5 Most Celebrated British Traditions

5 Most Celebrated British Traditions

Every country has its own unique traditions, and Britain is no exception. Although every British person and family is different, many people will have experienced at least a couple of these national traditions in their lives.

1. Guy Fawkes Night / Bonfire Night

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Thanks to the UK’s rich and exciting history there are many fascinating historical anniversaries to take note of every year. However, Guy Fawkes Night is easily one of the most famous, with millions commemorating it across the country every year, on the 5th of November.

If you’re not familiar with the origins of the day, here’s a quick recap. The 5th of November 1605 as the culmination of a plot to blow up Britain’s seat of government, the Houses of Parliament, and kill the King at the same time, then James I. This assassination plan was formulated by a group of Catholics and known as the Gunpowder Plot. Crucially, the plot was foiled when a member of the group revealed the details to a relative who was due to be in Parliament that day. As guards searched the palace, it was group member Guy Fawkes who was discovered guarding the explosives. He was questioned and later executed.

For the hundreds of years since, British people have commemorated the night with an evening of fireworks and frivolity. Typically, a huge bonfire is built from scrap materials and set alight in a wide open space. A dummy, constructed to resemble the unfortunate Fawkes, is thrown onto the fire. Despite its dark origins, the evening is often seen as a great way to get together with the community and enjoy some spectacular fireworks displays.

2. Remembrance Day / Armistice Day

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This sombre and moving occasion falls on the 11th of November every year, and also the closest Sunday to that date, to commemorate the end of the First World War and the signing of the Armistice treaty. Due to the fact that the First World War affected practically every country in the world in some way, variations of Remembrance Day commemorations are performed in Commonwealth member states and other countries across the globe to pay tribute to members of the armed forces who died in the conflict and in the many wars since. However, the Remembrance Day traditions in Britain, and London in particular, are unique and iconic.

The tradition was first inaugurated in the grounds of Buckingham Palace by King George V in 1919, a year after the end of the War formally ended “at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.” The observance of Remembrance Sunday typically involves the laying of poppy wreaths, either made of fresh or paper flowers. These can be laid down by many people, including representatives of the Crown, members of the armed forces or ex-servicemen and women, among others. London hosts the National Service of Remembrance, the grandest of these ceremonies. A short religious service is held with a two minute silence, which commences when Big Ben chimes at 11 O’Clock. Following this, wreaths are laid by the Queen, other members of the royal family and senior politicians. Hundreds of veterans then march past the Cenotaph, Whitehall’s large war memorial.

Although the First World War has now passed from living memory, many conflicts are still in progress around the world, and the day is a solemn reminder of those who have sacrificed their lives for us.

3. The Changing Of The Guard

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One of London’s most famous and iconic traditions, Buckingham Palace’s Changing of the Guard is an incredible sight to witness and draws thousands of tourists every year.

This unique spectacle takes place at the Queen’s London residence every day at 11am in the summer, and four times a week during other times of the year. The Queen’s Guard marches up the Mall, London’s famous wide boulevard leading up to the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. At the palace, they meet the detachment known as the old guard, who are due to leave. The new guard is inspected by the adjutant, a commanding officer, while the accompanying band plays military music to entertain both the guards and the crowds of people who have gathered to watch the spectacle. Both old and new guards present arms one after the other, and then the captains of the guards exchange the palace keys. Finally, the new guard marches into the guardrooms of Buckingham Palace.

The ceremony is complex and extensive, with many of the rituals and rules seeming redundant to the untrained eye. However, it remains an essential part of the British Military and the daily operations of Buckingham Palace. The spectacle is also a big draw for London’s tourism industry and remains a staple of many guided tours of the city.

4. Wimbledon

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Arguably Britain’s most famous sporting event, Wimbledon is among the world’s leading tennis tournaments, and is a fixture on most British TVs every summer. The tournament is visited by royalty, nobility and celebrities every year, drawn by the traditions and world class tennis playing.

There are so many things which make Wimbledon quintessentially British. Whether it’s the idyllic green grass courts, the long but orderly queues, or the hundreds of bowls of strawberries and cream which are dished out to the punters, everything about Wimbledon is uniquely British.

Many aspects of Wimbledon thrive on traditions. The grass courts themselves represent the traditional way of playing tennis, since abandoned by all other Grand Slam tournaments. The uniform worn by the players is also a tradition in itself. All player attire must be entirely white, with no variations. This gives Wimbledon that clean, classic look which brings in so many viewers.

Lastly, and most deliciously, is the traditional food. The iconic dish of strawberries and cream has always been served at Wimbledon, and every year visitors consume around 28,000 kg of the berries and 7,000 litres of cream. Whichever tradition you’re interested in, be sure to tune in this year to see it at its best!

5. Pancake Day / Shrove Tuesday

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While it may not be the most prestigious or historical tradition, Pancake Day is still an important date on the British calendar for both religious and non religious people. Based on ancient Anglo-Saxon Christian traditions, the day originates from the religious period of Lent – the 40 days leading up to Easter. On the final day before the beginning of Lent, which is named Ash Wednesday, Shrove Tuesday provided the final chance to use up ingredients such as eggs before the fasting period.

These days, fewer British people take Lent that seriously, but many like to give up some kind of indulgence for the 40 days, such as biscuits or alcohol. Pancake Day is a great opportunity to indulge in a few sweet, fatty pancakes before embarking on a healthier spring.