Holidays in English speaking countries

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There are many English speaking countries. They are situated in different continents. This makes cultures of English speaking countries very different from each other because the conditions of life are so much dissimilar that it influenced the beliefs and folklore of these countries.

In Britain traditions play more important part in the life of the people than in some other countries. English are proud of their traditions and carefully keep them up. There is a big difference of people between America and Britain. To the English their private lives are important, their holidays are important, their garden is important, their animals are important. For American the work is the most important thing in life. For many months of the year people like to sit round the fire and watch the dancing flames. Fire places are decorated with woodworks; there is a painting or a mirror over it. Above the fire there is usually a shelf with a clock and some photos. The English are a nation of stay-at-homes. There is no place like home. The Englishman is never tired to say "My house is my castle". The Americans are different. American customs underline independence and freedom of the nation. Still, there some holidays and traditions which are common for all English speaking countries.

Christmas is celebrated on December 25. It is observed as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is a traditional family reunion day. On this day, many people attend a church service, open their presents and eat a Christmas dinner. In Britain, Christmas is the most important public holiday of the year. It combines the custom of giving gifts with the tradition of spending this day with the family. Every year a huge Christmas tree, the gift of the Norwegian people, graces Trafalgar square.

New Year is a public holiday but it is not marked with any particular custom in Britain and America.

Easter is probably the most important religious festival in all English speaking countries. There is no specific date for this holiday but it usually occurs some time between March 22 and April 25.Easter commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. On Easter morning children start to look for Easter eggs hidden somewhere by the Easter bunny. It is traditionally associated with the coming of spring, and most churches are specially decorated with flowers for the service held on Easter Day. There is a popular belief that wearing three new things on Easter will bring good luck.

St. Valentine's Day is not the official holiday in most countries. February 14 is the day of lovers. Boys and girls, sweethearts and lovers, husbands and wives, friends and neighbours, and even the office staff exchange greetings of affection. Valentine's Day is a whirl of hearts, candy and good wishes in the form of bright, lacy, colorful cards.

On October 31, Halloween is celebrated. This is the eve of All Saints’ Day. Halloween is traditionally associated with telling ghost stories and bonfires. In the past, people believed that all witches, ghosts and other evil spirits wanted to take over the world on that day. To scare away the spirits, people started to get dressed in costumes, put on spooky mask and light bonfires.

There are also some special holidays which are usually celebrated in a particular country. Pancake Day is a traditional British holiday. But people don't only eat pancakes on this day, they run with them. In many towns in England pancake races are held every year. These races are run by housewives.

The most American holiday is Thanksgiving Day. It was first celebrated in early colonial times by Pilgrim Fathers after their first good harvest. Thanksgiving is a day when the family eats a large traditional dinner, usually with turkey and pumpkin pie.

For Ireland, the most important festival is St Patrick’s Day on March 17.St Patrick was born in fourth century and grew in Ireland. St Patrick put all his efforts to make Ireland a Christian country, establishing churches and schools everywhere. That is why St. Patrick is considered the Patron of Ireland.

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