You might have heard of this idiom: like turkeys voting for Christmas. Yet, you have never thought of the connection between turkeys and Christmas. Actually, there is a lot to explore in the western world, as far as special events and occasions. People, not only in the UK, do passionately wait for these events to commemorate anniversaries. They decorate their houses, exchange gifts, get ready for special meetings and many other rites. In fact, these rituals are indubitably a fine example about how eclectic the country’s cultural life is, and mainly, how vibrant streets and districts will be on these special days.
The UK is not an exception in the sense that there is a myriad of occasions, both religious and non-religious, to evoke. These events tell a lot about people’s history, their creeds and memories. The UK’s blend of races, diverse regional cultures and above all its solid connections to many beliefs make of its culture enormously magnificent.
Religious Events
Throughout the year, British families celebrate a host of occasions. They do passionately wait for these events to commemorate landmarks in their history or special events in their religion. They usually dress specific outfits, prepare special dishes, decorate their houses, visit their friends or attend art meetings. From street parties to national festivals, British cultural life provides various activities that appeal to dwellers before visitors. Christmas and Easter are the chief religious seasons in the Christian calendar. At Christmas, going to church to perform prayers on Christmas Eve is needed if not an act of faith. The following day is known as Christmas Day, which is more cultural than religious.
Non-religious Events
As for national occasions, there are many festivals dedicated to art, literature and language. The Edinburgh Festival and the National Eisteddfod are held to enjoy comedy, poetry and all that is artistic. On 25th of January, the Scots meet to read the poems of Robert Burns. They dedicate the whole night to Scottish poetry. They often hold a special supper on Burns’ Night with toasts and readings of his poetry. Men might wear kilts and there may be bagpipe music too. with their friends or family members through reading the poems of Robert Burns.
British cultural life is indeed full of events and occasions, which might baffle attendees for their variety, richness and above all universality.