Traditions

Some traditions in England take their origins in pagan or Christian celebrations, others with the monarchy and historic events, and still more no one even knows how they began. Competition and sport are thriving in England, and there is a multitude of events with longstanding histories from Wimbledon to Hen Racing (yes, this is a real thing and suspected to have been around for more than a century!). England is also home to regional traditions such as the Weighing of the Mayor in High Wycombe and the Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival. However, as a collection, they show both a strong sense of pride in their history and heritage and a fun-loving side with a willingness to laugh at both themselves and life. Here are a few examples below.

morris dancing

In this traditional form of English folkdance, dancers generally wear bells on their shins and hold swords, handkerchiefs, or sticks to create a rhythmic sound; it's frequently accompanied by music as well. It dates back to the 1400s and has more recently been revitalized. There are also regional variations and forms, which differ in dress, props, and steps. Today, it is frequently performed as part of festivals and celebrations, although some areas such as York have clubs that hold competitions and street performances on a more regular basis. England expatriates have formed teams and clubs across the world, and it can now be seen in places as diverse as Finland and Hong Kong.

Cheese rolling

An annual race at Cooper's Hill, in this event the participants launch themselves downhill, stumbling and sliding, after a wheel of cheese. The origins are not exactly clear, although some think it may have been related to a fertility ritual. This event has been around since at least 1826, but likely much longer.

You can read more about it here.

cheering when glass breaks

While no one knows where this one started, it's common across all of England. It shows a willingness to laugh about the accidents in life and can be seen as a sign of camaraderie in what can otherwise be an embarrassing situation for the cause of the disturbance. This behavior is especially seen in pubs, though some note that they may even cheer "Wheyyy!" when someone takes a spill at work. Although it's unlikely that breaking glass will actually cause "more cheering than winning an Olympic medal" as one person suggests, don't be surprised if you encounter this behavior!

the role of the royal family in traditions

The monarchy is important to the British people and plays a role in a variety of traditions, events, and holidays. To this day, the queen or king of England still opens Parliament in a formal ceremony and makes an annual Christmas address. See below for a couple of examples, and read here for more information.

Swan upping

The monarchy still officially has the right to any mute, unmarked swans in open water, leading to an annual event where a census and inspection of the swan population on the river Thames is taken.

trooping the color

This is a military parade and display in honor of the monarch's birthday. It has been held for over 260 years and today goes from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guard's Parade.

the national anthem

First publicly performed in 1745, "God Save The King (or Queen) is known as the national anthem. The words themselves may vary, but it is still used as a sign of national pride and respect for the monarch. Historically, it was played at theater performances attended by the royals and even to close down the news. Today, it is played at several sporting events and by some news channels to mark events related to the sovereign.

the maypole

In this tradition to celebrate the coming of Spring, ribbons are woven around a pole by dancers.

wassailing

While door-to-door wassailing has largely been replaced by caroling at Christmas Time, in some regions, the Twelfth Night tradition of scaring away spirits and blessing the fruit trees of orchards continues.

summer solstice

Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year and (although it is not celebrated by everyone) is still annually celebrated by thousands at Stonehenge in a carry-over from ancient times.

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