Title: Unique British Holiday Traditions
Content:
• Guy Fawkes Night (November 5th): A memorable event
celebrating the failure of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot, where Guy
Fawkes attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament. The
night is marked by large bonfires, fireworks, and the burning of
effigies, often with celebrations held in local communities.
• Bonfire Night: Related to Guy Fawkes Night, this celebration
involves lighting bonfires, fireworks, and enjoying communal
gatherings. Traditionally, it marks the start of the cold winter
season and serves as a time for families and neighbors to come
together.
• Poppy Day (Related to Remembrance Day): People wear red
poppies to remember the fallen soldiers and raise funds for
veterans’ charities. This symbol became significant after the
poem “In Flanders Fields,” written by John McCrae during
World War I.
4. Modern Celebrations and Changes
Title: Changes in British Holidays
Content:
• Halloween (October 31st): Originally a minor holiday in the
UK, Halloween has grown in popularity in recent years,
especially among children. On this day, children dress up in
costumes and go trick-or-treating, while adults host themed
parties. Halloween decorations, including pumpkins and
spooky ornaments, are common.
• Valentine’s Day (February 14th): A secular celebration of love,
Valentine’s Day is marked by the exchange of cards, flowers,
and gifts between couples. It has become an important
commercial holiday, with many people dining out or giving
special gifts.
• Commercialization of Holidays: Modern British holidays have
seen significant commercialization, with businesses using
these occasions to promote sales and special offers.
Christmas, for example, has become a highly commercialized
holiday with advertising campaigns, sales, and holiday-specific
events that go beyond traditional celebrations.
Source: Wikipedia, Time and Date
