British Customs in Bermuda
| Boxing Day: | This holiday, which is observed on December 26, the feast of St. Stephen, is a unique part of the Christmas season. Boxing Day stems from a tradition that began in the Middle Ages more than 800 years ago. On this day, English churches would open their "alms box," in which people had placed gifts of money throughout the year, and distribute its contents to needy members of the community. It was also a day for servants to celebrate the holidays with their families, having usually worked the day before. |
| High Tea: | Although this British tradition has since taken on more upscale connotations, high tea was first enjoyed by the English working class during the 1700s. This ritual began as a practical attempt to stave off hunger pangs between breakfast and supper, as eating just two daily meals was common at the time. Called "high" tea because it was usually taken sitting atop stools in a tea shop or standing at a counter or buffet table, it combined elements of the delicate "afternoon tea" and supper. The fare was substantial and included the newly-invented "sandwich," slices of meat between two pieces of bread, as well as Cornish pasties, Welsh rabbit, Scotch woodcock, and a variety of bread, rolls, and other meat and fish dishes. "Afternoon tea," a more social custom, was usually a habit of the upper classes and is thought to have been first practiced by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford. Afternoon tea usually consisted of tea and lighter fare than high tea, including small cakes, bread and butter sandwiches, and a variety of sweets. It was mainly enjoyed by society ladies who would chat while munching crumpets from porcelain dishes. Today, high tea has become a more elegant and popular ritual that is practiced in fine hotels and restaurants around the world. Tea sandwiches, puddings, cakes, crumpets, and scones with jellies and marmalades are typically served. |
| Midsummer: | Although not an official, or "bank," holiday, Midsummer has been celebrated in Britain since the ancient days of the Druids. This holiday, which takes place on the longest day of the year, usually the 21st of June, is a time to relax and appreciate the joys of the summer season. Some still celebrate the holiday in a traditional Druidic fashion. On Midsummer's Eve, bonfires are lit to show respect for the Sun God, whose power is greatest at the Summer Solstice. The fires also represent an attempt to ward off the coming winter. Practice of this ancient ritual, which also includes a Summer Solstice Circle Dance, is now mainly confined to Cornwall, the West Country, and London's Hampstead Heath, but Brits of all religions are invited to join the celebration. |