The UK is now home to migrants from a vast number of countries, with India, Poland, Pakistan, Romania, and Ireland topping the list. With such a diverse and multicultural population, it makes sense that global traditions are now a firm part of the yearly calendar in Scotland, England, Wales, and North Ireland. Traditions like cap throwing at graduations, which originated at the US Naval Academy in 1912, are now embraced across the globe. Many provide an excellent opportunity to discover new foods and cultures and meet new people.
Teen Proms
If you grew up in the UK in the 1980s in previous decades, then you may have seen films like 16 Candles, Footloose, or Back to the Future and longed to experience the glamour of an end-of-year prom. In Hollywood films, proms are often the backdrop to dramatic, romantic, or friendly encounters, sometimes of the not-so-friendly kind (remember Carrie?). The magic of proms began sweeping over the UK in the late 1990s and early 2000s, gradually becoming a staple end-of-school tradition for British secondary school and college students. Most teens these days can’t wait to don beautiful prom gowns and buy or wear a corsage as a right of passage and an excuse to get dolled up alongside their classmates and closest friends.
Chinese New Year
In early February, many cities celebrate Chinese New Year, one of the major events in the Chinese community. The festival features parades, lion dances, and traditional Chinese food. For a great introduction to Chinese New Year, visit the West End, where there is a yearly parade, free stage performances, and the chance to try “lucky” Near Year foods such as jiaozi (dumplings), chun juan (spring rolls), and changshou mian (longevity noodles).
For desert, try the babao fan (sticky rice pudding) or tang yuan (glutinous rice balls in sweet syrup).
Baby Showers
Baby showers are ever-presented on Instagram, Pinterest, and other social media channels, but their origins can be traced back to myriad ancient cultures, including the Egyptians, Indians, and Greeks. In the past these celebrations often took place after a baby was born and they were mainly religious, lacking the gift-giving aspect we now associate with them. In ancient India, festivities were a little more similar to our own, with celebrations taking place in the third trimester of pregnancy. The pregnant woman was showered with gifts such as dried fruits, sweets, and items for the baby. Ritual prayers were said for the health and safety of the mother and baby and musical instruments were played. Today, baby showers are celebrated in a plethora of countries (including the UK), with many friends and family members theming parties to ensure they are Instagram-worthy.
End-of-year proms, Chinese New Year, and baby showers are three very different but well-loved celebrations enjoyed in the UK. Some have centuries-old roots, while others are more modern iterations of traditional gatherings. Considering the fact that the UK is such a big melting pot of cultures, it is only logical that Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland should form the backdrop to so many treasured and meaningful events.
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