British Customs

The British people are very conscious about manners and social graces. If you visit Great Britain, you have to make sure that you know how to act properly through the well-accepted manners and social customs. Read on for some tips on what is the proper thing to do when dining or when meeting people.

Dining etiquette

When dining, one of the things you have to remember is to wait for your host to start before you start eating. This shows politeness. Most of the dishes served are eaten using fork and spoon. This is why you have to learn how to use these utensils properly and pick which ones to use when served with different dishes. Another thing you have to remember is to say "thank you" everytime someone serves you something. You also need to know that blowing your nose using the the table napkin is a big no-no.

Meeting and greeting people in Britain

When being introduced to people, it is proper that you should shake hands with those persons. You have to reserve the kiss for meeting your old friends, however. It is also customary to say "nice meeting you" after being introduced to someone new. The most important thing that you need to remember is to be always on time. British people are very conscious of time.

You have to learn about the social customs in Great Britain before you go there for your vacation. Doing this will help you avoid offending people.

The Cheltenham Festival is the most prestigious meeting in the National Hunt racing calendar of UK. Basically, this is a horse racing event for the British and Irish trained horses. Read on to know more about this festival.

Travel info on Cheltenham Festival

Cheltenham Festival, an annual event, takes place in March. The meeting also coincides with the national Irish holiday, Saint Patrick's Day. Because of this, a lot of people attend the event. During the activity, huge amounts of money are placed on a bet. The Festival is held in Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

Cheltenham Festival calendar

As said earlier, Cheltenham is a much-anticipated festival celebrated every year. Aside form horse racing, there are other more events that you can enjoy. This Festival includes one of the biggest Hunter Chases of the season, the Foxhunter.

If you want to experience the Cheltenham roar or the noise that the crowd generates during this big event, you should not miss attending this festival. Aside from joining in the boisterous fun of the festival, you can also do other activities such as sightseeing in the nearby tourist spots and visiting the best dining restaurants in the place.

You may have noticed by now that cars from Britain and their other past colonies have seemed to place the wheel on the wrong place. If you have ever been to the places where these cars are used, you may also be thinking why the cars on the roads seem to be going in the wrong direction almost all the time! I know for a fact that this does not involve Brits being left-brained or otherwise. They are neither too damn stupid to know the difference between left from right, nor are they lefties, but some of the extremely left ideologies came from this part of the world!

You see, I came to know from the time I spend on the digital information platform known as the internet that, back in the medieval days in England, this leftie principle seemed to have taken its roots with the attitude Brit people had back then. Brits were walking around with swords hanging from the left portion of their belts, and this may very well be the reason why they tend to prefer people passing them by on the wayward right. With such damn paranoia evident on the most popular movies about medieval Britain, we have come to know that they do this so as to have a fighting chance, or stance, just in case someone tries to jump on their asses and club them to death! On the other hand, we Americans prefer to be on the wayward right portion of things not because we're all self-righteous and all, you know, but because we have been used to being on the passenger seat for quite some time back in medieval history. Yes, we used to ride on Brit-driven coaches and carriages, so that's why we're so used to driving and walking on the actual right portion of the damn road!

When we hear English people talk to each other, we frequently hear them say the word "bloody." They use it very frequently that you would hear them utter "bloody" at the beginning and the end of their every sentence. If you are a clueless, No Capito, No Comprehendo, non-British, you would think that the English have a morbid liking to wounds. But the truth is, they use the word "bloody" or "bleeding" to express exaggeration. They would say "bleeding no!" or "bloody awful!" Variations in British colloquialism have lead to the use of "bloody" in the middle of words, like "Abso-bloody-lutely!"

It is very intriguing how the use of such term came into being. Despite uncertainty, scholars say the word originated from the literal "blood" of the aristocrats and the "bloody battles." The Oxford English Dictionary cites a usage of "bloody" as a foul language, a vague epithet expressing anger, resentment, but often a mere intensive, especially with a negative, back in the 1840s. In 1650s, it was used as alternative to "very" or "and no mistake". Other are still offended by the word as it was seen as profanity back in 1880s. Just like the F-word, newspapers used to print it as b----y.

If you want to explore the land as well as embrace the culture and the vibes, you must submit to the forefront social etiquettes in England. Because when you say UK-- proper, polite, secured- that's what pops in to your mind. The royalty extends from Prince Charles up to the commoners of the land.

Don't get too close! Hugging is more appropriate with close buddies. Shaking hands is the proper approach when being introduced to other British folks, before you quip with "I'm happy to meet you" or "Hello I am...".

You most certainly see British men and women in conservative attires, a pair of hat, coat and skirt for women, and the formal or country suit for men. But they have also evolved in change. Not everybody dressed like Prince Charles or Her Majesty. You can get comfy but you don't wanna feel out of place so dress accordingly when attending concerts, theater performance, or a cultural event.

When it comes to dining, you have the liberty to advice your dietary constraints to the host so he or she could plan the meal. The main meal is the evening meal. There are different types of meal service like the buffet style, family style and the serving style. Any of which, rest assured that hosts will attend to your needs with gracious manners.

Before you plunge into devouring the fine piece of meal, wait for other people in your table, just then can you start eating with fork and knife for the main course, and spoon and knife for the dessert. When it comes to social etiquettes, you can definitely learn a thing or two in UK. Make your visit a way to explore, refresh and refine your manners.

It is very pleasing to attend any British social gathering. Aside from their polite and quaint social manners, you will be astonished to see everything organized, well-coordianted and in its proper place. Even in the way they speak, you will hear a gentle but reassuring tone. you can almost sense their propriety in plenty of ways.

Next time you get an invitation, better act accordingly, that is with respect and caution to British social custom. If an RSVP note is glaring in your invitation, it means that you should confirm whether or not you could attend to the sender's request. Do not accept invitaions if you can't come. Refuse politely by saying "thank you" and state your alibi or reason for not coming with sincere consideration. But if ever you'va already accepted the invitation but in the last minute you can't possible go, inform the person ahead, the soonest possible before the event.

While it is not a compulsive requirement, to express goodwill and grace, bring along some tokens of appreciation like flowers or chocolates. And after the visit, you may also phone the gracious host or write a thank you card. These some useful tips to observe the best social etiquette the British society upholds.

The Battle of the Sexes has run for ages. And for ages too, women have proven themselves worthy of recognition in various fields of development and civilization. While we embrace the modern times and has set foot in changing global trends and customs, still, a lot of women scattered from different parts of the globe and social communities continues to fight for equality.

In some countries, there is an existing taboo when it comes to women's independence. Most traditions does not permit a viable access to respect and responsibilites in varyingfacets of life. They are contained at home and is regarded only as home makers. However, women in England had long-concluded the withstanding debates. They are fortunate enough to enjoy full-bodied freedom and is given considerable amount of importance and honor in British society. Take the Queen as example!

Although we fancy them often in consevative attires with a lady-like manner, they are most welcome to handle their own affairs without a gentleman by their side. They can wallow in solitude and eat alone; they can scamper everywhere; and they can have a gulp of beer. All in all, these are quite simple instances but in other nations, it would take centuries before you could taste the sweet allure of that freedom!

British people literally have hundreds of reasons to hold festivities every month because if we look at the calendar of the most peculiar traditions in the country, the list of events seems endless. Since it is already June, why don't we set this month as an example. Aside from the fact that summer starts in England on this month it is also marks the opening of Wimbledon tournament.

People believe that June's precious stone is pearl and its consecrated inflorescence is the historical rose flower. The people also hold it true that farmers are likely to grow more crops on June not only because it is the start of summer season, but also because June is a calm month. Meanwhile, on this month, the people dress their wells – the source of natural water coming from underground brooks – because they believe these things to be enchanted, and so they pay homage to the wells. When the 21st day comes, people gather at the Stonehenge site to watch sunrise.

June also signifies the Queen's coronation, Environment's day, D-Day, the birth of Ann Frank, boat race, Ocean's day, Queen's birthday, Magna Carta, Children's day, Waterloo battle, Saint Alban feast, and Saint John's feast. No wonder June is one of the most joyful and sanctified month for Britain.

Britain still has room left for superstitions. Even in modern times, these beliefs continue to hover on British households. The superstitions are related to wealth, health, food, fortune, and even pregnancy.

British people believe that Rowan trees protect houses from witches, while hawthorns are kept away from the interior of the house because they belong to the god of Woodlands and bringing them in causes bad fortune. Another belief is that if a person stumbles while going up stairs, it foretells wedding ceremonies, while passing on the series of steps brings bad luck.

With regards to food, it'll get spoiled if it's stirred opposite the sun's direction and it's a taboo to watch a pot boil. Breads don't rise when there's a corpse within the neighborhood, while cutting the edges thereof invites the devil to the house. In the dining table, there's no way thirteen people would be allowed to sit, the knives shouldn't be crossed, and white mantle shouldn't stay on the table overnight.

Lastly, you may also want to add these beliefs in your healthy pregnancy myths. It's unsafe to choose the perambulator prior to the accouchement, while carrying the infant thrice around the home protects him or her against colic. Also, the baby won't have teething problems if the wedding ring is rubbed to the baby's gums.

This is a ritualistic event in commemoration of the ancestry of the Scottish people. The title of the event sure runs smooth on the tongue but in reality, it's a fiery celebration. The event is done to relive the times past while its main goal is to incorporate history in modern times, thus creating a balance between the culture of the olden days and the civilization of today.

History has it that when Christianity invaded the country and Christmas celebration was declared, the tradition is commemorated after twenty four days. It was not until late 19th century that it is commemorated every final Tuesday of the first month. It signifies the culmination of the Christian hollowed days when Vikings are already allowed to drink, make bonfires, and feast.

During the event, the participants – children, men, and women - dress like warriors from the great Viking tribe. They hold processions of torchlights and boat parade, both of which assert the distinctiveness of their ancestry. The event commences with children's parade. Hours after, some eight hundred guisers (men disguised as Vikings) carry torches while escorting the chief and the galley. Afterward, the galley is burned. The whole night is filled with musical performances while the drinking continues until the break of dawn.

There are several acts of charity performed and celebrated in Britain. Although the main objective of such traditions are to distribute doles, British people still find them 'strange customs.' Just how and why such traditions came about, only history can tell. Here are two distinctive and inter-related British customs performed on Whit Sunday, every May 25th.

The most significant is held at St. Briavels in Dean's Forest. Traditions have it that the church of St. Mary perform the services prior to the vicar's blessing of the doles. After such ritual is executed, the doles are prepared for the main event – the throwing of cheese and bread. This is the strangest part of the tradition wherein villagers catch the doles with their hands or umbrellas. This is very different from British people's custom of eating freshly baked bread and gourmet cheese slices.

Alongside St. Briavel's traditions is the Tichborne event which celebrates its octocentenary. On this day, flour is prepared as dole. The manner of distribution is determined by the recipient thereof. Each adult is given a gallon's full while the children are given half of that content. Like the cheese and bread doles, the flour dole is also sanctified. The tradition is associated with Mabella, a lady renowned for her acts of charity.

There's a lot of European social customs. Some are strictly observed while some are common sense. For this reason, I always remind my friends abroad to learn the customs of each European countries because like me, they also love traveling. I believe that it's the traveler's responsibility to know the social practices in his or her destination.

Talking of customs, British social etiquette are easy to follow. They're about punctuality, invitations, dress code, and dining. British people are particular with time and they for them, punctuality is a virtue. All sorts of appointments commence at the time scheduled. This is the reason they seem too busy rushing to meet their appointments. When it comes to invitations, the guests are expected to phone the host hours before the appointed time to confirm their acceptance or refusal of the invitation so the hosts will have enough time to prepare. Fickle-minded guests are very seldom in Britain. They are expected to decide quickly whether they accept the invitation or not. To show politeness, guests give gifts to the hosts. Guests are expected to remind the hosts of their food preferences. Styles of serving food maybe Family, Serving, or Buffet. Guests won't commence eating until everyone is served. Meanwhile, the dress code depends upon the occasion so if you have noticed, British are fashion conscious.

Britain is an island country popular not only for its famous personages like The Beatles, J.K. Rowling; The Big Ben; Victorian castles; the MI6 and its exquisite cuisines but also for a type of musical instrument called the 'bagpipe.' the bagpipe is usually composed of a bag, air supply, and a chanter. The chanter is where the bagpiper creates the melody. There are a hundred types of bagpipes that are used by pipers today.

The history of the instrument stems from ancient origins. There were claims that it was first developed in pre-Christian times although it is still not very clear up until now. Its use, however, became very popular at the onset of the 12th century which continued until it underwent a slow decline because of the development of classical music history. People from different parts of Europe are interested to learn how to play the bagpipe.

Today, bagpipes have become more popular than it has ever been in the entire British history. It is now used in non-traditional music such as jazz and rock. Musicians from other parts of Europe and also the Middle East also use the instrument which only proves that music has become a means to unite diversity in many cultures.

April is near. And the first day of this month is the most awaited day for pranksters and tricksters because it's the day where it's okay to make fun of somebody -- well, at least until noon -- because when the half of the day starts, it's the other person's turn. And yes, like in true April Fools tradition, "April Fool is gone and past, you're the bigger fool at last."

It is theorized that this tradition started in Europe and is still well practiced in Britain today. In European history, it was once considered that March 25 was New Year's Day due to the Vernal Equinox Festival. April 1 was the last day of the festival and people exchange gifts. When Europe declared that the new calendar was to be based on the Gregorian calendar, making January 1, New Year's Day, many people opposed. However, they still continued exchanging presents and practicing the New Year's tradition on April 1st.

Due to this non-conformity, these people were called 'fools', thus coining the term 'April Fools.' The people who mocked these people played pranks and tricks on the 'fools'. And up to now, the tradition still continues, although none really defies the new calendar nowadays.

British people are known to be very frequent users of slang, and they do devise most of the expressions they utter out of nowhere. One of the words they have made common in their daily lives is "banger".

The word banger actually has two meanings. On one hand, "banger" may refer to the British pork sausage. On the other hand, the word could also mean an existing old motor vehicle that is in very poor condition. Sounds interesting, right? At least, now we know how to use “banger” in the country of Britain.

Cheese rolling, how funny does that sound? But seriously, it's a custom in Britain, and a famous festival, it's held every "Spring Bank Holiday Monday", and in different places in Britain. The most famous cheese rolling hill, is Cooper Hill, Men and Women exercise their muscles by chasing a round cheese down the hill! basically, it's 200 yards down the hill, with a quite heavy Gloucester cheese. Many times, people get injured because they end up rolling down the hills themselves, but it's quite a laugh, a good one!

I have always been fascinated with the British culture, their customs and traditions, and most of all their humor. But what I am truly curious about, are the British sayings or proverbs. My favorite British saying is, "A stitch in time saves nine", doesn't actually sound like it makes a lot of sense but it does. According to the British people, it means that if you act early on something, you can save a lot of time. Which is actually true, and it's a very practical suggestion, I might say. Hey, you won't actually gain anything, when you don't do something about it, when you know you can, right? Do I sound British enough for you now? Live and let live, they say.