BritishHolidaysandFestivals.docVIP

British Holidays and Festivals ⅠIntroduction Knowing a little bit about a country’s holidays and their origins is a good way of understanding this country’s way of life and people’s way of thinking. Holidays usually reflect a country’s religious, historical, social and cultural diversity. United Kingdom is a Christian country. Yet, its public holidays include not only religious ones, but also non-religious ones. Sometimes when we are in Britain, we see on the notices at the scenic spots’ doors that the spots close on Bank Holidays and Public Holidays. We know what public holidays are. They are like our Chinese national holiday, New Year’s Day, etc. But bank holidays are absolutely unique in Britain. The main holidays are as follows. United Kingdom Public Holidays Name Date Meaning New Year’s January 1 Celebration of the new year Good Friday March or April Christian religious holiday Easter Monday March or April Christian religious holiday Labor Day First Monday in May Celebration in honor of workers Late May Bank Holiday Last Monday in May Traditional bank holiday Whit Monday The day after Pentecost Christian religious holiday Queen’s Birthday Second Monday in June Celebration of birthday of Queen Elizabeth II Summer Bank Holiday Last Monday in August Traditional bank holiday (except Scotland) Christmas December 25 Celebration of Christmas Boxing Day December 26 Traditional holiday where gentry give presents to servants and others Source: Europa International Holidays; Holidays, Festivals, and Celebrations of the World Dictionary, 2nd edition British bank holidays have been recognized since 1871. The name Bank Holiday comes from the time when Banks were shut and so no trading could take place. Even though Banks are still closed on these days many shops now remain open. Traditionally on a Bank Holiday many businesses are closed to enable the workers to have a holiday. This time is often spent with the family on mini breaks and outings. Anyone