English Traditions

Traditions in England have been around for centuries. British traditions are famous worldwide. When one thinks of Britain, you imagine people drinking tea, wearing bowler hats and gorging on fish and chips. Sports, food and music, are tightly knit traditions in Britain. If you arrive in Great Britain you’ll hear the word “tradition” everywhere. The British have sentimental love for their traditions and they keep them with great honour.

English Traditions: Weekends

People who live in cities and towns like to leave the town. They may go to reside in the country. All Englishmen are attached to the countryside in a good thatched cottage, bungalow or lodge with roses surrounding the porch and in the garden, the fresh air and bright sun. No crowds of people, no noise, just relaxation.

People who stay at home do odd jobs, they were too busy to do during the week. Some go shopping on Saturday mornings, some do the housework – washing and cleaning. Some men watch sport events. Saturday evening is the best time for parties, dances, going to the cinema and so on. On Sunday after breakfast they may go to work in the garden, pay a visit to a pub. Sunday is a day for afternoon tea with friends and relatives.

English Traditions: Meals

There are several traditions relating to food. English cooking is heavy, substantial and simple. The Englishmen like a good breakfast, that is porridge with fish, bacon and eggs, toast and marmalade, tea or coffee. It is similar every day.

Tea is a part of British lifestyle. Seven cups of it wake you up in the morning; nine cups will put you to sleep at night.

The midday meal is called lunch. On weekdays this meal consists of stew, fried fish, chops, liver or sausages, vegetables. Then you have an apple tart or hot milk pudding.

Sunday dinner is a special time; it is a combination of beef or lamb with vegetables.

Then you have a large heavy pudding with custard. From 4 to 6 there is a very light meal called 5 o’clock tea. It is a snack of thin bread and butter and cups of tea with small cakes. At this time everything stops for tea.