Holidays and Festivals in Britain.ppt

Holidays and Festivals in Britain The British calendar is full of holidays and festivals which demonstrate the different cultures and histories of the people who make up Britain. Such holidays remind us of how cultures change and influence each other；they also give us an opportunity to share in the rich culture heritage of the United Kingdom. Christmas December 25th The biggest and best loved British holiday Commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ The Christmas dinner is to roast a goose，rather than turkey. People usually eat with wine at the same time. Three Christmas traditions Christmas Pantomime （童话剧） To hear the Queen give her Christmas message over the television and radio Boxing day（节礼日） Easter In the spring Commemorates the Crucifixion（钉死于十字架） and Resurrection（复活） of Jesus Christ Easter egg Halloween October 31st Halloween is notable for showing the darker, supernatural side of Celtic（凯尔特族） custom – communion（契合） with the dead, mischief（恶作剧）, fortune-telling（算命） and masquerades（化妆舞会） are common practices. National Holidays One of Britain’s most impressive and colorful festivals happens on the second Saturday in June when the Queen’s Birthday is officially celebrated by “Trooping the Colour”（皇家军队阅兵）around Buckingham Palace in London. The UK does not have a “national day,” but the pomp（盛况） and ceremony surrounding the Queen inspecting her troops draws hundreds of people. British diplomats abroad will often have a special party or event to celebrate the Queen’s birthday. Throughout the year the British celebrate many holidays which reflect the religious, social and cultural diversity of their country. What almost all of the holidays have in common – whether they are local, regional or national – is that they provide an opportunity for families and friends to get together to visit, eat and exchange good wishes. * Christmas tree Christmas card Christmas dinner Santa Claus Christmas wreath（ 花环） Christmas stocking and hat If a couple in love exchanges a kiss under