British Traditions

Every nation and every country has its own customs and traditions. In Britain traditions play probably a more important part in people's life than in other countries.

The British are proud of their traditions and carefully keep them up. Some ceremonies are rather formal, such as the changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, trooping the colour, the State Opening of Parliament. Sometimes you will see a group of cavalrymen riding on black horses through the streets of London. They wear red uniforms, shining helmets, long black boots, and long white gloves. These men are Life Guards. Their special duty is to guard the king or the queen of Great Britain and very important guests of the country.

To this day a British family prefers a house with a fireplace and a garden to a flat in a modern house with central heating. Most British love gardens. Sometimes the garden in front of the house is a little square covered with cement painted green in imitation of grass and a flower-bed. They love flowers very much.

The British like animals very much too. In Britain they have special dog shops selling food, clothes, and other things for dogs and cats.

Holidays are especially rich in old traditions and are different in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and England. For instance, Christmas is a great English national holiday and in Scotland it is not observed at all.