Easter is far less important than Christmas to most people in Britain. Although in involves a four-day ‘weekend’, there are very few custom and habits associated generally with it, other than the consumption of mountains of chocolate Easter eggs by children. Some people preserve the tradition of eating hot cross buns on Good Friday.
None of the other days of the year to which traditional customs are attached is a holiday, and not everybody takes part in these customs. In fact, many people in Britain live through occasions such as Shrove Tuesday, April Fools’ Day or Hallowe’en without even knowing that they have happened.
There is one other day which, although many people do not mark in any special way, is very difficult to ignore. This is 5 November, the day which celebrates a famous event in British history – the gunpowder plot. It is called Guy Fawkes’ Day – or, more commonly, Bonfire Night.
On Guy Fawkes’ Night itself there are ‘bonfire parties’ throughout the country, at which the ‘guy’ is burnt.
Finally, one other day should be mentioned. This is a different day for everybody – their birthday. Once again, it is most important for children, all of whom receive presents on this day from their parents, and often from other relatives as well. Adults may or may not receive presents, depending on the customs of their family and their circle of friends.