The United Kingdom is a land of rich history, diverse culture, and unique traditions. While many of these customs are cherished by the British people, some may seem rather peculiar to outsiders. Let’s take a lighthearted look at 12 weird British traditions that the rest of the world finds strange.
1. Cheese Rolling
Every spring, in the Gloucestershire countryside, brave participants chase a wheel of cheese down a steep hill. The first person to catch the cheese wins, but the real challenge is staying on your feet during the chaotic race.
2. Guy Fawkes Night
On November 5th, Brits celebrate the failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605 by lighting bonfires and setting off fireworks. They also burn effigies of Guy Fawkes, the man behind the plot.
3. Bog Snorkeling
In the Welsh town of Llanwrtyd Wells, competitors swim through a muddy, water-filled trench cut into a peat bog. Participants wear snorkels and flippers, and the fastest swimmer wins.
4. The Queen’s Guard
The Queen’s Guard, known for their iconic red uniforms and tall, furry hats, are not allowed to move or react while on duty. Tourists often try to make them laugh or smile, but the guards remain steadfast and serious.
5. Pancake Racing
On Shrove Tuesday, towns across the UK hold pancake races. Participants run while flipping pancakes in a frying pan, and the first to cross the finish line with their pancake still intact wins.
6. Morris Dancing
Morris dancing is a traditional English folk dance that dates back to the 15th century. Dancers wear colorful costumes with bells on their legs and wave handkerchiefs or sticks while performing intricate steps.
7. Maypole Dancing
Another traditional dance, Maypole dancing, involves dancers weaving ribbons around a tall pole in intricate patterns. This dance is often performed during May Day celebrations.
8. The Trooping of the Colour
The Trooping of the Colour is an annual parade held to celebrate the Queen’s official birthday. The event features a marching band, soldiers in colorful uniforms, and the Royal Family waving from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
9. The Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard is a formal ceremony in which the Queen’s Guard hands over responsibility for protecting Buckingham Palace to a new group of guards. The ceremony involves marching, music, and precise military movements.
10. Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British tradition that involves drinking tea and eating small sandwiches, cakes, and scones with clotted cream and jam. This ritual is often seen as a posh and refined affair.
11. The Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake
Similar to the Gloucestershire cheese rolling event, the Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake involves chasing a wheel of cheese down a steep hill. However, this event also includes a “wake,” or a celebration, after the race.
12. The Eton Wall Game
The Eton Wall Game is a unique sport played only at Eton College. The game involves a complex set of rules and is played on a narrow strip of land along a wall. Scoring is rare, and the game is known for its long, drawn-out matches.
13. The Haxey Hood Game
Every January 6th, in the village of Haxey, Lincolnshire, a medieval game called the Haxey Hood is played. The game involves a large crowd of people competing to get a leather tube, called the “hood,” to one of four pubs in the village.
14. Bonfire Night Toffee
On Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night, it’s traditional to eat a special type of toffee called Bonfire Toffee or Treacle Toffee. This hard, sticky toffee is made from molasses, sugar, and butter.
15. Dwile Flonking
Dwile Flonking is a bizarre pub game that originated in Norfolk. The game involves two teams, a pole, a rag (the “dwile”), and a lot of beer. Players take turns dancing around the pole while attempting to avoid being hit by the beer-soaked rag.
16. Straw Bear Festival
In the town of Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, a unique festival called the Straw Bear Festival takes place every January. A person dressed in a straw costume parades through the streets, accompanied by traditional folk dancers and musicians.
17. Mummers’ Plays
Mummers’ Plays are traditional English folk plays performed by troupes of amateur actors, usually during the Christmas season. The plays often involve colorful costumes, music, and a dramatic story featuring characters like St. George, the Dragon, and the Doctor.
18. The Nutters Dance
In the town of Bacup, Lancashire, a unique Easter tradition called the Nutters Dance takes place. Dancers wearing black costumes adorned with red and white ribbons, along with wooden discs bearing images of the sun, moon, and stars, perform a lively dance through the streets. The origins of this tradition are unclear, but it’s thought to be connected to pagan springtime rituals.
16 American Foods Brits Can’t Stand
Food preferences can vary wildly across cultures, and what’s considered a delicacy in one country might be seen as downright bizarre in another. This cultural divide is particularly evident when comparing American and British cuisines. While the two nations share a common language, their tastes in food can be worlds apart. From overly sweet concoctions to processed cheese products, there are certain American foods that many Brits find hard to stomach.
Read More: 16 American Foods Brits Can’t Stand
