Chapter 4 — A Modern, Thriving Society
Customs and Traditions
Key Celebrations and Holidays
| Celebration | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| New Year | 1 January | Bank holiday across the UK |
| Burns Night | 25 January | Celebrates Scottish poet Robert Burns with a supper |
| St David's Day | 1 March | National day of Wales |
| Mother's Day | March (varies) | Three weeks before Easter |
| St Patrick's Day | 17 March | National day of Northern Ireland |
| Easter | March/April | Christian holiday; also a bank holiday |
| St George's Day | 23 April | National day of England |
| Bonfire Night | 5 November | Marks the failure of the Gunpowder Plot (1605) |
| Remembrance Day | 11 November | Poppies worn; two-minute silence observed |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Major celebration and bank holiday |
| Boxing Day | 26 December | Bank holiday |
| St Andrew's Day | 30 November | National day of Scotland |
Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night)
- Celebrated on 5 November each year
- Marks the failure of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605
- Guy Fawkes and others attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament
- Celebrated with bonfires and fireworks
Remembrance Day
- Observed on 11 November (or the nearest Sunday)
- Commemorates those who have died in conflicts serving their country
- People wear poppies (red flowers)
- A two-minute silence is observed at 11:00
Other Traditions
- Hogmanay — Scottish New Year celebration
- Mothering Sunday — celebrated three weeks before Easter
- April Fool's Day (1 April) — day for playing jokes
- Father's Day — third Sunday in June
- Halloween — 31 October
Test yourself
Check your understanding with these quick questions.
1.When is Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night) celebrated?
2.What does Remembrance Day commemorate?
3.Which event failed on 5 November 1605?
4.What is a 'bank holiday' in the UK?
5.Hogmanay is a New Year celebration in: