Media types: Image

Sarcasm

One thing that sets Brits apart from almost every other nationality is our sense humour – in particular, our use of sarcasm. Comedy series such as Blackadder and Fawlty Towers relied upon sarcasm to form comedic relationships between characters:

 Blackadder: Baldrick – “I want my mother”

Edmund – “Ah, yes Baldrick. A maternally crazed gorilla would come in handy at this very moment.”

 Fawlty Towers (Talking about Manuel’s rat)

Sybil – “Perhaps it would be simplest to have him put to S-L-E-E-P”

Basil – “Who? Him or the rat? Might get a discount if we have them both done.”

 This indirect form of mocking and has always been a staple of British comedy and has worked its way into our everyday lives. Often confused with irony and misunderstood to be callous, sarcasm is a distinctively British comedic tool which we should be proud of!

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Sunburn

Sunburn – the bane of every British holiday maker’s summer! Unfortunately, as a nation we haven’t been blessed with a glowing olive complexion which is why we are world renowned for burning on the first day and developing a trademark t-shirt tan.

Whether this is a result of vanity or stubbornness, we consistently forget the three golden rules: Wear sun cream, siesta indoors and stay in the shade between 11-3 – stick to these and maybe you can avoid the lobster look next summer!

 

 

Image credit: MatthewJCarter

Halloween

Going back to its roots, Halloween is an ancient tradition, stemming from a Celtic festival Samhain, when the Celts, who are ancient inhabitants of Great Britain celebrated their New Year. They believed that the souls of those who died descended into the underworld. A night filled with ghosts, demons, and witches roaming the earth.

The tradition of “Trick or Treat” originated in England as “Mischief Night” when children played unpunished pranks.

Old Halloween traditions in England include the placing of turnip lanterns on gateposts in rural areas to protect homes and fight off the spirits. Another tradition was to throw stones, vegetables and nuts into a bonfire to fight off spirits. In the morning, if the pebble had disappeared it was a sign that the person who threw it would not live another year. The English ceased celebrating Halloween with the spread of Martin Luther’s Protestant Reformation, followers of the new religion didn’t believe in Saints, they didn’t see the point of celebrating the Eve of All Saints’ Day.

Times have changed over the evolution of Halloween. People have a lot less traditional approach to this time of year. It is more of a family-orientated time, where kids get treats from neighboring houses, a night filled with fireworks, sparklers and trick or treaters!

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Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens, the literary legend, creator of some of the worlds most memorable fictional characters and renounced for his contribution to  classic English literature, was born in Portsmouth, England on 7th  February 1812, the son of John and Elizabeth Dickens. Good fortune from his parents, Dickens was sent to a private school, until the accumulation of bad debt his father acquired, Dickens was then sent to work at Warrens blacking factory, a time when he endured great loneliness and despair due to appalling working conditions. Dickens’ two novels “Great Expectations” and “David Copperfield” were inspired by his time working in this factory.

 Dickens began his literary career as a journalist, writing journals such as “The mirror of Parliament” for his father who was a reporter. He went on to marry in April 1836, to Catherine Hogarth, in the same month he published the highly successful “Pickwick papers” and from that month there was no turning back for Dickens.

His list of literary material is endless, amongst a huge list of novels; he also wrote an autobiography, travel books as well as administrating charitable events. He was a great theatre enthusiast and wrote many plays. Dickens was an extremely energetic and motivated man and this was demonstrated in his work.

 Dickens went on to have 10 children. His inspirational life ended in 1870 when he died of a stroke.

 He was buried in Westminster Abbey, but his influence and legacy lives on to this day.

Image credit: expertinfantry

Princess Diana

Princess Diana goes down in history as the most adored member of the British Royal Family.

 Born 1st July 1961, in Sandringham, Norfolk, youngest daughter of Edward and Frances Spencer, Diana Spencer was a shy and timid child, with interests in music and dancing. She was brought up with close connections to the Royal Family, sharing childhood activities with Prince Edward.

 Diana went on to marry Prince Charles in July 29th 1981 and within the next couple of years give birth to two sons William and Harry.

 Throughout Diana’s life, she was deeply involved in charity work. She had a strong passion for helping the homeless people, children in need, as well as supporting those with HIV and Aids.  She also took part in humanitarian work for the Red Cross. Concealing herself from the media, Diana visited those in need arriving unannounced, she was “the peoples princess” her efforts results in true adoration by all, not only Great Britain, but all over the world.

 Her death on 31st August 1997 caused heartbreak throughout the world. A tragic car crash in Paris resulted in the people of Great Britain to lose not only a princess, but also a true British gem

Image credit: rivieragalleryartist