Burns’ Night

Burns’ Night is part of the cult of Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns. On January, 25, Robert Burns’ birthday, thousands of Scots all over the world sit down to a supper in his honour. Bagpipes are playing, people recite Burns’ poems, usually including ‘Address to a Haggis’. Haggis is traditional food for Burns’ Night.

Gretna Green Marriages

A Gretna Green wedding in the past was a considerable sacrifice for those who made the often long journey there to tie the knot. No family or friends, no white dress, bridesmaids or three-tiered cake following a trip which may well have begun, against parental objections, with a stone gently pitched against a window, a ladder gently laid against a window sill, a swift descent and a stealthy flight from home to an often uncertain future based on Gretna Green’s anvil. Everyone with a ounce of romance in their soul understands exactly what a Gretna Green wedding means; runaway lovers making their way there to marry in secret and, despite the odds, living happily ever after. Apart from the romance of elopement, there were more practical reasons, which drew so many young lovers to Gretna Green. With the country’s age of consent then, as now, just 16, Gretna Green - the village closest to the border with England - became an irresistible magnet for young people willing to defy family, friends and convention...and to forsake the trappings of a traditional wedding.

Task 4. Read the text and make a quiz.

Welsh symbols and traditions

The symbols of Wales include LEEK and DAFFODIL; LOVE SPOONS; THE RED DRAGON and WISHING WELLS.

St David’s Day

St David’s day is celebrated on the First of March. Welsh people wear leeks or daffodils on this day. The leek had been recognised as the emblem of Wales since the middle of the 16th century. Its association with Wales can in fact be traced back to the battle of Heathfield in 633 AD, when St. David persuaded his countrymen to distinguish themselves from their Saxon enemies by wearing a leek in their caps.

Wishing Wells and Love Spoons

All over Wales you will findwishing wells into which people still throw money. Some wishing wells are said to help your love life, others, tradition has it, can heal the sick. A favourite souvenir for the tourists is a Welsh love spoon. They are made of wood and are carved very beautifully. For centuries in Wales love spoons have been handcarved in wood with symbols of love to be given as gifts, and the tradition is now spreading quickly around the world as people look for a truly special way of celebrating a wedding, an anniversary, a birthday or just saying Thank You. Originally, love spoons were made by young men as a love token for their sweethearts. There are many different designs demonstrating the skill and love of the hopeful suitor. If the girl kept this present, all was well, but if she sent it back, she did not want him. A wealth of symbols was carved all over the spoon. The heart, quite naturally, was the most conventional sign and it was to be a full heart carved into the depth of the spoon. Wheels and spades suggested work and service. With a lock the carver let his maiden know that he wished to lock her in his heart, and with a key, keyhole and house, he told her his heart and house were hers to unlock. Anchors were often carved on spoons suggesting that the donor had found a place where he wishes to settle. Horseshoes, dolphins, diamonds and four-leave clovers epitomized good luck and fortune. The dragon (the symbol of Wales and a sign of protection), ropes and cables, windows, animals, flowers, the daystar and crosses were also frequently used. Today, a handful of artisans continue the age-old tradition. The love spoon, however, is no longer a Celtic symbol of betrothal. It is being hand-fashioned for special occasions such as marriages, birthdays, anniversaries, and carved as gifts of friendship, affection and love.