What are Customs?
Customs are like special habits or traditions that people in a country share. They are things we do regularly, often without even thinking about them! Customs help to make a country unique and give people a sense of belonging. They can be polite ways of behaving, special celebrations, or even the foods we like to eat. In Britain, we have many interesting customs, some very old and some more modern. Let’s explore some of them!
Everyday British Customs and Manners
One of the most famous British customs is our love for politeness. Saying “please” and “thank you” is very important. We often say “sorry” even for small things, like accidentally bumping into someone. Another well-known custom is queuing. Whether it’s for a bus, a shop, or a ride at a theme park, British people are generally very good at forming an orderly line and waiting their turn.
And of course, there’s tea! Drinking tea is a huge part of British life. Many people enjoy several cups a day, often with milk. It’s not just a drink; it’s a comfort and a social occasion. Offering someone a cup of tea is a common way to show hospitality or comfort.
Seasonal Celebrations and Festivals
Britain has many customs linked to the seasons and special holidays throughout the year.
Christmas in December is a huge celebration. Families gather, exchange gifts, decorate Christmas trees, and enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner, usually roast turkey with all the trimmings. On Christmas Day morning, children often open presents left by Father Christmas.
Before Christmas, on Bonfire Night (5th November), we remember Guy Fawkes’ plot to blow up Parliament. People light bonfires and set off fireworks, often enjoying toffee apples and hot dogs.
In spring, Easter customs include eating chocolate eggs and hot cross buns. Children often take part in Easter egg hunts. Another old spring custom, though less common now, is May Day on 1st May, which celebrates the arrival of spring with maypole dancing and flower garlands.
You might also see Morris Dancers at festivals and village fairs, especially in the summer. These traditional dancers wear special costumes and bells, and dance to folk music.
Food and Drink Customs
Food plays a big role in British customs. The Sunday Roast is a traditional meal enjoyed on Sundays, often with family. It usually includes roasted meat (like beef, chicken, or lamb), roast potatoes, vegetables, gravy, and Yorkshire puddings.
Fish and Chips is another classic British dish, often eaten from a takeaway in newspaper. It’s a popular treat, especially at the seaside.
And let’s not forget Afternoon Tea, a lighter meal usually enjoyed in the afternoon, consisting of sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and small cakes, all served with a pot of tea.
Sporting Traditions
Sport is very important in Britain, and we have many customs around it. Football (soccer) is our national sport, and supporting a team is a strong custom for many. Going to matches, wearing team colours, and cheering for your side are all part of the experience.
Cricket is another traditional British sport, known for its long matches and fair play. Wimbledon in summer is famous for its tennis tournament, where spectators traditionally eat strawberries and cream.
Royal Customs and Traditions
The British Royal Family has many ancient customs and ceremonies that are still followed today. Events like Trooping the Colour, the King’s official birthday parade, are grand spectacles with soldiers, horses, and music. Royal weddings and jubilees (celebrations of a monarch’s reign) are also big occasions that bring the country together, with street parties and special events.
A Quick Look at Some British Customs
| Custom |
When it happens |
What it involves |
| Bonfire Night |
5th November |
Bonfires, fireworks, toffee apples. |
| Christmas Dinner
Written by Mandy Barrow
|
 |
|
Special Days in December
|
Learn about Christmas in England from the children who live in Britain Christmas traditions why do what we do at chrsitmas time
|
All Year Round
Facts, Folklore, Superstitions, Festivals and Special Days for each month of the Year. Includes an list of anniversaries for each month. |
|
National Awareness Days Calendar
Many charities and other organisations have special days and weeks like 'The Big Hush' or Children in Need. Find out what event is happening this month/year and when. |
|
Multi faith Calendar
World Religions Calendar
A colourful month by month list of all the main religious festivals. |
 A few comments from visitors:
"I am and American citizen and astounded by your wonderful website! It is not only informative but kept so up to date that I constantly refer to it, especially the calendar. The pupils of your school are indeed lucky and the site reflects the dedication and enthusiasm of the staff and students. I hope the site continues for many years." Charles, USA, Atlanta
"I was searching the web yesterday for a website that would give me a calendar of significant days and weeks throughout the year. I was really struggling until I came across your website and was instantly blown away. I know you have already received lots of praise for your efforts but your site is the most impressive schools website I have seen. Often the amount of time and effort put into creating such a resource is not matched by its usefulness. Your calendars in particular are second to none. Thank you and well done." David, Deputy Headteacher
"EXCELLENT information of the customs and traditions of Great Britain........some of which are in danger of being lost or forgotten forever. THANKS for such an interesting site! " Karen
"As a childminder I like to celebrate festivals and awareness days with the little ones. This was the best and most comprehensive list I found on the net."
, England
"Information about awareness days and special dates to help me plan my youth work programme."
Sue, North Yorkshire, England
"I am British but now living in the US. I needed to know when Mothers' Day is in the UK. (In the USA it is always in May. In 2007 it is on May 13 this year. I didn't want my mother to think I had forgotten her - in March! Now she'll get two cards - one in March and one in May but she deserves to be applauded twice!"
Naomi, Washington DC, USA
"Thank you for all the information i have found relating to feasts and festivals as a teacher it has given me an insite to the history i needed to teach to primary children" Julie, Northampton England
"This is a fantastic website. I am a headteacher planning this terms assemblies and came accross your site through REonline. It is full of useful well presented information. I can use a lot of it in my assemblies and I will be recommending that my staff use it with children. We are an infant school but the way you present the information is so accessible that I feel we could use it. Thank you."
Marie, Shrewsbury, England.
 © Copyright - please read
All the materials on these pages are free for homework and classroom use only. You may not redistribute, sell or place the content of this page on any other website or blog without written permission from the . |
© Copyright 2013
  
is the creator of the Woodlands Resources section of the Woodlands Junior website.
The two websites projectbritain.com and primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk are the new homes for the Woodlands Resources.
left Woodlands in 2003 to work in Kent schools as an ICT Consulatant.
She now teaches computers at The Granville School and St. John's Primary School in Sevenoaks Kent.
Woodlands Junior Homework Help new website
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
customs traditions britain, scotland customs and traditions, traditional british christmas dinner, christmas customs traditions, christmas traditions, british culture customs traditions, british christmas customs, british christmas carols, british christmas crackers, british christmas pudding,british christmas trees, british christmas dinner, british celebrate christmas, british royal family, chrsitmas traditions, christmas customs, england, wales, scotland, Christmas Celebrations, british traditions, british customs, british culture, December, Christmas, food, christmas dinner, mince pies, advent, christmas eve, christmas day, boxing day, 12 days of christmas, new year, christmas pudding, christmas cake, christmas carols, christmas cards, christmas stocking, pantomime, santa claus, st nicholas, christmas presents, christmas crackers, christmas trees, mistletoe, holly, ivy
|
|
