British Life and Culture by Mandy Barrow
Welcome to the world of British customs, where many traditions are linked to our Royal Family! The King or Queen is the head of state in the United Kingdom, and they play a big part in many important events and customs that have been around for hundreds of years. These customs help to tell the story of Britain and bring people together.
The Royal Family is not just about castles and crowns; they are at the heart of many events that show off British history and culture. Let’s explore some of these special customs.
One of the most important and grandest royal customs is the Coronation. This is a special ceremony where a new King or Queen is officially crowned. It usually happens several months after the previous monarch has died, giving time for mourning and planning.
The Coronation takes place in Westminster Abbey, a very old and famous church in London. During the ceremony, the monarch takes an oath (a serious promise) to rule justly. They are then anointed with holy oil and presented with royal symbols like the Sceptre, the Orb, and the magnificent St Edward’s Crown. It’s a day filled with ancient traditions, music, and parades, watched by millions around the world.
Every year in June, there’s a spectacular event called Trooping the Colour. This is the official celebration of the monarch’s birthday, even if their actual birthday is at a different time of year! It’s a military parade involving over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians.
The King rides in the parade, inspecting the Household Division troops. The ‘Colour’ (the regimental flag) is paraded, or ‘trooped’, down the ranks. The event ends with the Royal Family gathering on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch a fly-past by the Royal Air Force. It’s a huge display of precision, tradition, and patriotism.
Royal weddings are joyful occasions that capture the imagination of people everywhere. When a senior member of the Royal Family gets married, it’s a huge event full of pomp and ceremony. These weddings often take place in grand venues like Westminster Abbey or St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
Customs include the bride wearing a beautiful gown, often with a long train, and a special tiara. There are carriage processions through the streets, allowing thousands of people to cheer and celebrate. The day is usually a public holiday, and people often have street parties. After the ceremony, the happy couple often wave from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, sharing their happiness with the crowds.
When a new royal baby is born, it’s a cause for celebration! The news is traditionally announced on an easel placed outside Buckingham Palace, though nowadays it’s also shared on social media. The baby’s name is usually announced a few days later, often choosing names that have been used in the Royal Family for generations.
Royal babies are christened a few months after their birth, usually in a private ceremony. They often wear a special lace christening gown, a replica of one made for Queen Victoria’s first child in 1841. The water used for the christening comes from the River Jordan, a tradition that adds to the special nature of the event.
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Special Days in December
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Learn about Christmas in England from the children who live in Britain Christmas traditions why do what we do at chrsitmas time
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is the creator of the Woodlands Resources section of the Woodlands Junior website. left Woodlands in 2003 to work in Kent schools as an ICT Consulatant. Woodlands Junior Homework Help new website |
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