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A CHOICE OF OLD BRITISH TRADITIONS AND HOLIDAYS Ebe Namsing 2013
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St George’s Day Celebrated on the 23rd of April Patron saint of England Originally a Roman soldier Popular holiday since the time of early Crusades Red rose in the button hole
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May Day The first day of the month of May Celebration of the coming of summer Most customs are expressions of joy and hope after a long winter Morris Dancing Dancing around a Maypole Carried out in England for over 2000 years
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May Day Origins of Morris Dancing Seen throughout the month of May traditional folkdancing Several thoughts about the origin Very lively an accompanied by different musicians What is a maypole? Young cut down trees stuck in the ground Dancing around it to celebrate end of Winter
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Well Dressing The decorating of wells, springs or other water sources with pictures made of growing things E.g. mosaic-like pictures made of plants
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Well Dressing Origins lie in pagan tradition To give thanks for the purity of water during the Black Death Takes place from May until late September
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Wassailing In the cider-producing counties in the South West or South East of England Singing and drinking to celebrate the health of trees in the hopes that they might live longer and thrive better The purpose is to awaken the cider apple trees and to scare away evil spirits to ensure a good harvest of fruit in the Autumn Wassail as a beverage
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Harvest Festival Used to be celebrated on August 1st (start of harvest season) Farmers made bread from the new wheat to give to their local church Harvest Supper to celebrate end of harvest Corn dollies
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Harvest Festival The old custom ended when Henry VIII broke away from the Catholic Church Celebrating Harvest Festival in churches as we know it today began in 1843 Nowadays celebrated at the end of the season
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Tar Barrel Racing Originated in the 17th century Celebrated on November 5th in Ottery St Mary Barrels soaked in tar Lit outside pubs Hoisted up onto local people's backs once the flames begin to pour out
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Tar Barrel Racing Seventeen Barrels are lit over the course of the evening Racing with barrels Began as a pagan ritual that cleanses the streets of evil spirits
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Boxing Day Celebrated on the 26th of December Traditionally, the day to open the Christmas Box to share the contents with the poor The Christmas box was a wooden or clay container where people placed gifts. The tradition of giving money to workers continues today
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Boxing Day Customary for householders to give small gifts to regular visiting trades people E.g. the milkman, dustman, coalman, paper boy In some work places employers give a Christmas bonus to employees
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References http://projectbritain.com/curious/calendar.htm http://projectbritain.com/curious/calendar.htm http://www.tarbarrels.co.uk/ http://www.tarbarrels.co.uk/ http://www.educationquizzes.com/blog-for-parents/wp- content/uploads/2013/05/mayday_1819459c.jpg http://www.educationquizzes.com/blog-for-parents/wp- content/uploads/2013/05/mayday_1819459c.jpg http://angelinasmusicbox.com/Images/Music_Boxes/Christmas /ChristmasBox.JPG http://angelinasmusicbox.com/Images/Music_Boxes/Christmas /ChristmasBox.JPG
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