The British aren't known to be that expressive, are they? It's a common stereotype that British people rarely show their emotions to other people, not even to their friends and family. That's what they call 'stiff upper lip,' which many people in the UK expertly exhibit. However, the British aren't robots. They still have feelings. They still cry, laugh, frown, and express all sorts of emotions when they want to. And make no mistake, the British know how to celebrate as well. Not just the common religious holidays, but even their own national ones too!
St. Patrick's Day (March 17)
Though it's mostly celebrated in Northern Ireland, some parts of the rest of the UK still celebrate St. Patrick's Day too. After all, though they've had quite the tumultuous past with each other, the British and the Irish are pretty important to one another. Just don't mistake one for the other,
they won't like that one bit! What they do like, however, is celebrating St. Patrick's day with a drink or two! As well as wearing green to celebrate the holiday. Though, again, it's not commonplace in other parts of the country so you might want to tone it down a bit.
Easter Monday (Every March or April)
While most people just celebrate Easter Sunday, the UK also holds the Monday right after, Easter Sunday, as significant as well. In fact, most other European countries do too.
They do it in France, Italy, Spain, and more. But make no mistake, there isn't anything about Easter Monday in the Bible or whatnot. These countries simply consider this day just as important as Easter Sunday. More than just making it a long weekend, many families in these countries still go hear mass or go to prayer services to properly celebrate the solemn occasion.
Whit Monday (Every May or June)
Continuing with the religious holidays,
most British banks, numerous offices, and other institutions are closed during Whit Monday. Commemorating the first Monday after Pentecost, the time that Jesus Christ sent the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, it's very much like Easter Monday. Wherein the religious celebrations continue well after the weekend. But also, it's a good excuse for families to hold feasts. They'll invite people over, serve authentic British dishes, and simply have a great day. Parents don't have to go to work and kids don't have to go to school, making it the perfect family day for all.
May Day Bank Holiday (First Monday of May)
As the UK, particularly London, is a major financial hub in the world, the banks here are pretty important. So much so that the country actually has various holidays all dedicated to the country's institutions. One of the first ones is the May Day Bank Holiday. No, it's not an emergency as the name might suggest. Far from it! Held every first Monday of May, it's not just a day wherein the banks get to take a break from it all. It's actually a pagan holiday with all sorts of traditions. Mostly celebrated in countryside England, you'll see beautiful maidens get crowned May Queen and children dancing around a maypole.
Spring Bank Holiday (Last Monday of May)
Every last Monday of May, on the other hand, is the Spring Bank Holiday. Another day in which the financial institution's in the country get the day off, it's largely one of the most peaceful times of the year. As well as one of the happiest too. Kids, of course, are doubly happy because, around this time, they normally get a week-long break instead of just one holiday. Meanwhile, the adults get one day off which they use to spend time with family, catch up with old friends, and the like. You'll likely see them going on a picnic or
walking their dogs at the park, eating out with the entire family, and more.
Boxing Day (December 26)
No, despite what it's called, people don't hold boxing matched all over the country during this holiday. It's yet another bank holiday where most institutions and offices take a day off. And since it's on December 26, right after Christmas Day, it's a welcome holiday for many in the country. These days, it's most known for the 'After Christmas' sales in the various stores,
shopping districts, malls, and more in the country. Most establishments sell off all their extra stocks from their holiday sales at great deals and discounts. So you'll see the British shopping like mad during this holiday.
Despite what you think of the British, they still know how to properly celebrate a holiday. And not just the famous religious holidays too! Even their own unique public holidays have them eating out, reuniting with friends and family, and just having a plain old good time!
It's a better holiday in the UK when you're staying in a
luxury rental as your home here! Best believe that!
