British traditions.

Every country and every nation has own traditions and customs. Traditions are important as they help to build
bridges between the present and the past. They are a way to pass on the values, morals, customs and culture from
one generation to the next. Traditions give people a sense of belonging, a feeling of connection to their roots.
British people are proud of their traditions and carefully keep them up.
The oldest and the most important traditions in Britain are connected with the Royal family.
Trooping the Colour is a ceremony that marks the Queen’s official birthday in June. It is the biggest royal event
of the year. The tradition goes back to the days when the flags or “colours” were trooped in front of soldiers to
make sure everyone could recognize their flag in battle. Today hundreds of soldiers, musicians and horses take
part in this impressive parade. It takes place on Horse Guards Parade, with the Queen herself attending and
taking the salute. After the event, the Royal Family gathers on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch a
Royal Air Force fly-past.
The Changing of the Guard is another iconic ceremony, which has been taking place at Buckingham Palace for
more than 500 years. It marks the moment when the Old Guard, the soldiers currently on duty, are exchanged
with the New Guard. The ceremony is accompanied by a military band playing traditional military marches,
well-known pop songs and songs from musicals.

The Ceremony of the Keys has taken place at the Tower of London for over 700 years. It is one of the most
fascinating rituals held every evening at 9.53 p.m., when the main gates of the Tower are locked for the night to
protect the Crown Jewels and ensure the security of the Tower of London.

For five days every summer, the royal family participates in Swan Upping, one of the oddest Royal traditions. It
goes back to the Middle Ages when swans were considered a status symbol and a delicacy. To own them, you
needed to purchase an official swan mark from the government. Any unmarked swans in open waters belonged to
the Crown. The swan population was counted in order to ensure a good supply of meat for royal banquets. Today
swans are no longer eaten, they are counted, weighed, marked and their health is checked. Now Swan Upping is
more about education and conservation.

Every town and village in Britain has its own traditions. Some of them involve weeks of careful preparations
of costumes and choreography, others require simply a desire to have fun. From Guy Fawkes Night and Maypole
dancing to pancake races and cheese rolling, these unique celebrations have stood the test of time.

Food is a very important part of peoples’ culture and if you want to understand the nation, it is important to try
national food. People in Great Britain are proud of a wide range of national dishes. Who hasn’t heard of Fish and
Chips, Yorkshire pudding, Toad in the hole or the Sunday Roast? And the obsession of Brits with tea is known
all over the world.

Myths and superstitions have always been a crucial part of British culture. These beliefs have helped people to
bring health, wealth and good luck to their houses and their families. Many traditional superstitions are still alive
in Britain making people cross fingers, touch wood and never walk under ladders or open umbrellas inside for
good luck. It’s no secret that people fear what they don’t understand, so if all you have to do to be protected from
these fears is to hang a horseshoe over the door or say “Bless you!” when someone sneezes- go ahead, be
irrational , believe in good luck!

It's very important to know traditions and customs of other countries. It broadens your horizons and helps you
understand the world better. Understanding different cultures can change the way you think and act, making you
more open, accepting, and tolerant of other people.