Britain, the land of the royal family, age-old castles, and afternoon tea, is also home to an array of traditions that can leave outsiders thoroughly confused. While many Americans are familiar with British staples like fish and chips or the Changing of the Guard, there are other customs that are far less known and significantly quirkier. Let’s dive deep into the strange world of British traditions that might just have you wondering, “They do what now?”
Swan Upping on the Thames
Every year on the River Thames, there’s a peculiar tradition called ‘Swan Upping.’ This centuries-old ceremony involves the counting, marking, and health checking of mute swan populations. While it might seem unusual, it’s an essential conservation effort. To many Americans, the sight of officials in rowboats chasing after swans is undoubtedly a curious spectacle.
Cheese Rolling in Gloucestershire
In a small town called Brockworth, adventurous souls chase a wheel of cheese down a steep hill. The Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling event often results in tumbles and falls. The goal? To catch or at least follow the cheese, with the winner taking it home.
Bog Snorkelling in Wales
Llanwrtyd Wells in Wales hosts an annual Bog Snorkelling Championship. Participants must traverse a murky, peat-filled bog using snorkels and flippers. There’s no conventional swimming allowed, which makes it a muddy challenge. To most Americans, choosing to dive into a bog for fun is an intriguing choice.
Maypole Dancing
Children dancing around a tall pole adorned with colorful ribbons is a heartwarming sight in many British villages during spring. The Maypole dance, rooted in ancient customs, celebrates the arrival of May. Each dancer holds a ribbon, weaving in patterns until the pole is wrapped. While the concept is unfamiliar to many in the USA, it remains a vibrant part of British folklore.
Guy Fawkes Night
Every November 5th, the British light bonfires and set off fireworks to commemorate the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605. Effigies of Guy Fawkes, the plot’s mastermind, are often burned. While Americans have July 4th, Brits have this explosive tradition that combines history with vibrant festivities. For many stateside, the idea of celebrating a failed plot might be a bit puzzling.
The Flaming Tar Barrels of Ottery St. Mary
In Devon, brave participants hoist barrels soaked in tar and set alight onto their shoulders, parading through crowded streets. This hot and fiery tradition is not for the faint-hearted. Though its origins are murky, it’s a spectacle that attracts thousands. Most Americans would be astonished at the sight of people willingly taking on such a blazing burden.
Gurning Contests in Cumbria
In Egremont, there’s an annual competition where participants contort their faces into the ugliest expressions possible. The World Gurning Championship is held during the Egremont Crab Fair, a tradition dating back to 1267. The aim? To pull the most grotesque face, often through a horse collar. To many Americans, it’s both hilarious and baffling.
Morris Dancing
Jingling bells, waving handkerchiefs, and clashing sticks are all part of Morris Dancing. This traditional English folk dance has been performed for centuries, with dancers often adorned in white with colorful sashes. Though its origins are debated, its continued popularity is undeniable. For many Americans, the unique combination of movement and attire is delightfully perplexing.
Black Pudding Throwing
In Ramsbottom, competitors throw black puddings (a type of blood sausage) in an attempt to knock off large Yorkshire puddings from a plinth. This quirky tradition celebrates a historical rivalry between Lancashire and Yorkshire. The unusual choice of ‘weapon’ and target in this competition can be both confusing and amusing to outsiders.
Worm Charming in Cheshire
In the village of Willaston, there’s an annual World Worm Charming Championship. Participants have various techniques to entice worms out of the ground without digging. This whimsical competition is all in good fun and helps highlight the importance of worms in ecology. To many Americans, the focused effort to coax worms from the earth is both odd and endearing.
Stone Skimming in Scotland
On Easdale Island, there’s a World Stone Skimming Championship where competitors test their skills at skimming stones across the water. The stones must bounce at least three times to qualify. This simple yet charming tradition turns a casual pastime into a serious competition. While stone skimming is known worldwide, the dedicated championship might surprise some Americans.
Toe Wrestling in Derbyshire
In a twist on arm wrestling, competitors in Ashbourne lock toes and attempt to pin each other’s foot down. The World Toe Wrestling Championship is a test of both strength and dexterity. While the concept might sound peculiar, it’s taken very seriously by participants. The sight of two people engaged in intense toe-to-toe combat can leave many scratching their heads.
Haxey Hood
In North Lincolnshire, locals engage in a robust and rowdy game to secure the ‘hood,’ a cylindrical leather tube. It’s not so much a game of skill but one of endurance and strength as large groups push and shove to move the hood to their desired pub. Rooted in medieval times, this tradition is a unique blend of sport and revelry. The chaotic energy of the game might be bewildering to those unfamiliar with it.
Pancake Day Races
On Shrove Tuesday, many towns in the UK host pancake races, where participants run while flipping pancakes in frying pans. The custom is linked to the idea of using up ingredients before the fasting period of Lent. It’s a fun and frenzied event that brings communities together. The delightful sight of racers trying not to drop their pancakes is both comical and confounding to outsiders.
Nettle Eating in Dorset
In a test of resilience, participants in the World Nettle Eating Championships consume as many stinging nettles as possible. Held in Marshwood, this tradition requires a strong stomach and an even stronger will. The idea of eating a plant known for its painful sting is astonishing to many, especially Americans familiar with the plant’s sting.
Knocking on Wood in Surrey
In the town of Dorking, residents gather every year to knock on a unique piece of oak to ward off evil spirits. The centuries-old custom is rooted in ancient beliefs about the protective power of the oak tree. Participants take turns knocking and making wishes. For many Americans, the communal act of knocking on wood for good luck is a curious blend of superstition and tradition.
Jack in the Green Festival in Hastings
Every May Day, the streets of Hastings come alive with a vibrant procession celebrating the coming of summer. At its center is ‘Jack,’ a towering figure covered in green foliage. Accompanied by Morris dancers and other characters, Jack’s journey ends with his ‘slaying’ to release the spirit of summer. This colorful and theatrical event, while festive, might perplex those unfamiliar with its historical context.
Shin Kicking in Gloucestershire
As part of the Cotswold Olimpick Games, participants engage in the rough-and-tumble sport of shin-kicking. Competitors stuff their trousers with straws for protection before trying to knock each other down by kicking. It’s a test of both pain endurance and strategy. The sheer determination of shin-kickers can be both admirable and baffling to onlookers.
Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival
In Cambridgeshire, a person dressed in a costume made entirely of straw parades through the town, accompanied by dancers and musicians. The Straw Bear Festival is a revival of an older tradition that welcomes the new agricultural year. At the end of the festivities, the straw bear costume is ceremoniously burned. The sight of the towering straw figure dancing through the streets is both mesmerizing and mystifying.
Welly Wanging in Yorkshire
Originating in Upperthong, competitors in this tradition toss Wellington boots (or ‘wellies’) as far as they can. The World Welly Wanging Championship is a light-hearted event that has even spread to other countries. The art of boot-throwing, while simple, requires technique and strength. The choice of footwear as a projectile can be both amusing and puzzling.
Crying the Neck in Cornwall
In this ancient harvest tradition, the last sheaf of corn is held aloft, and a call of ‘I have it’ is answered with ‘What have you?’ This ritualistic exchange is followed by celebrations and feasting. While the act might seem simple, it’s a poignant reminder of the region’s agricultural roots. The communal celebration of a successful harvest is heartwarming, even if its specific rituals are unfamiliar to many.
Wassailing in Somerset
Every January, locals in apple-growing regions gather to sing and make noise, driving away evil spirits from orchards and encouraging a good harvest. This tradition, known as wassailing, involves offering cider to apple trees and placing toast in their branches. It’s a mix of pagan rituals and community festivity. The act of serenading trees to ensure a bountiful crop might seem peculiar to outsiders but is cherished in its native regions.
Riding the Bounds in Berwick-upon-Tweed
Every year, residents of this border town mount horses and ride around its boundaries. This tradition, dating back to the 16th century, ensures that the town’s markers remain intact. Riders, or ‘bounds riders,’ check for any breaches or encroachments. The idea of annually patrolling and celebrating town boundaries on horseback is a unique blend of civic duty and festivity.
Through exploring these 23 quirky British customs, we’ve witnessed the depth, humor, and creativity of the British spirit. While they might appear eccentric to outsiders, for the locals, these customs are a cherished link to their past and a celebration of their unique identities. Whether you’re chuckling or scratching your head, one thing’s for sure: Britain’s cultural heritage is as rich as it is diverse.
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