“Holidays and traditions of English-speaking countries in comparison with Russia. Educational and methodological development on the topic: “Traditions and customs of English-speaking countries” Individual project customs and traditions of English-speaking countries

1. There are a lot of holidays in USA, such as New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day, Easter, May Day, Halloween, etc.

There are many holidays in the United States, such as New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, Easter, May Day, Halloween, etc.

2. Christmas is the most important public holiday in the US, and takes place on December 25th. Christmas is the most important public holiday in the United States and is celebrated on December 25th.

3. People traditionally buy presents for their friends and family for Christmas.

People traditionally buy gifts for their friends and family at Christmas.

4. Before Christmas the shops are very busy. Many shops decorate their buildings with lights, Christmas trees. Before Christmas the shops are very busy. Many stores decorate their buildings with lights and Christmas trees.

5. People also send Christmas cards to their friends to say Merry Christmas. Christmas cards usually have pictures with Christmas trees, snowmen, Santa Claus.

People also send Christmas cards to their friends to wish them a Merry Christmas. Christmas cards usually contain pictures of Christmas trees, snowmen, and Santa Claus.

6. Many people decorate their homes for Christmas. Most people buy Christmas trees. They put small lights and decorations on them.

Many people decorate their homes for Christmas. Most people buy Christmas trees.

7. In the US some people put small lights along the edges of their windows, the roof, and the main door of their houses.

In the United States, people hang small lights around the edges of their windows, on the roof, and at the front entrance of their home.

8. Some people in US decorate their front doors with a wreath, a circle made of green leaves. Some people in the United States decorate their front doors with a circular wreath made of green leaves.

9. In the US, people eat Christmas cookies, special cookies that are baked at home. Traditional British food includes Christmas cake.

In the United States, people eat special Christmas cookies made at home. Traditional British food includes Christmas cake.

10. Children get very excited on Christmas Eve because they believe that Santa Claus will come down the chimney of their house in the night and put presents in the Christmas stocking Children get very excited on Christmas Eve because they believe that Santa Claus will come through trumpet their house at night and leave gifts in the Christmas stocking

11. Christmas Day is a public holiday and people spend the day with their families.

Christmas is a social holiday and people spend the day with their families.

12. After Christmas Day in the US, many stores have special sales (a period of time when goods can be bought cheaper).

After Christmas in the United States, many stores have special sales (a period when goods can be purchased cheaper).

13. A lot of sports are played on Boxing Day, and many people watch sports on television.

Many sporting events take place on this day and many people watch them on TV.

20. Twelfth Night is twelve days after Christmas, and it is the day when people take down their decorations and remove their Christmas trees.

Twelfth Night is the twelve days after Christmas and is the day when people take down the decorations and put away the Christmas trees.

SCENARIO OF AN OPEN MEETING OF THE KID OF THE SECTION “CULTURE AND ART” ON THE TOPIC: “TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS OF ENGLISH-SPEAKING COUNTRIES”

Presenter 1- Good evening to everyone present in the hall!

Presenter 2- Welcome to our theme evening dedicated to the holidays and traditions of English-speaking countries.

Presenter1– English-speaking countries... The question immediately flashed through my head: “How many people speak English?”

Presenter 2- It is hardly possible to say exactly how many people in the world speak English. It is difficult to find exact figures for 2015, and even previous years. Even the popular free encyclopedia Wikipedia last recorded data on the number of people who speak English in 2012, and has not been verified by experienced participants to this day.

Presenter 1 - Nevertheless, let's look at what we have at the moment.
In many countries, English is the dominant language, but has no official status. That is, for some it is the native language and the official language of their country, for others it is a second or foreign language.

Presenter 2 - Countries with the largest populations of native English speakers include:
United States of America (215 million);
United Kingdom (61 million);
Canada (18.2 million), Australia (15.5 million);
Nigeria (4 million);
Ireland (3.8 million);
South Africa (3.7 million);
New Zealand (3.6 million).

Presenter 1- English is the language of business and politics. More than 90% of all information in the world is also stored in English. This language is defined as the main language of the Internet. Television and radio broadcasts of the world's largest companies (CBS, NBC, ABC, BBC, CBC), covering an audience of 500 million people, are also performed in English. Songs are sung and films are made in this language. English is the most taught language in the world.

Presenter 2– The traditions and customs of each country are interesting. Knowing them, we enrich ourselves with knowledge that gives us the opportunity to better understand the soul of this people, their literature and art.

Presenter 1– Today we will go with you on an unforgettable journey through the most vibrant English-speaking countries. And so, our first stop is Great Britain.

Students representing Great Britain take the stage.

Student 1- Great Britain is a country of traditions. Great Britain personifies modern civilization and centuries-old history. The historical regions of the kingdom are very different, and these are: Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. England has a large number of cultural heritage sites. 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.

Student 2

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. (video)

Sports are also considered traditions - the Boat Race takes place at the end of March, football, tennis competitions, yachting.

Student 3- On Christmas, December 25, in the UK they try to stick to traditions. All the windows of rural houses in Great Britain are lit with candles at Christmas. 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.

Student 4

It is impossible to imagine England without tea. 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. Afternoon tea is traditionally served with cinnamon toast, salted butter, bread, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, eggs, biscuits, macaroons, jams, crumpets, scones, cakes and pastries, and sandwiches. Tea is brewed according to certain rules. To do this, you need to take part in the tea ceremony and see everything in person. (video)

Student 3

Easter in Great Britain is one of the important holidays of the 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.

Presenter 1 This was royal Great Britain. Now let's go to the United States of America.

Students representing the USA take the stage.

Student 1 Due to the multinational “emigrant environment” and the size of this country, it is quite difficult to single out one style or model of people’s behavior. Although “universal human values” are vigorously promoted in this country, it can be said that there is no universal culture here.

Most often, the “average American” is quite hospitable and welcoming, takes great interest in life in other countries and in their traditions and customs, but is still a patriot of his homeland. But here, too, it is necessary to take into account the complex multinational composition of society - more often than not, even in one quarter, there are unique ethnic mini-communities that honor the customs of their ancestors and intensively cultivate them. That is why the requirements for food, clothing, behavior in society and attitude towards others are noticeably different in each region.

Student 2

But still, the similarity between Americans is that in this country one can notice the general tolerance of the local society. What is impressive and surprising is the special respect of this people for historical and family values, the eternal thirst for innovations, for the freedoms and rights of a citizen, the confidence of the residents that their nation has the best and most advanced features, combined with the continuous struggle for their freedom and rights, as well as for the preservation of traditional values.

In Europe there are people who have lived in their home and worked in the same job for twenty, thirty or more years. However, the traditional American lifestyle is not like that. Americans love change, they consider it the spirit of adventure that characterizes this country. They love to move, change jobs and homes.

Unlike the British, Americans do not consider it bad form to ask a person about something personal. An American can openly tell everything about himself, about his family, and then ask the interlocutor where he is from, where he works, and whether he likes the country. Residents of this country love sociability. In addition, it is already considered a tradition here to be on public display, and the Americans themselves like it. This sociability is accompanied by an all-encompassing hospitality.

Student 3

US residents are more individualistic and materialistic. Here, external independence and level of prosperity are traditionally already considered a real cult, although it is not customary to openly demonstrate signs of prosperity.

There are also traditions and customs in this country in the holiday calendar. For example, Thanksgiving Day is traditionally the only holiday that US residents spend at home. On this day, it is customary to decorate the table with a harvest of apples, Indian corn, nuts, oranges and grapes. It is also necessary to create an autumn landscape in the house with flowers. The traditional roast turkey on this holiday is considered the center of the celebration.

Another tradition in America is associated with Halloween. Its roots go back to the Druid festival. For the Druids, the new year began on the first of November, which marked the reign of the god of death and the beginning of winter. From the Druids came the tradition of telling various ghost stories.

Children in America usually dress up as ghosts during the holidays and wear various masks. They take pumpkins, cut round holes in them and put candles in them so that they can be seen from afar.

Americans value punctuality; these people literally live according to a schedule. Here it is not customary to give up your seat on public transport, take off your shoes and hat when entering a room, or give gifts when visiting someone else’s house, but your visit must be coordinated, even if the guests and hosts know each other very well.

It is also typical for the United States to abbreviate names, regardless of anything.

Presenter 2

And so, we have already visited the two most important English-speaking countries - Great Britain and the United States of America. Now welcome to Canada.

Students representing Canada take the stage.

Student 1

Canadian culture and heritage are often compared to a collage of many cultures, reflecting the traditions of the peoples who conquered these lands, who immigrated from other parts of the globe, and the peoples who lived here long before such movements and historical changes.

Canadian culture is so diverse that many researchers inevitably reach a dead end when they try to find an unambiguous definition for it. The reason for this is the simultaneous development of different cultural traditions, which merge with each other and influence each other. Even if we try to identify the main feature in the traditions of Canada, it will most likely be synthetic.

Student 2

One look at the palette of a country’s symbols can tell a lot about its formation and cultural values. Three well-known Canadian symbols can be understood by speakers of any language. The Canadian maple, horse and beaver - all three reflect the connection between man and nature, so majestic in these parts.

Each of them has its own story and, perhaps, its own central idea.

The maple leaf is perceived throughout the world as the national symbol of Canada.

Maple syrup, which is boiled (as honey was boiled in Rus') from maple sap collected in March, is a favorite delicacy of Canadians. Canada accounts for 75% of the world's maple syrup production. It should be noted that the maple leaf depicted on the Canadian flag has 11 pointed side teeth. In fact, this leaf shape has no analogue among the existing species of this tree. However, the number of maple species growing on the territory of the country corresponds to the number of teeth.

The horse, no less a faithful friend of man than the dog, came to Canada along with the first Europeans, and the Indians did not know horses until that moment. However, it became very significant in the life of the indigenous tribes and was probably the best borrowing from the white man's culture - so organically did it fit into this world of the Rocky Mountains and prairies.

The Canadian beaver is a living symbol of an ecological approach to the world and respect for nature, not only because this animal can only live in clean waters, but also because one of the best stories about environmental protection in the spirit of Indian tribes is associated with it. This animal, protected today, is the best proof of the possibility of uniting the efforts of indigenous people and the descendants of European settlers to preserve pristine nature and natural way of life.

Student 3

Canada hosts the most interesting annual festivals for every taste. Events of this kind are part of both musical and theatrical arts, as well as the traditional sports life of Canadians.

The world's largest comedy festival, the Festival of Laughter, can be attended in the summer in Montreal. It attracts about 2 million spectators annually. Montreal is rightfully considered Canada's best entertainment city. Most of them take place in the summer. Every month there can be 2-4 festivals.

The magnificent Festival of Lights can be seen in Vancouver during the winter. The fabulous Canadian holiday is dedicated to Christmas and therefore takes place in December. The city is decorated with thousands of shining lights and garland figures, creating an indescribable impression of romance and magic.

A winter festival with the witty name Winterlude (which can be translated as Winterlude from the English “winter” - winter and “interlude” - interlude) takes place in Ottawa. Among the many events of this festival is a dog sled race along the main city street. This kind of racing across snowy lands has become a Canadian sport, using huskies as sled dogs because they are smart and adapt well to the cold. During the winter festival, ice and snow sculpture makers come to Ottawa for an international competition. (video)

The Calgary Rodeo has been held since 1912. This is a cowboy festival in which cowherds compete in mustang, bull and domestic horse racing (both saddle and bareback), lasso throwing, wagon racing and even cow milking.

The International Balloon Festival is one of the most vibrant festivals. Similar holidays are held at different times of the year all over the world: in Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia, Turkey, Spain, USA, Russia, Ukraine, Switzerland, and the Philippines. In Canada, you can take part in this festival in Quebec in early September.

The festivals mentioned are actually only a small sampling of what can be seen in Canada during one year. The Tulip Festival and the Grape Festival, the Watermelon Festival and the Maple Syrup Festival - it’s even impossible to remember them all, not to mention the musical style diversity.

Presenter 1 Our next stop will be the most environmentally friendly country on the planet, the land of green hills and the wonderful kiwi bird. We are, of course, talking about New Zealand.

Students representing New Zealand take the stage.

Student 1

This country is a tasty morsel for sophisticated travelers who have already seen a lot in their tourism life. It’s not so easy to get here, because the flight is not only long, but also extremely expensive. And yet, every year, thousands of lovers of New Zealand's beautiful natural landscapes and traditions step off the plane to enjoy amazing holidays in the distant North and South Islands.

The Aboriginal people of the archipelago are a distinctive and vibrant ethnic group whose customs and heritage form the basis of the culture of modern New Zealand.
Maori are accustomed to living in complete unity with nature. Their rituals and habits imply respect for the environment and care for it. Modern New Zealanders are proud of their amazing national parks and territories, each of which is worthy of the brush of a great painter.
Once on the islands, you should follow the traditions of New Zealand so that the trip brings a lot of pleasant impressions. The most important of them is maintaining cleanliness and order.

Student 2

At the beginning of February, according to tradition, New Zealand celebrates a holiday that symbolizes the onset of historical reconciliation between the indigenous inhabitants of the islands and the English settlers. On February 6, 1840, an agreement was signed on the basic principles of the coexistence of two peoples and cultures.
Treaty of Waitangi Day is declared a public holiday in the country, and New Zealanders celebrate it annually with festive processions. By the way, active recreation on the islands is not the most popular. The traditions of New Zealand and its residents include a healthy lifestyle, but it’s difficult to call them exercisers. They love to go out into nature and have picnics, but recreation there is limited to gatherings over a good steak.

Student 3

There are also some interesting facts about New Zealand.

Modern New Zealanders are primarily urban dwellers. They love their small cottages and gardens, lead a fairly modest lifestyle, profess Christianity and cook traditional European dishes.

The traditions of New Zealand, inherited from the Maori, are wood carving, making masks and household items from wood, tattoos and an ideal knowledge of nature.

On the islands you can buy unique souvenirs, such as dishes, clothes or printed materials with a world map, on which New Zealand is traditionally located in the very center.

Presenter 2

From eco-friendly New Zealand, we travel to some of the most evocative and mysterious countries in the world. ...Australia occupies an entire continent, and this differs from all countries.

Students representing Australia take the stage.

Student 1

The way of life, traditions and customs of Australians may seem a little inappropriate and awkward to many; due to the fact that they are original, it seems unnecessary only at first glance. It is only relatively recently that Australian traditions have been born, and they largely involve the voluntary participation of all people.

At first, for most tourists, the position of Australians (“Ozzies” as they call themselves) seems too critical of their country and state. This may at some point create the misconception that Australians are unpatriotic. But this attitude will immediately change as soon as you see the celebration of AZNAK Day at least once.

This day is celebrated on April 25, at which time veterans of all the wars in which Austria took part show off their uniforms by marching along the main streets of cities from all over the country. AZNAK Day is a national day of remembrance when the entire country honors its veterans. The capital Canbber and the city of Sydney host the most grandiose celebrations. There are parades here all day long, and as evening falls, spectacular fireworks displays begin. (video)

Student 2

The soldiers were called "assigns" of the joint New Zealand and Australian Army Corps (ANZAC), which was part of the British army, which took part in the First World War and landed on April 25, 1915 on the Gallipoli Peninsula to take part in the landing operation of the Entente forces. Soldiers in the New Zealand and Australian armies are still named in the same way today, and they are very proud of it; the country’s famous oatmeal cookies were also named after them. Restaurants and bars in Australia are closed only three days a year - on New Year's Day, Christmas Day and the morning of AZNAC Day. These three national holidays are held annually and the days of celebration do not change, which cannot be said about the others.

Student 3

According to people who have visited Australia, the most common and amazing tradition for foreigners among the “Ozzies” is the horse racing game, which takes place once a year. The whole country comes to a standstill on the first Tuesday in November, as the nation's largest horse races begin for the Melbourne Cup. And in the state of Victoria, its residents are given a paid day off to take part in the races. Throughout the year, almost no one remembers the races, but on this day, absolutely every man, woman and child considers it their duty to place a bet, which averages $6.

Student 4

Australia is a heterogeneous country, but all Australians are united by the so-called “nepotism” touch on their customs of celebrating even small holidays and memorable dates.

A distinctive feature of this way of life is the extremely common custom of setting up stalls containing pies and other home-made baked goods in order to raise funds for various events. Numerous small village communities are very proud to ask their neighbors for money. It is much better to earn them in a quick and easy way. If you are a lover of real jam and real home-made baked goods, then buy such delicacies in these “family tents” - especially in the tents run by the Rural Women’s Association.

Student 5

Australians also take pride in their regular long and large picnics. They can be presented in different ways - lunches on a village alley covered with leaves, a barbecue somewhere on the slope of a grassy hill, or a trip to a remote bush, near water, but always far from the city. Typically, such outings are organized by several families at once, traveling in spacious vans.

Such outings are considered to be a manifestation of the inherited passion for overcoming all difficulties from previous generations. "Ozzies" are easy-going, philosophical in their approach to difficulties, since they themselves are considered the product of an intricate shift of ethnic groups. All European nations are represented here and therefore the attitude towards, for example, death, birth, divorce and marriage in each family is specific.

Student 3

There are no strong roots in the religion of Australia, statistics show that 2/3 of the population profess a different faith, and approximately 30% of the inhabitants are atheists, but if you believe in God, then you can safely attend church on Sundays. Australia is famous for its great racial and religious tolerance.

Presenter 1 So we have completed our journey through English-speaking countries. And now we invite you to listen to the song of the legendary British group from Liverpool, the Beatles. Today, the Beatles are known to contemporaries as the author of popular retro songs such as Yesterday, Let It Be, Help, Yellow Submarine and others. However, few people know that this group had the most resounding success in the history of show business, which has never been repeated.

Students perform the Beatles song “Yesterday”

Presenter 2 On our stage there is a poster with a tree of luck. This is a tribute to another English-speaking tradition. During many holidays, such posters are made by the party planners, and then each of the guests can try their luck by taking a fortune card from the tree of fortune. We invite you, the participants of our evening, to try your luck. At the end of our event, everyone can pick predictions from the tree of luck.

Thank you all for your attention.

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Holidays in England

New Year, January 1st. The most important custom of this winter holiday, which the British invariably respect, is the tradition of the first guest. If a dark-haired man enters the house after midnight, then the next year will be successful for this family. The guest must bring a coal with him and, without saying a word, throw it into the fireplace, and only after that congratulate the hosts. This custom means that peace and prosperity will reign in the house.

One of the favorite holidays of the British, which is celebrated on a grand scale. Secret presentation of gifts, pairing by drawing lots, exchange of sweets and soft toys - this Valentine's Day consists of nothing but surprises. And, of course, a wide variety of hearts.

Mother's Day, March 22. An analogue of our March 8th. This holiday has its roots in the Victorian era, when children from an early age had to earn money through hard work, being far from home. And they could only spend one day a year with their family. Now this is a holiday in England, when children give their mothers flowers and touching gifts.

Walpurgis Night, April 30. Witches' Sabbath or fertility festival. According to legend, at this time all the witches gather together and the gates to the land of the elves open. The streets of England are filled with witches of all ages - not real ones, of course, but townspeople in carnival costumes. This holiday also marks the imminent arrival of summer.

Chimney Sweep Festival, May 1st. The British believe that meeting a chimney sweep is a very good sign that brings good luck and happiness. Therefore, they are very often invited to weddings. This tradition originated a long time ago, from the times when the hard work of chimney sweeps was revered - they were respected at all times and were considered noble people.

Street entertainment festival, August 12. This holiday lasts several days, the streets of the cities are filled with noisy crowds. Carnivals, parades, concerts, theatrical performances, folk festivals, colorful fairs, competitions and attractions - on this day few people stay at home, everyone succumbs to the general noisy and cheerful mood.

Halloween, October 31st. Every year on this day, the streets of England turn into a real fairy tale with witches in hats, devils with pitchforks, ominous pumpkins, and other “cute” characters. Children dressed as fairy-tale characters go from house to house with baskets, and according to tradition, they should be treated to sweets, otherwise there will be no luck.

Christmas, December 25th. A favorite holiday not only for English children, but also for the older generation. According to tradition, all residents of England hang stockings or socks on the fireplace so that Santa Claus can put gifts in them. If you believe the legend, once upon a time Santa accidentally dropped a gold coin into his sock through a chimney, and since then there has been a custom of hanging a stocking on the fireplace on Christmas Eve - what if something falls there?

Holidays in Scotland

New Year, January 1st. In Scotland, this holiday is called Hogmanay, and is celebrated on a larger scale than Christmas. Here, just like in England, there is a tradition for the first guest to bring cookies, whiskey or fruit pie. After midnight, the owners open the doors of their houses wide open to celebrate the old year, and processions with torches are organized on the streets to drive out evil spirits with fire.

Robert Burns Night, January 25th. A very revered holiday in Scotland in honor of the national and famous poet, of which the Scots are very proud and honor his memory every year. This event is celebrated according to a certain scenario, in national costumes, with skits, poetry readings, songs, dances and a gala dinner.

Whiskey Festival, May 3. This holiday has no specific origins; on this day, the Scots simply gather to have fun. Noble alcohol flows like a river, and competitions are held with prizes for rare varieties of whiskey.

Independence Day, June 24. As the story goes, on this day in 1324, Robert the Bruce (King of Scotland) defeated the English King, restoring independence in his country. Today this holiday is celebrated on a grand scale - with folk festivities, concerts, festivals, national songs and dances.

Bagpipe Championship, August 14. This event takes place annually in Green Park (Glasgow) throughout the day. An indispensable condition: each participant must be dressed in a national Scottish costume with a mandatory kilt.

St. Andrew's Day, November 30. The day of the patron saint of Scotland, St. Andrew, is the country's official holiday. It is celebrated very widely: with performances, fairs, music and dancing. On the tables on this day there is exclusively traditional food.

Holidays in Ireland

New Year, January 1st. The most ancient holiday in Ireland, it is celebrated mainly in the family circle at the festive table. On New Year's Eve, the Irish traditionally open the doors for good luck, prepare national dishes (pudding and cumin pie), and wait for any guests, who, according to tradition, must bring bread and salt to the owners. Unfortunately, there are no fireworks or fireworks in Ireland, as they are prohibited by law.

St.Patrick 's Day. March 17. Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, so this holiday is considered very important among the Irish. Only in this country is it celebrated on a grand scale and marks the arrival of spring. On this day, residents put on red wigs and green suits, and, not forgetting to grab pots of clover (the symbol of Ireland), rush to the parade, where dancing, music and fireworks await them.

Harvest Festival, August 1st. In Ireland, the imminent arrival of autumn is celebrated with the festival of Lughnasadh, which means “the wedding of the Lugh.” Its essence is gratitude to the gods for a good harvest. On this day, the Irish eat loaves of grain from the new harvest, light fires in the hills, bake traditional blueberry pies and make straw dolls.

Christmas, December 25th. It is considered the most important holiday in Ireland. Children decorate the Christmas tree, hang red stockings on the fireplace, leave pies for Santa's reindeer, adults stuff the turkey and make dried fruit pudding, and hang bells and holly wreaths on the door. And on the streets artists of different genres perform, choirs sing Christmas songs and fairs and sales take place.

St. Stephen's Day, December 26th. A holiday celebrated only in Ireland. On this day, all Irish boys dress up as chimney sweeps, smear soot on their faces, sing hymns and collect money, which then goes to charity. Horse racing is also held on this day, as St. Stephen is the patron saint of horses.

Holidays in Australia

New Year, January 1st. In Australia, the New Year comes early. This holiday is celebrated wildly, with music shows and magnificent fireworks. After the clock strikes midnight, the festivities are traditionally interrupted by the ringing of bells and car horns, after which Australians continue the celebrations at picnics, rodeos, beach parties, costume carnivals, etc.

Australia Day, January 26th. The most favorite holiday of the inhabitants of this country. Parades and regattas take place throughout Australia, with beautiful fireworks flying into the sky in all regions. Music festivals, cricket matches, the presentation of the honorary award “Australian of the Year” - the local population celebrates this holiday on a grand scale. Houses are decorated with flags and balloons, and all Australians give each other gifts.

Royal Regatta, February 9. This holiday lasts three days and a huge crowd of spectators gathers to watch it. The regatta includes water skiing, rowing, boat racing, sailing and a colorful event where the most beautiful girl is crowned Miss Regatta. There are also exciting shows - swimming competitions and performances by sky diving professionals.

Mardi Gras Festival, February 24. Parade-carnival of people of non-traditional sexual orientation. It is the largest festival in the world and carries an almost cult-like connotation. Every year, crowds of spectators gather at this event to watch dancers in erotic costumes, exotic cabaret, theatrical performances and musical shows. Every year this festival is visited by celebrities from all over the world.

Harmony Day, March 21. In Australia it is not so much a holiday as a social event. On this day, every Australian attaches an orange ribbon to their clothing, thereby protesting against racism and racial discrimination. Schoolchildren wear an orange badge and a sticker depicting happy people of different races, and students draw leaflets and hand them out to passers-by - this is how Australians say “no” to racism.

Father's Day, September 6th. The essence of the holiday is to emphasize the important role a father plays in raising his child. In Australia, this day is celebrated with great joy, children enthusiastically draw cards for their dads, uncles and grandfathers, make crafts with their own hands, and give the most popular gift - a tie. Father's Day is a home holiday where the whole family gets together and plays exciting intellectual games.

Christmas, December 25th. This holiday is held in Australia in a very colorful and original way. Sellers, drivers and ordinary employees wear hats with reindeer horns, and Santa Claus walks around shopping centers and takes pictures with children. On Christmas night, life on the city streets comes to a standstill - everyone gathers at the festive table. Traditional holiday dishes include turkey, fruit salad and seafood.

Boxing Day, December 26th. The day when all Australians traditionally exchange gifts. What’s interesting: if you don’t like the gift, the giver can exchange it in the store for something else. A gift is always given in a box, so it takes a long time to unpack it - for intrigue. This is the whole essence of this Australian holiday.

Holidays in the USA and Canada

New Year, January 1st. In Canada and many US states, it is customary to celebrate the New Year in fancy dress and masks, which are removed at midnight. In other states, people simply gather with the whole family around the festive table with traditional New Year's dishes. Also, a large number of people specially come to New York to watch a grandiose holiday concert with fireworks in Times Square.

Groundhog Day, February 2. An annual holiday much loved by Americans. They believe that the groundhog can predict the coming of spring; you just need to watch his behavior. According to legend, if a groundhog calmly crawls out of its hole, then winter will soon end. If he looks out and hides again, then the cold will last at least another month. Very often, Groundhog Day is celebrated with festivals that attract many tourists.

Valentine's Day, February 14th. A traditional holiday in the USA and Canada, accompanied by Valentine hearts and chocolates. Recently, on Valentine's Day in these countries, it is customary to give modern gadgets and other practical and useful things. It is on February 14 that the largest number of wedding ceremonies occur.

Grandparents Day, September 5th. This holiday was invented by a housewife from West Virginia. But the Americans liked the idea so much that it was decided to make the holiday national. On this day, the whole family comes to their elderly with flowers and gifts to play old-fashioned games and look at yellowed photographs, and grandparents treat their children and grandchildren to sweet pies.

Halloween, October 31st. The most popular holiday in the USA and Canada, which is also called All Saints' Day. It’s almost a fairy-tale spectacle when kids dressed in “scary” costumes knock on the doors of houses with the words “Trick or treat!” in the hope of turning out sweets. Residential buildings are decorated with pumpkins with “glowing eyes,” figurines of black cats, witch dolls, and other mystical creatures and symbols.

Thanksgiving Day, November 26th. It is also a very popular holiday among Americans. There are many traditions associated with it, which the residents reverence sacredly - they always go to church services and gather with the whole family at the festive table. On this day, charity flourishes - gifts are given to the homeless and needy. The most important attribute of the holiday is the stuffed turkey.

Christmas, December 25th. People in the USA and Canada prepare for this holiday in advance - they buy gifts and Christmas tree decorations, decorate their houses with tinsel and garlands. All states are full of festive illuminations and colorful lanterns, and the main Christmas tree of America is lit by the president himself. Children dressed as angels go around the surrounding houses and sing Christmas carols, for which they traditionally receive candies and sweets.

Table of contents

Introduction

USA

Independence Day

Sport

Halloween

Thanksgiving

Christmas

Valentine's Day

England

Ways of Everyday Live

Everything is Another Way Round

Lunch at 1 o'clock

English Sunday

English Tea

Fireplaces

Pubs

English Habits of Politeness

Manners in Public

British Institutes

Education in Britain

Cambridge

Transport in Britain

British Literature

Sports in Great Britain

Conclusion

Introduction

The object of study of my work is the customs and traditions of English-speaking countries. And I want to say that the life of these countries is full of traditions and seems very reasonable; others are curious, sometimes funny, sometimes they exist only to attract tourists. Many traditions appeared very

many centuries have passed a long time ago, others appeared relatively recently. But

some of them have long outlived themselves and become burdensome and remain only because of the well-known English conservatism. There are many traditions associated with historical events, Parliament, court, university life, as well as traditions and customs that appear in everyday life.

Approximately one third of the world's population speaks English. For some, it is native, for others, due to historical circumstances, it has become second after native. In countries where the English language was introduced, it is distorted and transformed taking into account new “living conditions” for it, “adapts” to local customs and traditions, taking on various dialect forms.

A similar thing happened with the original English traditions. In different places they acquired their own interpretation and gradually changed, even to such an extent that when compared it is hardly possible to find similar features in the old English tradition and in the transformed one.

The purpose of my work is to study the generalized experience of life and traditions of English-speaking countries. For people who are going to travel around the world, it is especially important to know the language, customs, and traditions of the country they are going to visit. It is impossible, for example, to come to Scotland and laugh at their national clothing - plaid skirts; or, for example, be surprised that the Queen of Great Britain begins her day with breakfast - oatmeal - and this has long been a custom for her. In order to avoid such a situation, before going to any country, you need to familiarize yourself with at least the generally accepted customs of that country.

One of the main traditions of most countries in the world is the celebration of their national holiday. In France it is Bastille Day, in the USA it is Independence Day, in Germany there are two national holidays - Liberation Day and Republic Day. In our country it is Sovereignty Day.

What about national holidays in the UK? Being

an island state, Britain has long influenced the political and socio-economic development of other states. By pursuing a flexible policy, Britain was able to take part in most international military conflicts without allowing military action on its territory. All this contributed to the development of a high standard of living and well-being of the English people. The British felt little need for national self-affirmation or a special day to celebrate being British. The people of the United Kingdom did not feel the need to remind themselves and others every year that, for example, the British Parliament, whose age had exceeded seven centuries, was becoming another year older, or that the trade unions were the oldest trade unions in the world. True, in the last years of the British Empire, Empire Day was introduced, but it was not celebrated for long, and was a day off only for schoolchildren and teachers. It was replaced in 1958 by Commonwealth Day, which has been celebrated in June since 1966 as the monarch's official birthday. The British think something like this: “We have already made our presence known to the world sufficiently not to repeat ourselves every year.” But a national holiday is still necessary for official purposes - for example, ambassadors abroad are supposed to hold receptions in honor of their country’s day, they appear on television in the country where they represent their homeland, etc.

The national holiday of the United Kingdom is the birthday of the monarch, which has already been mentioned. And now I want to dwell on something special that is typical for some English-speaking countries.

“Do you speak English?” with this phrase begins the conversation between two people, that speak different languages and want to find a common language. It’s very good when you hear: “Yes I do,” and start talking. People of different countries and nations have to get along well with the progress in world trade and technology as well as with each other. So it is very useful to learn foreign languages. Knowledge of foreign languages helps us to develop friendship and understanding among people. English is very popular now. It’s the language of computers, science, business, sport and politics. It is official language of United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States of America, Canada, Australia. There are more than 1 billion speakers of English of the World.

Speaking a foreign language you are read papers, magazines, and original books by great writers, watch satellite TV Programs. If you like traveling you can go anywhere without being afraid that other people will not understand you. English is very important to find a good job.

USA

Independence Day

On July 4 the Americans celebrate their national holiday-independence Day. The United States gained independence as a result of a gradual and painful process. By the mid 1700’s it became difficult for thirteen British colonies in the New World to be ruled by a kind 3000 miles across the. The British Empire imposed high taxes upon the colonies.

In 1774, the First Continental Congress drew up a list of grievances against the British crown. This document was the first draft of the document that would formally separate colonies from England. In 1755, the Revolutionary War began. On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress presented a second draft of the list of grievances. On July 4 the Continental Congress approved the declaration of Independence. But the War of independence lasted until 1783. After the war Independence Day became an official holiday.

On July 4, Americans have holiday from work. People have a day-long picnic with favorite foods like hot dog, hamburgers, potato salad, baked beans. Lively music is heard everywhere. People play baseball or compete three-legged races or pie-eating or water-melon-eating contests. Some cities have parades with people dressed as the original founding fathers who march to the music of high school bands. In the evening people gather to watch firework displays. Wherever Americans are around the globe they will get together to celebrate Independence Day.

Sport

Americans’ interest in sport seems excessive to many foreign visitors. Television networks spend millions of dollars arranging to telecast sport events. Publications about sports sell widely. In the US professional athletes can become national heroes.

Sports are associated with educational institutions in a way is unique. High schools have coaches as faculty members, and school teams compete with each other.

Nowhere else in the world are sports associated with colleges and universities in the way they are in the States. College sports, especially football, are conducted in an atmosphere of intense excitement and pageantry. Games between teams attract national television audiences

The sport that is most popular in most of the world-soccer-is not well known in the US. The most popular sports are football and baseball, games that are not played in large number of countries.

Spots play such an important role in American life that the sociology of sport, sport medicine, and sport psychology have become respectable specializations.

Many Americans jog every day, or play tennis or bridge two or three times a week. They go on ski trips and hunting expeditions that require weeks of planning and organizing. In Americans’ view, all these activities are worth the discomfort they may cause because they contribute to health and physical fitness. That is probably why Americans are known as a healthy nation.

Americans are very fond of sport. The most popular sports in USA are football, baseball, basketball and ice hockey.

American football derives from the English game of rugby. It started at Harvard University in the1870’s. It is a game for two teams of eleven men on field. The object of the game is to have control of the ball and to score points by carrying it across the goal-line.

Baseball is a team game derived from the English game of cricket. It is played with a bat and ball by two teams of nine players each, on a field with four bases. Baseball is the national game in the USA and it is very popular in Canada too.

Basketball is a game which nowadays is popular all over the world. It was invented in 1891. During the ‘20s the first US league championship was organized. In the ‘70s the American Championship was divided into two leagues: the ABA (American Basketball Association), which does not exist any longer and which played with a blue, red and white ball and NBA (National Basketball Association).

The NBA is a professional league which still plays.

There are more activities which Americans take part in such as golf, swimming, tennis, aerobics, wrestling, etc.

H alloween

Halloween is a festival that takes place on October 31. In the us children wear costumes and masks and go trick-or-treating. Many of them carve jack-o’-lantens out of pumpkins. Fortunetelling and storytelling about ghosts and witches are popular activities.

Halloween developed from new year festivals and festivals of the dead. Christian church established a festival on November 1 called All Saints’ Day so that people could continue to celebrate their festivals. The Mass said on All Saints’ Day was called Allhallowmass. The day before All Saints Day was known all hallows Eve or Halloween.

The main Halloween activity for children is trick-or-treating. Children dress in costumes and masks and go from door to door saying “trick or treat”. The neighbors give children such treats as candy, fruit and pennies so that children do not play tricks on them.

Jack-o'-lanterns are hallowed-out pumpkins with face carved into one side. Most jack-o-lanterns contain a cantle inside. An Irish legend says that jack-o’-lanterns are named after the man called jack. He could not enter heaven because he was a miser, and he could not enter hell because he had played jokes on devil. As a result, Jack has to walk on the earth with his lantern until Judgment Day.

Fortunetelling an important part of Halloween. For example, a coin, a ring, and thimble were baked into a cake. It was believed that the person who found the ring would marry soon. And the person who found the thimble would never get married. Today people practice cardreading or palmistry.

People once believed that there were many ghosts and witches on the Earth and that they met on October 31 to worship the devil. Today, people do not believe in ghosts and witches but they like to tell stories about them on Halloween.

Thanksgiving

Almost in every culture in the world there is a celebration of thanks for rich harvest. The American Thanksgiving began as a feast of thanksgiving almost four hundred years ago.

In 1620, a religious community sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to settle in the New World. They settled in what is now known as the state of Massachusetts. Their first winter in America was difficult. They arrived too late to grow a rich harvest. Moreover, half the colony died from disease. The following spring the Iroquois Indians taught them how to grow corn. Indians showed them also how to grow other crops and how to hunt and fish.

In the autumn of 1621 they got a beautiful harvest of corn, barley, beans and pumpkins. The colonists had much to be thankful for, so they planned a feast. Local Indian chief and ninety Indians were present. The colonists learned from Indians how to cook cranberries and dishes of corn and pumpkins.

In the following years many of the colonists celebrated the harvest with a feast of thanks. After the United States gained independence, Congress recommended one yearly day of thanksgiving for the whole country. Later George Washington suggested the date November 26 as Thanksgiving Day. Than, after the civil war, Abraham Lincoln suggested the last Thursday in November to be the day of thanksgiving.

On Thanksgiving Day, family members gather at the house of an older relative, even if they are far away. All give thanks for everything good theyhave. Charitable organizations offer traditional meals to the homeless.

Foods, eaten at the first thanksgiving, have become traditional. The traditional thanksgiving meal consists of roast turkey stuffed with herb- flavored bread, cranberry jelly, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie. Other dishes may vary as to region: ham, sweet potatoes, creamed corn.

Christmas

Christmas is Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. For millions of Christmas throughout the world it is the happiest and the busiest time of the year. No one knows the exact date of Christ’s birth but most Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25. The world Christmas comes from Christes maesse, an early English phrase that means Mass of Christ.

People of different countries celebrate Christmas in various ways. People in the United States and Canada decorate their homes with Christmas trees, wreaths and ornaments. City streets are filled with colored lights; the sound of bells and Christmas carols can be heard everywhere.

Children write letters to Santa Claus and tell him what presents they would like to get. Many department stores hire people to a Santa Claus costume and listen to children’s requests. People send Christmas cards torelatives and friends. Many companies give presents to their employees.

A Christmas tree is one of the main symbols of Christmas in most homes. Relatives and friends may join in trimming the tree with lights, tinsel, and colorful ornaments. Presents are placed under the tree. On Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, families open their presents. Many children believe that Santa Claus arrives on Christmas Eve in a sleigh pulled by reindeer and brings present. Some children hang up stockings so Santa Claus can fill them with candy, fruits and other small gifts.

In many parts of the United States and Canada groups of people walk from house to house and sing Christmas carols. Some people give singers money or small gifts or invite them for a warm drink. Many people attend church services on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. They listen to readings from the Bible and singing Christmas carols.

A traditional Christmas dinner consists of stuffed turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce a variety of other dishes. Some families have ham or roast goose instead of turkey. Pumpkin pie, plum pudding, and fruitcakeare favorite desserts.

Valentine's Day

There are several legends about St. Valentine's Day. One of the legends says that Valentine was Christian pries who lived in the 3rd century A.D. he was put into prison by roman authorities for his teachings and was beheaded on February cured his jailer’s daughter of her blindness. Before the execution he wrote her a letter signed “From Your Valentine”. Another legend says that the same Valentine wrote to children and friends who loved him from the jail.

According to another legend, Valentine was an Italian bishop who lived at about the same time. He was thrown into prison because he secretly married couples, contrary to the laws of the Roman Empire. The legend says that he was burned at the stake.

February 14 was also a Roman holiday. On this day young men randomly chose the name of the girl to escort to the festival. The custom of choosing a sweetheart on this day became very popular in the medieval Europe. Later this custom spread to American colonies.

Now, St. Valentine's Day is the day of sweethearts. On this day, people show their friends relatives and loved ones that they care. People send candy of flowers to those whom they love. Most people send “valentines”, greeting cards named after St. Valentine's letters written from jail.

Valentines can be sentimental and romantic, or funny and friendly.

Valentines can be anonymous. Valentines can be heard-shaped or can carry hearts on them. People buy valentines or make them themselves.

England

England is the largest and the richest country of Great Britain. The capital of England is London but there are other large industrial cities, such as Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and other famous and interesting cities such as York, Chester, Oxford and Cambridge.

Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistoric places in the world. This ancient circle of stones stands in South-west England. It measures 30 meters across and made with massive blocks of stone up to four meters high. Why it was built is a mystery.

Not far from Stonehenge stands Salisbury Cathedral. It is a splendid example of an English Gothic Cathedral; inside there is one of four copies of Magna Charta and the oldest clock in England.

Chester is very important town in the north-west of England. In the past it was used to be a Roman fort; its name comes from the Latin word castra, meaning “fortified camp”. In Chester there is a famous museum which contains over 5000 ancient and modern toys.

Oxford is the home of the oldest university of England. The most famous college is Christ Church. It has a great hall which was built during the reign of Henry 8 and its chapel has become the Cathedral of Oxford.

Cambridge is the capital of Britain’s second oldest university.

York was the capital of Northern England. It is one of the best preserved medieval cities of Europe. It was built by Romans, conquered by Anglo-Saxons and ruled by the Vikings. Birmingham is often called the “City of 1500 trades” because of the great variety of its industries.

Ways of Everyday Live

Very often when speaking of English traditions we think first of some curious theatrical ceremonies of the court* or parliamentary procedure. There come to our mind the medieval uniforms of the guards, the solemn cloaks and wigs of the judges or the top hats (bowlers) and the invariable umbrellas of the clerks of the London City.

But the word “tradition” does not mean only that. First and foremost “tradition” is the generally accepted made or way of living, acting, behaving of just doing things. There are many very good traditions of this kind in the everyday life of the English.

Everything is the Other Way Round

In England everything is the other way round. On Sunday on the Continent even the poorest person puts on his best suit, tries to look respectable, and at the same time the life of the country becomes gay and cheerful; in England even the richest peer or motor-car manufacturer dresses in some peculiar rags, does not shave, and the country becomes dull and dreary.

On the Continent there is one topic, which should be avoided – the weather; in England, if you do not repeat the phrase “Lovely day, isn’t it?” at least two hundred times a day, you are considered a bit dull. On the Continent Sunday papers appear on Monday; in England – a country of exotic oddities – they appear on Sunday.

On a continental bus approaching a request stop the conductor rings the bell if he wants his bus to go on without stopping; in England you ring the bell if you want the bus to stop. On the Continent people have good food; in England people have good table manners.

On the Continent public speakers try to learn to speak fluently and smoothly; in England they take a special course in Oxonian stuttering.

On the Continent learned person love to quote Aristotle, Horace, Montaigne and show off their knowledge; in England only uneducated people show off their knowledge, nobody quotes Latin or Greek authors in the course of a conversation, unless he has never read them.

Continental people are sensitive and touchy; the English take everything with an exquisite sense of humor – they are only offended if you tell them that they have no sense of humour.

People on the Continent either tell you the truth or lie; in England they hardly ever lie, but they would not – dream of telling you the truth.

Many continentals think life is a game; the English think cricket is a game.

Lunch at 1 o'clock

Many foreigners are sometimes taken back when they are faced with this typically English custom for the first time.

Whatever one is doing, no matter how important it is, or seems to be – a parliamentary debate or any kind of business routine – as soon as the clock strikes one everybody breaks for lunch.

The time from one to two o’clock is a “sacred” hour in England. And it appears to be not only good for health – having meals at regular times is certainly healthy – but it is very convenient socially as well. Everybody knows that there is no use trying to get in touch with some official, business executive or firm representative at this time. They won't be in. it is no use no waste your time going from one shop to another at one o’clock sharp they will open. For punctuality is also one of the English

traditions.

English Sunday

The so called Sunday Observance laws* prohibiting all kind of public entertainment on Sunday date back to the 17-18 century. The idea was to encourage people to go church and not to allow them “to profane the Lord’s Day” by amusing themselves.

Three hundred years have passed since then. Church services are attended by fewer people now than some decades ago. But the old custom of having a quiet Sunday is still alive. This is another English tradition preserved by law.

On Sunday you may visit a museum or go to a concert but all shops, theatres, dance and music halls are closed. This is rather illogical when compared with the unrestricted variety programs on radio and television or the fact that one can always go to the bingo-club to enjoy himself or to the cinema to see a “thriller” or the latest American “hit”.

Pubs* and restaurants are open only from 12 to 2, and from 5 to 10 p.m. The police are very strict and do not hesitate to withdraw the license from the proprietors who disregard closing time.

English Tea

The trouble with the tea is that originally was quite a good drink. So a group of the most eminent British scientists put their heads together, and made complicated biological experiments to find a way of spoiling it. To eternal glory of British science their labor bore fruit. They suggested that if you do not drink it clear, or with lemon or rum and sugar, but pour a few drops of cold milk into it, and no sugar at all, the desired object is achieved. Once this refreshing, aromatic, oriental beverage was successfully transformed into colorless and tasteless gargling-water, it suddenly became the national drink of Great Britain and Ireland – still retaining, indeed usurping, the high-sounding title of tea.

There are some occasions when you must not refuse a cup of tea, otherwise you are judged an exotic and barbarous bird without any hope of ever being able to take your place in civilized society.

If you are invited to an English home, at five o’clock in the morning you get a cup of tea. It is either brought in by a heartily smiling hosts or an almost malevolently silent maid. When you are disturbed in your sweetest morning sleep you must not say: “Madame (or Mabel), I think you are a cruel, spiteful and malignant person who deserved to be shot.” On the contrary, you have to declare with your best five o’clock smile: “Thank you so much.” I do adore a cup of early morning tea, especially early in the morning.” If they live you alone with the liquid, you may pour it down the

washbasin

Than you have tea for breakfast; then you have tea at eleven o’clock in the morning; then after lunch; then you have tea for tea; then for supper; and again at eleven o’clock at night. You mast not refuse any additional cups of tea under the following circumstances: is it is hot; if it is cold; if you are tired; if anybody thinks that you might be tired; if you are nervous; if you are gay; before you go out; if you have just returned home; if you feel like it; if you don't feel like it; if you have had no tea for some time; if you have just had a cup…

Fireplaces

In English homes, the fireplace has always been, until recent times, the natural center of interest in a room. People may like to sit at a window on a summer day, but for many months of the year prefer to sit round the fire and watch the dancing flames.

In the Middle Ages the fireplaces in the halls of large castles were very wide. Only wood was burnt, and large logs were carted in from the forests, and supported as they burnt, on metal bars. Such wide fireplaces may still be seen in old inns, and in some of them there are even seats inside the fireplace.

Elizabethan fireplaces often had carved stone or woodwork over the fireplace, reaching to the ceiling. There were sometimes columns on each side of the fireplace. In the 18th century, place was often provided over the fireplace for a painting or mirror.

When coal fires became common, fireplaces became much smaller. Grate were used to hold the coal. Above the fireplace there was usually a shelf on which there was often a clock, and perhaps framed photographs.

Pubs

Do you know what a pub is? The Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary defines it as a public house or building where people go to drink and to meet their friends. English men like to get together in the pub in the evening. The usual opening hours for pubs are on weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. On Sundays pubs may remain open for not more than 5 and a half hours.

Pubs usually have two drinking rooms called bars - the public and the saloon bar, which is more comfortable but more expensive. "Bar" also means the counter at which drinks are served.

Pubs serve alcoholic and other drinks and often light meals. The main drink served in pubs, is, of course, beer, light or dark. Light beer is usually called bitter. As for other kinds of alcohol, most pubs serve whiskey, gin and wine. Beer is always sold in pint or half-pint glasses. A pint is equivalent to 0.57 liter No alcoholic drinks may be served to young people under eighteen under British law.

In Great Britain today there are some 80,000 pubs located in different cities, country towns, villages, and so on. Of London "s 5,000 pubs some of the most interesting are right by the River Thames, downstream as well as up. Every English pub has its own sign and name. Some people refer to pub signs as a great open-air portrait gallery, which covers the whole country. But actually this gallery includes far more than portraits.

Some pub signs present different types of transport such as coaches, trams, ships, airplanes and even flying boards. There are signboards depicting animals, birds, fish as well as kings and queens, dukes and lords, sailors, soldiers, fat men and giants. A first class example of an heraldic pub sign is found near Leeds in

Yorkshire at Burley. The Butcher's Arms can be seen in Gloucestershire on a small typical English country pub near Sheepscombe.

At Cheltenham also in the same county you will see a sign showing the head of a horse, the name of the pub being Nags Head. At the village of Slad, also in Gloucestershire you can have a pint of lager in Woolpack and this pub sign shows a horse with two heavy packs of wool slung over it.

In Wales the most attractive sign in a number of pubs share the name of Market Tavern because all of them are on the pubs adjoining the market place.

In London the famous Sherlock Holmes pub with the big portrait of the famous detective smoking his favorite pipe attracts thousands of visitors Northumberland Avenue.

History, geography, fairytales are kept alive by the name or sign of the "local" (the neighborhood pub). As history is being made, so the owners of the pubs - usually the brewery companies - and individual publicans are quick to record it by new signs. Typical example is the "Sir Francis Chichester" named after the first man to sail alone around the world.

Not all British pubs have individual signboards, but a significant effort is being made now to retain old signs. Jerome K. Jerome, the creator of the internationally famous book "Three Men In a Boat" over a hundred years ago revealed himself at probably his most authoritative intro matter or pubs. He clearly was a pub man and you can consider his famous book not only a guidebook to the Thames but as the first of those now familiar surveys of recommended places where to sleep, eat and enjoy beer. But in many pubs one can also enjoy some traditional pub games. There are darts, cards, skittles, coin games and various table games, of which playing darts is the oldest one.

Some of these games are difficult to find, as pubs have updated their amenities by offering TV and video games, such as two-men tennis, fruit machines, pinball machines, and so on. There are also other pub entertainments, such as piano playing, folk-singing, jazz performances and even theaters. However, if such table games as billiards or table football which are played with two or four players as well as cards, dominoes and coin games are known in this country, skittles and darts are less familiar.

Skittles is one of the oldest pub games and dates back to medieval England, the object of the game being to knock down as many skittles as possible with a wooden ball. This pub game has lots of variations all over Britain. Darts is also an old game, "which was played by the Pilgrims in 1620 when they sailed, from England to the New World. That is why it is well known in the USA, too. To play this game one must first of all have a standard dartboard with numbers marked on it to indicate score. The outer ring counts double, the middle one treble while at the very center is the bull (50) with its own outer circle (25). Dart players should stand at least eight feet away from the board. The aim of the game is to score as quickly as possible with the least number, of throws. The actual score a player must get depends on the variety of game he is playing. Many pubs in Great Britain have their own darts teams. So, if you come to Britain drop in a pub, enjoy a pint of bitter and a “tongue sandwich, which speaks for itself.”

It sounds funny to foreigners but when it is closing time, the pub barman calls "Time!" or “Time, gentlemen, pleaser!”

English Habits of Politeness

English people do not readily ask each other to do anything, they prefer to wait for a service to be offered before asking for it. If they do ask, then they say something like “I don’t really like asking you, but...”

It is considered polite to give up one’s seat to a woman who is standing, to open the door for her, carry things for her, and so on.

Manners in Public

Our manners in public, like our manners in our homes, are based on self-respect and consideration for other people.

It is really surprising how stingy we are with our “Please” when we ask anyone to do something for us. We reluctantly part with our “Thank you”, as

it were the most difficult and costly thing in the world. We don’t stand aside for others to pass us in the trams, buses or the underground. We don’t rice to let people pass us to their seats in the theaters or movies.

1.Not to make yourself conspicuous, not to attract unfavorable attention to yourself or others, here are some of the rules for correct behavior in a public place.

2.Not to be conspicuous, don’t wear conspicuous clothes.

3.One should not talk loud or laugh loud.

4.No matter how trying the circumstance, do not give way to anger or uncontrolled emotion.

5.Never eat anything in the street, or in a public place (restaurants, buffets and cafes excluded).

6.Do not rudely push your way through crowds.

7.Never stare at people or point at them.

8.Do not ridicule or comment on anyone in public.

9. Reserve “affectate demonstration” (kissing, embracing, etc.) for appropriate places.

10.Don’t monopolize the sidewalk, by walking 3 or 4 abreast, or by stopping in the center to speak with someone.

11. When in the street keep to the right.

British institutes

Parliament is the most important authority in Britain. Parliament first met in the 13th century. Britain does not have a written constitution, but a set of laws. In 1689 Mary II and William III became the first constitution monarchs. They could rule only with the support of the Parliament. Technically Parliament is made up of three parts: the Monarch, the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

The continuity of the English monarchy has been interrupted only once during the Cromwell republic. Succession to the throne is hereditary but only for Protestants in the direct line of descent. Formally the monarch has a number of roles. The monarch is expected to be politically neutral, and should not make political decisions. Nevertheless, the monarch still performs some important executive and legislative duties including opening and dissolving Parliament, singing bills passed by both Houses and fulfilling international duties as head of state. The present sovereign is

Queen Elizabeth II who was crowned in Westminster Abbey in 1953.

The House of Lords comprises about 1,200 peers. The house is presided over by the Lord Chancellor. The House of Lords has no real power but acts as an advisory council for the House of Commons. As well as having legislative functions, the Lords is the highest court of appeal.

The House of Commons consists of members of Parliament who are elected by the adult suffrage of the British people in general elections which are held at least every five years. The country is divided into 650 constituencies each of which elects one Member of Parliament. The Commons therefore, has 650 Members of Parliament. The party which wins the most seats forms the Government and its leader becomes the Prime Minister. The functions of Commons are registration and security of government activities. The house is presided over by the Speaker. The government party sits on the Speaker’s right while on his left sit the members of the Opposition.

Education in Britain

In England and Wales compulsory school begins at the age of five, but before that age children can go to a nursery school, also called play school. School in compulsory till the children are 16 years old.

In Primary School and First School children learn to read and write and the basis of arithmetic. In the higher classes of Primary School (or in Middle School) children learn geography, history, religion and, in some schools, a foreign language. Than children go to Secondary School.

When students are 16 years old they may take an exam in various subjects on order to have a qualification. These qualifications can be either G.C.S.E. (General Certificate of Secondary education) or “O level” (ordinary level). After that students can either leave school and start working or continue their studies in the same school as before. If they continue, when they are 18, they have to take further examinations which are necessary for getting into university or college.

Some parents choose private schools for their children. They are very expensive but considered to provide a better education and good job opportunities.

In England there are 47 universities, including the Open University which teaches via TV and radio, about 400 colleges and institutes of higher education. The oldest universities in England are Oxford and Cambridge. Generally, universities award two kinds of degrees: the Bachelor’s degree and the Master’s degree.

Cambridge

Cambridge is located at a distance of 70 miles from London; the greater part of the town lies on the left bank of the river Cam crossed by several bridges.

Cambridge is one of the loveliest towns of England. It is very green presenting to a visitor a series of beautiful groupings of architecture, trees, gardens, laws and bridges. The main building material is stone having a pinkish color which adds life and warms to the picture at all seasons of the year.

The dominating factor in Cambridge is University, a center of education and learning. Newton, Byron, Darwin, Rutherford and many other scientists and writers were educated at Cambridge. In Cambridge everything centers on the university and its Colleges, the eldest of which was founded in 1284. They are 27 in number. The college is a group of buildings forming a square with a green lawn in the center. An old tradition does not allow the students to walk on the grass, this is the privilege of professors and head- students only. There is another tradition which the students are to follow: after sunset they are not allowed to go out without wearing a black cap and

a black cloak.

The University trains about 7,000 students. They study for 4 years, 3 teams a year. The long vacation lasts 3 months. They are trained by a tutor; each tutor has 10-12 students reading under his guidance. There is a close connection between the University and colleges, through they era separate in theory and practice.

A college is a place where you live no matter what profession you are trained for; so that students studying literature and those trained for physics belong to one and the same college. However the fact is that you are to be a member of a college in order to be a member of the University.

The students eat their meals in the college dining-hall. At some colleges there is a curious custom known as “sooncing”. If a should come late to dinner or not be dressed correctly or if he should break one of the little unwritten laws of behavior, then the senior student present may order him to be “soonced”. The Butler brings in a large silver cup, known as “sconce cup”, filled with offender, who must drink it in one attempt without taking the cup from his lips. (It holds two and half pints). If he

succeeds then the senior student pays for it, if not, the cup is passed round the table at the expense of the student who has been “conceded”. Now the origin of this custom.

Until 1954, undergraduates (students studying for the first degree) had to wear cloaks, called gowns, after dark, but now they are only obliged to wear them for dinner and some lectures. This tradition is disappearing, but one which is still upheld is that of punting on the Cam. It is a favorite summer pastime for students to take food, drink, guitars (or, alas, transistor radios) and girl friends on to a punt (a long, slim boat, rather like a gondola) and sail down the river, trying very hard to forget

about exams. Many students feel that they have not been christened into the University until they have fallen into the River Cam. This almost has become a tourist attraction.

Students also have an official excuse to “let themselves loose” once a year (usually in November) on Rag Day*.

On this day, hundreds of different schemes are thought up to collect money for charity, and it is not unusual to see students in the streets playing guitars, pianos, violins, singing, dancing, eating fire, fishing in drains for money, or even just lying in beds suspended over the street swinging a bucket for money to be thrown into.

On May 21st every year, Eton College and King's College, Cambridge, honor the memory of their founder, Henry VI, who died very suddenly, and was almost certainly murdered, in the Tower of London on that day in 1471. he is generally supposed to have been killed while at prayer in the Oratory of the Wakefield Tower, and here, on the anniversary, the Ceremony of the lilies and Roses now takes place. Representatives of both colleges walk in procession with Beefeaters and the Chaplain of the Tower, and the short service is conducted by the latter, during which a player composed by Henry himself is said. A marble tablet in the in the Oratory marks the

place where the King is believed to have died, and on each side of it flowers are laid - lilies from Eton bound with pale blue silk, and white roses from King’s College, bound with purple ribbon. They are left there for twenty-four hours, and then they are burnt.

Transport in Britain

You can reach England either by plane, by train, by car or by ship. The fastest way is by plane. London has three international airports: Heathrow, largest, connected to the city by underground; Gatwick, south of London, with a frequent train service; Luton, the smallest, used for charter flights.

If you go to England by train or by car you have to cross the Channel. There is a frequent service of steamers and ferry-boats which connect the continent to the south-east of England.

People in Britain drive on the left and generally overtake on the right. The speed limit is 0 miles per hour (50km/h) in towns and cities and 70 mph (110 km/h) on motorways.

When you are in London you can choose from different means of transport: bus, train, underground or taxi. The typical bus in London is a red double-decker. The first London bus started running between "> The next to arrive were the trains; now there are twelve railway stations in London. The world's first underground line was opened between Baker St. and the City in 1863. Now there are ten underground lines and 273 underground is also called the Tube, because of the circular shape of its deep tunnels.

British Literature

Great Britain gave the world a lot of talented people. Many famous writers and poets were born in Great Britain.

Robert Burns represents the generation of Romantic writers. In his poems he described with love and understanding the simple life he knew.

Among his well-known poems are Halloween, The Jolly Beggars, To a Mouse.

George Gordon Lord Byron. His free-spirited lie style combined with his poetic gift makes him one of the most famous figures of the Romantic Era. His famous works such as Stanzas to Augusta, The Prisoner of Chillon, Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage, Manfred draw readers into the passion, humors and conviction of a poet whose life and work truly embodied the Romantic spirit.

Sir Walter Scott wrote the first examples of historical novel; Lewis Carroll became famous when he published Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Places of Interest in Great Britain

Britain is rich in its historic places which link the present with the past.

The oldest part of London is Lud Hill, where the city was originated. About a mile west of it there is Westminster Palace, where the king lived and the Parliament met, and there is also Westminster Abbey, the coronation church.

Liverpool, the “city of ships”, is England’s second greatest port ranking after London. The most interesting sight in the Liverpool is the docks. They occupy a river frontage of seven miles. The University of Liverpool, established in 1903, is noted for its school of Tropical Medicine. And in the music world Liverpool is a well-known name, for it’s the town of “The Beatles”.

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument, presumably built by Druids, members of an order of priests in ancient Britain. Tintagel Castle is King reputed birthplace. Canterbury is the seat of the Archbishop o Canterbury, head of the Church of England.

The British Museum is the largest and riches museum in the world. It was founded in 1753 and contains one of the world's richest collections of antiquities. The Egyptian Galleries contain human and animal mummies. Some parts of Athens’ Parthenon are in the Greek section.

Madam Tussaud’s Museum is an exhibition of hundreds of life-size wax models of famous people of yesterday and today. The collection was started by Madam Tussaud, a French modeler in wax, in the 18th century. Here you can meet Marilyn Monroe, Elton John, Picasso, the Royal family, the Beatles and many others: writers, movie stars, singers, politicians, sportsmen, etc.

Sports in Great Britain

British people are very fond of sports. Sport is a part of their normal life. The two most popular games are football and cricket.

Football, also called soccer, is the most popular sport in the United Kingdom. England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own Football Leagues and national teams. Games are played on Saturday afternoons from August to April. In addition to the FL games there is a competition called the Football Associations Cup. The Cup Final is played at Wembley Stadium(London) in May.

Cricket is considered to be the English National game. Its rules are very complicated. Two teams of eleven men each play it, the player at a time tries to hit ball with a bat.

Golf is the Scottish national game. It originated in the XV century and the most famous golf course in the world, known as a Royal and Ancient Club, is at St. Andrew's.

Lawn tennis was first played in Britain in the late 19th century. The most famous British championship is Wimbledon, played annually during the last week of June and the fist week of July.

Those are the most popular kinds of sport in the UK. But there are many other sports such as rugby, golf, swimming, horse-racing and the traditional fox-hunting.

Conclusion

In conclusion of my work, I would like to note that in English-speaking countries there are interesting and diverse traditions and customs. Despite the fact that the traditions came from other countries to different “living conditions”, determined by local characteristics, they nevertheless have their roots in the distant, contradictory past of Great Britain.

It is amazing that over the course of many centuries, they have been able to survive, survive and remain relevant in the modern world of high technology. These customs and traditions are still modern and continue to exist in English-speaking countries, which attracts people interested in the history and development of these countries.

Studying the traditions of English-speaking countries helps to better understand and perceive the living conditions of people, their social status, the history of the country or

its individual regions.

Bibliography

1. KoscheevaN. E. English Reader Part II. English National TraditionsM. 1972.

2. Pinyagin Yu.N. Great Britain: history, culture, way of life - Perm: Perm Publishing House. Univ., 1996. – 296.

3. Satinova V.M. We read and talk about Britain and the British. Mn.: Vysh. school, 1997. – 255 p.

4. Traditions, customs and habits. M.: INFRA-M, 2001. – 127 p.