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The traditions of Great Britain have been carried through the centuries, and even into modern world the inhabitants of this country try to take care of them, distinguishing themselves from the whole world and Europe in particular. They so strictly and carefully adhere to their customs and honor traditions that one can even envy them.
British character
What do we know about the British? Prim, always polite, a little arrogant, with a great sense of humor. In many ways, we have developed these clichés from numerous films, but is our opinion so far from reality?
In the real modern world, the inhabitants of Great Britain are not much different from their ancestors. They are invariably polite, yet closed, and can carry on a leisurely conversation for hours without saying anything. single word about something personal. This shows their self-control. They will never bother their interlocutor, for which they may seem slightly arrogant. The subtle humor of the British is also known all over the world, and “black” humor is found most often in this nation.
Politeness for the British is not just an epithet, but a trait inherent in almost every one of them. The British always say “thank you” and “please” and try to “save face” in any situation. You are unlikely to see a British person making a row in a queue or pushing everyone aside on the subway, because they are mutually polite to each other. And even in the most tragic situations in their lives, the British try to be laconic and restrained. Someone will define this as the “coldness” of the nation, but this is just upbringing, absorbed with mother’s milk.
Traditions of communication
Continuing the theme of politeness of the British, it is worth touching on the traditions associated with communication. IN English society There is a rule according to which two people must be introduced to each other by a third party. In conversations it is not customary to ask about personal life or ask financial questions, the British talk about abstract topics - about politics, weather, etc.
The British also lack categoricality, that is, no one will impose their point of view on their interlocutor; for this purpose, in a conversation they use many introductory constructions so as not to seem intrusive.
Left side traffic
Since 1756, the UK has driven on the left, and although 70% of all countries in the world prefer to drive on the right, the British have not changed their habit. For many tourists and guests of the country, this is a kind of obstacle to driving on their own, but that’s how the British are - they do what they want and don’t look at what others say about it.
Number systems
We are all used to measuring distances in meters and kilometers, liquid in liters, but not residents of the UK. Like true conservatives, they talk about distances in miles, inches, yards, and liquids in pints. The British are not like everyone else, and even in such little things they know how to stand out.
Tea ritual
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Many countries have their own tea drinking rituals, especially China, but in the UK the tradition has taken on a more comprehensive form.
The ritual of tea drinking appeared in the British Isles in the 17th century, and since that time the British have preferred to drink tea from exquisite varieties Chinese tea in the morning and around 5 p.m. during lunch, with guests offered at least 10 types of drink to choose from. The fact that foreigners treat tea drinking so casually irritates many residents of the country; for them it is a time of reflection, calm and leisurely conversation. The British love to drink tea with milk or cream, but they don’t like the familiar tea with lemon. As for the place of the tea ceremony, this is undoubtedly the living room, a table by the fireplace, covered with a white or blue tablecloth. The dishes for the ceremony should all be from one set.
What would tea be without some goodies? The British think the same way, which is why the tea drinking ritual includes cakes, cookies, toast and sandwiches.
Traditions in clothing
Speaking about traditions in clothing, one cannot identify it with all residents British Isles, but in some institutions with a long history, people still wear items of clothing and costumes designed in past centuries. For example, in Oxford and Cambridge, students wear 17th-century robes, lawyers and judges wear 18th-century wigs to hear cases, and Tower palace guards still sport luxurious Tudor-era uniforms. .jpg)
It is impossible not to mention the kilt - the national Scottish men's skirt, which is known throughout the world. Until now, some grooms choose a traditional outfit with a kilt for their wedding, personifying masculinity and the spirit of freedom.
The British also have another tradition - changing their outfit for dinner. Most civilized countries consider this tradition a relic, but not Great Britain.
Family traditions
Residents of the United Kingdom greatly respect family traditions, especially holidays on weekends. The whole family goes out into nature or stays at home and spends time together. This leisure time is extremely useful, positive and favorable for all family members. Housewives try to redo all household chores before the weekend in order to free up these 2 days for their beloved household members. Even young people try to follow this tradition, at least being with their families during the day, and then going to a club or party in the evening.
If you can’t spend time on vacation, the British garden, manage their homes, or go shopping.
Sports traditions
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The tradition of playing cricket in Great Britain dates back to the 16th century, and this sport is still a national sport. Also traditional and annual is the confrontation between Cambridge and Oxford universities in rowing on the River Thames. Each university provides teams of 8 people who row four and a quarter miles down the river every Easter Sunday.
Another traditional look A sport that is not deprived of a purely English sense of humor is the race for rolling cheese. Every year in the town of Coopers Hill, famous for the production of delicious cheeses, this race is held. And if previously only the nearest villages participated, today participants from many countries come to the competition. The essence of the competition is to roll cheese across steep slope and try to catch up with him. And since the slope is very steep, participants can get injured from sprains to fractures, but what fun it was!
Crows in the Tower
A tradition, unbroken since the 17th century, concerns the keeping of crows in the Tower of London. An entire dynasty of Black Crows is raised on the territory of the fortress. The first individual appeared here in the 17th century, when King Charles II issued a decree according to which there should always be at least 6 adult crows in the Tower. These birds are constantly taken care of; even a special position was approved called Ravensmaster, i.e., raven keeper.
Today, the Tower is still inhabited by ravens (in 2017 - 9 ravens), which were named after the Scandinavian and Celtic gods. The oldest bird in the Tower was a raven named Jim Crow, who lived for 44 years.
There is a belief that the moment the crows leave the fortress, the end of the monarchy in Great Britain will come, so just in case the birds' wings are clipped.
Royal traditions
The royal family honors all traditions like no other in the country, especially Queen Elizabeth II. Usually they concern the form of various ceremonies. For example, official visits, the opening of parliament in October or November, receptions in the royal garden, various awards 20 times a year.
Holiday Traditions
Christmas
Christmas in Great Britain is one of the most revered and family holidays. On the table in mandatory must be traditional dishes- stuffed turkey (in England, Scotland), roast goose (in Ireland and Wales) and plum pudding - a cake with steamed dried fruits, which is doused with cognac and set on fire before serving. .jpg)
To this day, the tradition of decorating the house for Christmas with branches of evergreens (ivy, holly) has been preserved in order to ward off winter gloom and remind us that spring is coming. Also, from films, we have long learned about such a British tradition as kissing under a sprig of mistletoe. This tradition is still alive and makes a man and a woman kiss when they meet in the doorway over which this plant is hung.
Christmas Eve in the United Kingdom is also called “Night of Candles”, because traditionally the whole family decorates the house with candles, and all these lights are lit on the festive evening.
New Year
New Year in England they celebrate it on a smaller scale than in our country: housewives do not set rich tables, almost all the gifts have already been given for Christmas, and it is not necessary to celebrate it with your family. And yet, apple pie on the New Year's table is considered an unchangeable tradition in England.
But the people of Scotland love celebrating the New Year, even more than Christmas. Here all the inhabitants of the country do general cleaning and try to finish all their work in the old year, right down to darning socks.
An unchanging tradition for the New Year in the UK is the opening of doors with the chimes ringing. The owner opens with the first ringing of the clock front door and holds it like that until the clock rings 12 times. It is believed that at this time all problems and troubles go away with the old year, and the whole house is cleansed.
Easter
In the UK, both adults and children love to celebrate. Usually, Easter eggs in this country they give it a week before the main holiday, that is, on Palm Sunday. And it’s not just boiled chicken eggs, and chocolate ones with an obligatory surprise inside, for example, sweets, a souvenir or caramel.
It has become a tradition to wear only new clothes for Easter, thereby symbolizing the arrival of real spring and the end of the cold weather. On Monday after Easter, it is customary to distribute sweets and toys to children on the street.
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Each country has its own customs and traditions that give it special atmosphere and individuality. England is no exception. This country has a rich history and ancient traditions, many of which have been preserved and observed to this day. Travelers planning to visit England will find it useful to learn about some of the customs and traditions that exist in this country. This will help tourists better understand the culture of the country and find mutual language with local residents.
All over the world, the British are considered reserved, polite and even prim and cold-blooded. Thanks to their excellent upbringing and manners, the British never show their emotions in public. However, this does not prevent them from being sociable, friendly people with a positive outlook on life.
Among the huge variety of customs and traditions of England, several of the most famous and interesting can be identified:
English tea party
Tea is perhaps the most popular drink among the British. The tradition of drinking tea from 16:00 to 18:00 appeared in England more than 300 years ago and is called “5 o’clock”. At this time, the British put aside other matters and drink tea with small sandwiches or sweets. In addition to enjoying a fragrant drink, a five-hour tea party for the British is a reason to spend time in the company of family or friends.
Guy Fawkes Night
Bonfire Night or Guy Fawkes Night is one of the most spectacular customs in England. This holiday is held on November 5th. The British are gathering in large groups and burn an effigy of Guy Fawkes at the stake. This tradition dates back to the 17th century, when Guy Fawkes and like-minded people tried to blow up the English Parliament building. The attempt was unsuccessful, but the tradition of burning an effigy of Guy Fawkes became very popular with the British.
New Year and Christmas traditions in England
On New Year's Day, when the clock strikes 12 times, the British rush to open the doors in the house and the back door so that they can leave. old year, and the front one - to let in a new one. In Scotland the locals New Year's Eve they set fire to barrels and roll them along the streets, thus burning the old year.
On Christmas night, the British light candles and decorate the windows of their houses with them. In some villages there are competitions for best decoration such a candle. In addition to candles, it is customary to decorate houses with branches of evergreens - ivy, holly and others. Traditional British dishes for Christmas include stuffed turkey, Christmas pudding and roast goose.
Crab Festival
Despite their restraint, the British are very fond of organizing various festivals and holidays. One of the most interesting is the crab festival, which takes place every September in the city of Ergemont. It got its name from the crab apple tree, and not from sea creatures. The holiday dates back to the 13th century, when a landowner presented apple trees as a gift to local residents. Part of the festival is an apple cart parade, during which participants throw apples at each other. In addition, various competitions are held during the festival - wrestling, talent shows, dog competitions, pole climbing, and antics competition.
Gardening
The British love to grow plants, flowers, and vegetables. They can talk for a long time about ways to care for green spaces, about new varieties and varieties. Many Englishmen have greens growing at home for eating, and flowers in a box outside the window. For those who live in country houses, as a rule, luxurious gardens and flower beds.
The British are very sensitive to the customs and traditions of their country and try to carefully observe them. Thanks to this, England has developed a unique, distinctive culture that attracts travelers from all over the world.
Great Britain is a country of traditions. Great Britain represents modern civilization and centuries-old history. The historical regions of the kingdom are very different, and these are: Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In England a large number of objects of cultural heritage. Here is London, rich in nightlife, architectural monuments, shops, theaters, art galleries, museums and restaurants.
Bath, Windsor, Oxford, Manchester, Cambridge, York, Liverpool, Birmingham are famous and not all cities in England. Scotland is lakes, mountains, the sound of bagpipes, moors and traditional whiskey.
Wales simply amazes tourists with its wonderful castles and diverse landscape. You can watch more than one presentation on the Traditions and Customs of Great Britain on the Internet. Many people have written about the customs and traditions of Great Britain, so almost everyone knows about this country.
Customs and traditions of Great Britain
The British are so proud of being significantly different from other nations of the world. They still strictly adhere to customs such as playing cricket and driving on the left. The British still, unlike the rest of Europe, measure distance not in kilometers, but in miles. The British do not always adhere to logic in their traditions. In village pubs, locals often play darts and sometimes checkers or chess.
The British are a cold-blooded people. They express their approval with the word “not bad,” which can look a little prim and pompous. They are not accustomed to show their feelings, but still they are sociable people with a good sense of humor and love.
Locals have a strange habit of joking about everything. Foreigners are sometimes simply puzzled.
English traditions are manifested in restraint in judgment as a sign of respect for one’s interlocutor. Hence they have a tendency to avoid denial, using: “perhaps”, “it seems to me”, “I think”, etc.
By lunchtime, the British change into some other clothes. All residents try to adhere to the holidays, customs and traditions of Great Britain.
The traditions and customs of the British include numerous festivals. The most popular takes place in May in Chelsea. The most solemn and grandiose holiday in the country is the Queen's Birthday.
Sports are also considered traditions - the Boat Race takes place at the end of March, football, tennis competitions, yachting.
Traditions and holidays of Great Britain
The first day after Easter - Easter Monday
On Holy Week- Good Friday
Also, the last Monday in May or the first in June are considered days off; the last Monday in August or the first Monday in September and the "Glorious Twelfth of July".
IN holidays Almost all organizations are not working.
Unusual traditions of Great Britain
TO interesting traditions The UK has included competitions such as face making, which is based on the ability to make ugly grimaces; running with rolling cheese. People come from all over to attend this competition, which takes place on the last Monday of May. The cheese is sent down the slope, and the participants catch up with it; dancing around the maypole. Dancing around a tall pillar, which is decorated in advance with multi-colored ribbons and garlands; mother-of-pearl king and queen. This is one of the charity cultural traditions working class London. Such traditions of Great Britain and Russia are not at all similar. There is no such thing in Russia.
UK New Year traditions
In England. As soon as 12 blows are heard, the British run to open the back door of the house (the old year is leaving) and open the front door - so that they can enter and bring joy for the whole year - New Year.
Scotland. The New Year is called Hogmany here. On this night, townspeople roll burning barrels through the streets, burning away the old year and making way for the new one. Local residents are also very sensitive to the first guest on January 1st. Usually, the first guest, upon entering the house, silently goes to the fireplace - the heart of the house - and throws a coal there, and only then wishes and congratulations are heard. The first guest is required to be treated. The Scots bake a cake for the New Year - shortbread, round, richly decorated with sweets, almonds and candied fruits.
Wales. Behind New Year's table local farmers invite all those who labored and worked diligently during the harvest.
Christmas traditions in the UK
At Christmas in the UK they try to stick to traditions. All windows rural houses In the UK Christmas is lit with candles. Shortly before the holiday, in many villages women competed for the best decoration of the Christmas candle.
Traditions of celebrating Christmas in Great Britain include Christmas dinner, which includes traditional dishes such as roast goose (in Wales, Ireland), stuffed turkey (in the British) or plum pudding.
There is still an ancient custom of decorating a house for Christmas with branches of eternal greenery - holly, ivy, etc. According to custom, only on this holiday, on Christmas Eve, men have the right to kiss a girl who accidentally stopped under a decoration made from this plant.
Nowadays, a Christmas tree is decorated with sweets and colorful toys; a large silver star or a Christmas fairy is usually installed on top of it.
Culinary traditions of Great Britain
Feature national cuisine is that the natural characteristics of food are only emphasized, and not changed beyond recognition. There is a unique selection of local dishes, such as Yorkshire pudding and baked cream tea served with roast beef. Turkey from Norfolk, tender lamb, fried pates, ducks from Aylesbury - gourmet dishes.
Musical traditions of Great Britain
The musical culture of Great Britain has been shaped by the various nations of this country. Jazz and folk music became very popular. The country's musical traditions are multifaceted and original. The classic Covent Garden is famous all over the world for its musical productions. An opera festival is held every year in England, which tourists from near and far love to come to. Britain's traditions are reflected in vibrant festivals. Shown at festivals different kinds arts: dramatic, theater, choral art.
Wedding traditions in the UK
The British honor wedding customs and traditions. Although Russian and English weddings are similar in many ways - hen party, bachelor party, wedding rings and a wedding cake.
At the beginning of the 16th century until the 19th century, all engagements were organized only by the parents of the children while they were still small. Therefore, when children became adults, they did not always like the chosen one and because of this, couples in love got married in secret or ran away because they could not receive the blessing of their parents.
Therefore, in 1753, the Ceremony Act was adopted, which could only be obtained in the Anglican Church.
Now everything is much simpler. wedding ceremony is a wedding ceremony, and after the ceremony there is a dinner - wedding reception. Interestingly, the ceremony is rehearsed the day before the wedding - wedding rehearsal.
By the way, it was from England that the tradition of wearing clothes for weddings came to us. White dress. Divorced people or widows no longer wear a white dress when they remarry.
Royal traditions of Great Britain
The traditions of the royal court usually take the form of ceremonies performed by the queen herself and her family.
The traditions of the British royal family include the opening of Parliament in November or October, awards held 20 times a year, official visits, receptions in the royal garden (by the way, this garden is visited by more than 30 thousand people annually) and other ceremonies.
Tea traditions in Great Britain
Tea etiquette in the UK is by no means limited to one type of tea; guests are usually offered up to 10 varieties to choose from. The tea table is placed by the fireplace in the living room. They try to adhere to tea drinking traditions in the UK. Tablecloth – blue or white. For the ceremony - a teapot with tea, tea pairs, a jug with boiling water, a milk jug with cream or milk, dessert plates for snacks, a fork and knife for guests, teaspoons, a stand for a strainer and a strainer, sugar tongs, a sugar bowl with lump sugar and woolen cover directly for the teapot. All dishes must come from one set. Traditionally, afternoon tea is always served with cinnamon toast, salted butter, bread, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, eggs, biscuits, macaroons, jams, crumpets, buns, cakes and pastries, and sandwiches. Brew tea according to certain rules. To do this, you need to take part in a tea ceremony and see everything in person.
Traditions of Great Britain photo
Easter traditions in Great Britain
Easter in Great Britain is one of important holidays per year. At dawn, on Easter Sunday, churches hold organ concerts and services.
On Easter Day, local residents hand out candy and toys to children on the streets. The whole family gathers for lunch on this day. The table is decorated with chocolate egg nests, dough bunnies and chocolate eggs. Cross buns are served with tea on Sunday mornings. Relatives are given chocolate eggs with sweets hidden inside. In the evening there is a carnival in Great Britain. Celebrations last until Easter morning
Modern traditions are very bright, cheerful, joyful and colorful.
English unusual customs and traditions
Great Britain is a country with a large number of customs and traditions, many of which have a centuries-old history. English customs and traditions are known all over the world, because Great Britain is a country that has had a great influence on the traditions of many dependent and independent states today. When people think of Great Britain and the British, they first of all remember traditional English tea drinking, eating fish and chips, the indispensable addition of bowler hats to the ensemble of clothing, and much more. But there are also traditions in Great Britain that may seem not only extremely interesting, but even somewhat strange. They will be discussed below.
10. Gurning
Egremont Crab Fair - one of the most unusual English fairs - got its name in honor of a special variety of sour apples. The tradition of holding the fair began back in the 13th century, when one of the local feudal lords distributed apples to commoners. It is still part of the fair, during which apples are simply thrown into the gathered crowd. However, the “apple” parade is far from the only entertainment at the fair, which includes a talent contest, a pipe smoking competition, and a slippery pole climbing competition. The main event of the fair every year is a very special competition in gurning - the “art” of making faces in front of the public.
Holders of a strange talent amaze those gathered with the most terrible and grotesque grimaces that are only capable of human face. The winners of the competition become celebrities for a few days - as a rule, the famous Egremont Crab Fair competition is covered by national media. The Egremont Crab Fair is held in Cumbria in September and attracts many tourists every year.
9. Running for the rolling cheese
Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake is a unique race for rolling cheese, held annually in the town of Cooper's Hill near the city of Gloucester, famous for its cheeses. Initially, only local residents took part in the unusual competition, but Lately Participants even come to the event from other countries. The competition takes its name from the name of the hill on which it is held. Due to the steep and uneven descent of the hill, competitors, forced to run as fast as they can after the rolling cheese, often suffer injuries ranging from a sprained ankle to a broken ankle.
Maypole Dancing
Dance around the maypole
The Maypole dance is a form of folk dance in Western Europe, in particular in Great Britain, Sweden, Galicia, Portugal, Germany, which has two distinctive traditional features. The most common version is to perform circle dances around a high pole, which is previously decorated with garlands, painted ribbons, flowers, flags, and other decorations. A less common version is one in which the dancers dance in a circle, each holding a colored ribbon that is tied to a small pole; ribbons are woven around the pole itself or around those who dance. Dancers may take special steps to unravel the ribbons.
Festival participants dance around this pillar to welcome spring.
Pearly King and Queen
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Mother of pearl king and queen
The Mother of Pearl King and Queen, also known as pearlies, is an organized charitable tradition of working class culture in London (Cockney). The tradition of wearing clothes decorated with mother-of-pearl buttons dates back to the nineteenth century. She is associated primarily with Henry Croft, an orphan janitor who raised money for charity. In 1911 the Pearl Society was formed in Finchley in North London. Every year on one Sunday in May, a colorful festival is held in London, where the “pearl kings and queens” demonstrate unusual costumes decorated with patterns of mother-of-pearl buttons.
Ascot Ladies Day
Lady's Day at Ascot
Ascot races are the famous English horse races held annually in the small town of Ascot. The Royal Ascot Hippodrome is located just a few kilometers from Windsor Castle, and therefore every year members of the royal family and other eminent guests come to the races, which have long gained the status of a social event. At Ascot Racecourse, racing takes place on a total of 25 days a year. The most prestigious races are the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth races.
The Royal Meeting is the most important. The third day of the June races becomes a day of competition and competition both for riders and fashion designers. The famous Ascot tradition is for ladies appearing at the royal hippodrome in the most original headdresses.
Because ladies must appear at this event in hats, and these hats can be anything fancy, which designers successfully use. This particular day is called Lady's Day at Ascot, and the ladies really show themselves in all their glory.
Straw Bear Day
Straw Bear Day
Straw Bear Day is an ancient English tradition celebrated on the seventh of January. The birthplace of this English tradition is considered to be the small Fanland region on the border of Huntingdonshire and Cambridgeshire. This day is traditionally considered the beginning of the agricultural year in England. A man or young guy puts on a straw suit that covers his body from head to toe. He goes from house to house and dances for the owners. As gratitude for dancing, he receives money, food or beer from people.
Worm Charming Championship
Worm Spell Championship
This unusual championship is a way to attract earthworms. Many people do this in order to prepare their bait for fishing. But there are also those who do it purely for sport. The village of Willaston, near Nantwich in Cheshire, is where the annual World Championships have been held on a grand scale since 1980. The competition was created by local resident Tom Shufflebotham, who "summoned" 511 worms from the ground in half an hour on July 5, 1980. The competition has its own rules, there are 18 of them in total. Here, for example, are some of them:
Each participant uses an area measuring three by three meters.
Any music can be used to attract worms.
You cannot use narcotic substances, and under no circumstances should you use various stimulants - including water.
Morris Dancing
Morris dance
Morris dancing is a form of folk dancing that usually has musical accompaniment. This dance is based on rhythmic steps and the performance of choreographic figures by groups of dancers. Various accessories such as swords and scarves can be used.
The English Morris dance is a kind of theatrical performance in which up to seven people (men) take part. During the dance, the actor-sons kill the actor-father, who is resurrected at the end.
The tradition originated in England back in the 14th century and still exists. Dancers wear special clothes - black breeches, white skirts, bells and shoes with wooden soles.
The British believe that dance brings happiness to both the dancers and the audience.
Guy Fawkes Night
Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night and held annually on November 5th in the United Kingdom, is a tribute to the failure of the Gunpowder Plot orchestrated by Guy Fawkes. Fox, along with a group of like-minded people, tried to blow up the London Parliament in 1605 during the throne speech of the Protestant King James I of England. The purpose of the conspiracy was to kill the king and overthrow Protestant rule.
The conspiracy itself was drawn up by Robert Catesby, but it was Fox who carried out the plan, and as a result was arrested several hours before the planned explosion on a denunciation. Guy Fawkes Night is a celebration of the failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament in Westminster.
Swimming in the swamp
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Great Britain is home to perhaps the most extravagant bog swimming competition. Competitors dive into the swamp wearing special underwater goggles, fins and a snorkel mask, covering a distance of approximately 36 meters in the swamp mud. The purpose of the competition is purely charitable - the organizers of the unusual swim raise funds for various charitable foundations, and divers not only from the UK, but also from other countries of the world participate in it.
Is Protestantism(Anglican Church). The Presbyterian and Catholic churches also became widespread. The country is home to one of the largest Muslim diasporas in all of Western Europe.
Rules of conduct in the UK
Staying in the UK imposes certain obligations on the tourist. To avoid problems with the authorities, as well as misunderstanding of local residents, you should adhere to the basic rules of conduct.
Communication. During the conversation, try not to touch on personal topics. Local residents will perceive this as an attempt to invade privacy. They always listen carefully to their interlocutor, but this does not mean that they agree with him. Never talk to an Englishman about the people of Northern Ireland - this will cause coldness and disdain towards you. You will also be treated differently if you call an Irishman or Welshman (Welsh) English. Don't talk to Brits in line or on the subway. When communicating, speak in a calm, even voice, without using slang or stupid remarks. Don't copy the British accent.
Rules. In the UK they are zealous about following rules and laws.
Business Cards. If you are visiting, then refrain from exchanging business cards. It is better to do this at an official reception.
Cloth. In England it is customary to change clothes for dinner. Moreover, if you live with an English family, then every day you should wear a new dress (suit). You should not appear on the streets wearing clothes made of natural fur.
Smoking. Smoking is prohibited on the London Underground, inside stadiums, on public transport or in closed spaces where there are many people. It is better to do this on the street, in a personal car, hotel room, or in specially designated smoking areas.
Hotels. Hotel bathrooms often lack a shower hose. This is explained by the fact that it is customary for the British to take a bath. They wash themselves in a sink filled with water.
Overnight. Many London houses are cool at night, even in summer. Therefore, do not be surprised if you are offered to take a heating pad to bed with you.
Dinner. In Great Britain, it is not uncommon for ladies and gentlemen to dine in separate rooms.
Greetings. When meeting, the British say to each other “How do you do?” The handshake is always light. In some cases, a man waits for a woman to give him her hand first. If people meet often, they do not shake hands.
Behavior at a party. It is impolite to come visit without calling first. You should not look at the house or garden on your own; wait for the owner. While eating, turn the plate slightly away from you. At the end of the meal, leave some food on your plate. At the end of the meal, the host lifts the napkin, only after which the guests can leave the table. The next day, be sure to send a thank you note to the dinner organizer. If you are given a gift after the reception, accept it with gratitude.
Restaurant. In the UK there is an unspoken rule: dinner in a restaurant is paid for by the inviter. To call the waiter, just raise your hand.
Attitude towards women. It is customary for the British to treat ladies with respect. Men stand up when a woman enters a room, move her chair away, open the door, and give up their seat on public transport. Women should sit up straight. It is forbidden to cross your legs, but you can cross them at the ankles.
A few more rules. Always let those older than you in rank or age go ahead. When entering a room, hold the door behind you. Always stand during the God Save the Queen anthem. Be polite more often. Say “thank you” and “please” every chance you get.
Holidays
UK national holidays and public holidays:
- New Year - January 1, 2
- St. Patrick's Day (Ireland) - March 17
- Good Friday - this day falls during Holy Week
- Bright Monday - the first day after Easter
- Christmas - December 25, 26
- "Glorious August 12" (Glorious Twelfth)
Various things play an important role in the lives of British people. festivals. Here are some of them:
- Flower Festival- held in May in Chelsea;
- Queen's Birthday- the largest and most solemn holiday, celebrated in mid-June;
- Caribbean carnival- held in Notting Hill in August. During the celebration, Caribbean music is played;
- Glastonbury Music Festival- the celebration takes place among the Welsh hills, celebrated in June.