british traditions

Ответ от Monster[эксперт]
Every nation and every country has its own traditions and customs. In Britain traditions play a more important role in the life of people than in other countries. They say Britsh people are very conservative. They are proud of their traditions and carefully keep them up. But when we speak about British traditions we always remember that there are four parts in Britain – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Traditions are different in these parts of the country. You already know some of the English traditions and holidays. We hope you remember St. Valentine's Day, St.Patrick's Day, Halloween which have also become traditional American holidays. Here are some more facts about old English traditions. One of the old English legends says that London can be the capital of the country, rich and great until twelve black ravens live in the Tower of London. Each has got its name and the keepers carefully look after them. If one of the birds dies, another younger raven takes its place. Londoners believe this legend and always bring some food to give to the birds when they come to the Tower. The keepers cut the bird's wings a bit as they are afraid that they may fly away. Another old English tradition is Guy Fawkes Day. Children go out into the streets on the 5th of November with figures like scarecrows. They stand in the streets and squares asking for the usual “Penny for the Guy”. Then with the money they have collected they buy fireworks and burn the guy (the figure like a scarecrow) on their bonfire. People watch fireworks and some people go to parties in the evening. People in Russia have their own special traditions. One of them is Maslenitsa – the holiday, which lasts for a week, to say “goodbye” to winter. People celebrate it at the end of February or at the beginning of March. During this holiday they celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of spring. In old times people usually cooked pancakes, had fires, burnt straw scarecrows of winter, they sang songs and danced. Now during “Maslenitsa week” people always cook pancakes. They invite their friends, their nearest to see each other and eat pancakes with sour cream, fish, caviar or butter, sugar, honey. Though different countries have different traditions and holidays people all over the world know some of them. They are – Easter, Ghristmas and New Year.