At the beginning of the century a man called Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up the Houses
of Parliament in London with barrels of gunpowder placed in the basement, his plot was
discovered and he was burnt to death on the top of a bonfire.
Every year on 5th November he is remembered, huge bonfires are built and an effigy of Guy
Fawkes is burnt on the top. Magnificent fireworks displays are also held and in the few
days leading up to Bonfire Night children can be seen collecting money to purchase the
Fireworks- this tradition is called "a penny for the Guy" as the children carry
round with them the figure of Guy Fawkes made from bits of old clothing and straw which is
to take pride of place at their bonfire celebrations. The origin of the festival may be
considered sinister but it has become a fun evening when old and young can mix together.
For children especially, a birthday is often the highlight of the year, it is their own special festival to commemorate their birth and look forward to future happiness. People send birthday cards and buy presents, often the home is decorated with balloons or streamers and there is usually a special birthday cake with candles to celebrate each year of their life. Normally people have parties to celebrate with family and friends, this usually consists of a special meal which ends with the birthday cake and everyone singing "happy birthday". For children there are party games for example -"pass the parcel" and "musical statues". It is a day of great joy and happiness to be shared with friends and family.
For over 300 years the fourth Sunday in Lent has been know as Mothering Sunday as it was the custom for boys and girls to be given a special holiday from work to return home to their mothers. They took with them a small present, flowers, a cake to show their gratitude. Now however mothering Sunday has lost much of its original meaning; children still give small presents and cards to their mothers and supposedly allow them to have a peaceful day of rest free from household chores.
This is probably one of the most enjoyable festivals, although if can often be surrounded by tension waiting for a card to arrive and then disappointment it doesnít. 14th February, Saint Valentine's Day, is the festival of lovers, it is the one day in the year when we can declare undying love for someone who maybe does not even know of our existence. On this day it is traditional for lovers to send each other cards and flowers or a small present as a token of their love; sometimes gestures are extravagant for example a romantic weekend away to a quiet retreat. It is also the custom on this day to send cards to people who we like but who don't know about our feelings. Often these cards are signed simply with a question mark or coded message whilst the more courageous put their name.
Pancake day or Shrove Thursday as it is officially known, marks the beginning of Lent and the run up to Easter. On this day people in England celebrate by eating pancakes both sweet and savory, often there are street competitions to see who can toss the highest pancake or who can eat the most, however this festival does not have the same splendor as it does in many other European countries.
Weddings can be either a very public or private affair for only close family depending on the particular couple. About half of all couples still opt for the traditional ceremony thereby getting married in a church. The bride will usually wear white or cream and will be accompanied by a couple of bridesmaids or page boys who are often dressed in similar colors to the flowers of the bride's bouquet and those which decorate the church. The groom will be in charge of the wedding rings and making speeches at the reception. Those couples who do not choose the traditional church wedding usually get married in a registry office where the service is less religious. Morning weddings are followed by the wedding breakfast a midday meal often held in a hotel or restaurant, this is for the immediate family of the bride and groom. In the afternoon there is a big reception for all the guests followed by an evening meal where covered in white icing which is in 3 tiers, it is thought that the top tier should be saved to be the christening cake for the eldest child, however only royalty maintain this custom. During the evening reception it is a tradition for the bride and groom to leave for their honeymoon, their car is often decorated with spray foam and tin cans or old shoes are tied to the back.
For Christians, Easter day represents the resurrection of Jesus after his death on the
cross on Good Friday. However even for those who are not religious Easter is a celebration
of spring and new life. Chocolate Easter eggs are given to family : children believe that
they have been brought by the Easter bunny, often the eggs are hidden about the house or
in the garden making it a sort of treasure hunt. Often primary schools children parade
round the streets wearing an Easter bonnet which every have decorated themselves.
There are 2 sorts of Easter Cake, the old fashioned simnel cake rich in texture with
currents, spices and candied peel and the more popular hot cross buns. There are small
cakes light in texture with a pastry cross on top to represent crucifixion of Christ; they
are eaten with jam and better.
In England Christmas is a particularly special time, the preparations begin several
weeks in advance as both the traditional Christmas Cake and Christmas pudding need to be
made at least a month before to allow their flavours to develop.
Christmas carol service are help in Churches and schools in the weeks leading up to
Christmas and often children act on the nativity weeks or hold a Christmas concert. Homes
are decorated with garlands, a Christmas tree, and often holly wreaths. Children may also
place stockings above the fireplace in the hope that Santa Claus will leave them a present
on Christmas mornings often children leave out a mince pie and a carrot ( for rudolph the
reindeer ) on Christmas eve to thanks Santa to their presents. On Christmas day presents
are opened usually before breakfast as children are too excited to wait, Christmas lunch
consists of turkey, vegetables stuffing, sausages wrapped in bacon which is followed by
the Christmas pudding coated in brandy butter. Often family parties are help and it
generally a time for happiness and enjoyment.
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