How did ‘tea’ become Britain’s favourite hot drink? There has been a spectacular rise in the consumption of coffee in the UK over the past two decades. However, tea is still the nation’s favourite hot beverage. As a country, we consume an unbelievable 100 million cups of tea every single day. This is an average…
Why do we celebrate Valentine’s Day? Valentine’s Day, February 14, is now celebrated all around the world as a special day for lovers. Flowers, gifts, and cards are all exchanged in the name of St. Valentine. But just who was St. Valentine and where did the traditions of the day come from? Valentine in Antiquity…
Just how did the British tradition of pantomime come about? The great British tradition of pantomime usually takes place all across the country in the run-up to Christmas. The farcical slapstick plays are nearly always a comedic take on some of the most well-known children’s stories. Some of…
A Short History of Morris Dancing Morris dancing is an ancient type of English folk dance that is usually performed to rudimentary music. It involves rhythmic, choreographed stepping by a group of practised dancers. The performers all wear similarly antiquated tunics, sometimes old-fashioned hats, with bells on specially designed shin pads. Sticks, swords, handkerchiefs and…
A brief history of the May Day celebrations Like many of Britain’s customs and traditions, May Day has its roots set firmly in pre-Christian times. The ancient Celts marked the changing of the seasons by holding major festivals at the beginning of each period. Beltane or ‘the fire of Bel’, as it was known to…
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