Unit 8. Celebrations

FESTIVALS AND HOLYDAYS IN BRITAIN
All Year Round
British Folklore, Legends and Superstitions
Traditionally 24th September was the day on which harvesting began in medieval England.
Harvest Festival
- Harvest Festival is a celebration of the food grown on the land.
- Harvest Festival reminds Christians of all the good things God gives them.
Many festivals and holidays in Britain are centuries old. Every town, village and hamlet in Britain has its own traditions
Calendar of British Holidays in the UK 2009 - 2010
Special Days Every Month
Valentine`s Day
Who is St. Valentine?
There were many Christians names Valentine. According to the Catholic Encyclopaedia, at least three Saint Valentines are mentioned who are associated with 14 February. One is described as a priest at Rome, another as a Bishop of Interamna (now Terni in Italy) and the other lived and died in Africa.
The Valentine that most experts believe is the actual one remembered on St. Valentine`s Day was a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity.
What happens on Valentines day in Britain?
Each year in Britain, we spend around £503m on cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts for Valentine`s Day. Traditionally these were sent anonymously, but nowadays we often make it clear who is sending each `Valentine`.
Valentine`s Day (Saint Valentine`s Day) is an occasion celebrated on February 14. It is the traditional day on which people express their love for each other by sending Valentine`s cards, presenting flowers, or offering confectionery.
Calendar of unusual Customs and Traditions
in England, Scotland and Wales
Mummers Play
The Horn Dance
Well Dressing
Religious festivals
Many religious festivals occur at different times each year. This is because most religious holidays or festivals are based on a fixed date, the phases of the moon, the timing of the equinoxes and solstices or a combination of the two.
6 January
Hana Matsuri - the Flower Festival (Buddhist)
Buddha Shakyamuni`s birthday. Celebrated with a flower festival. Buddha was born on the eighth day of the fourth month of the traditional Chinese calendar, and although this date will vary on the international calendar, the Japanese have translated the date to 8 April.
8 April
Epiphany (Christian)
The twelfth day of Christmas, celebrates the visit of the wise men, or magi, to the baby Jesus.