Customs and Traditions of English-speaking Countries

Saint of Scotland Day. The severity and stubbornness of the Scottish character can not be better and more clearly expressed in the emblem of the national flag of Scotland - the thistle. There is a legend dating back to the time of the Viking raids on Scotland.

of Scotland with the intention to seize and plunder the country. The Scots gathered all their fighting forces and took up a position across the River Tay. They arrived in the evening and set up camp, settled down to rest, believing that the enemy would not attack until the next day.

the Scott camp, the Vikings crossed the Tay with the intention of suddenly capturing the Scots and slaughtering them in their sleep. To this end, they took off their shoes in order to make as little noise as possible when moving to the camp. But suddenly one of the Vikings stepped on a thistle. He cried out from the sudden and sharp pain. Hearing the scream, the Scots raised the alarm in the camp. The Vikings were forced to retreat, and the Scots chose the thistle as their national emblem as a sign of gratitude for the timely and unexpected help.

a holiday of Catholic origin, which is celebrated on February 14 in many countries of the world. Named after one of the two early Christian martyrs named Valentine - Valentine of Interamna and Valentine of Rome.

flowers, sweets, toys, balloons and special cards (often in the shape of a heart) with poems, love confessions or valentine's wishes.

of our March 8. This holiday has its roots in the Victorian era, when children from an early age had to earn money by hard work, being far from home. And only one day a year they could spend with their family. Now it is a holiday in England, when children give their mothers flowers and touching gifts.

imminent arrival of autumn is celebrated with the holiday of Lugnasad, which means "the wedding of the Meadow". Its essence is in gratitude to the gods for a good harvest. On this day, the Irish eat a loaf of grain from the new harvest, light bonfires on the hills, bake traditional blueberry pies and make straw dolls.

by Americans. They believe that the groundhog can predict the approach of spring, you just need to observe his behavior. According to legend, if a groundhog quietly crawls out of its hole, then winter will soon end. If he looks out and hides again, then the cold will last at least another month. Very often Groundhog Day is celebrated with festivals, which attract many tourists.