Upcoming Dates of Importance
Writers! We must help bring back tradition by exploring and promoting the festivities that make England great!
All submissions still welcome!
While ‘themed’ magazines have never been the focus of the Corncrake (other than the Christmas edition), feel free to send in any writings at any time, adding a little thing about the traditions that will be happening in that month will help support bringing back the celebrations. Feel free to write a poem or story, or suggest to me one already published on any of the traditions listed below and let us get celebratory. Keep in mind, that I would need the things early so I can get the mag together. Sending me things no later than early the prior month is best for my mag preparation schedule.
Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day, is a Christian feast day celebrated on January 6th. It marks the visit of the Magi, or wise men, to the baby Jesus, and is considered the culmination of the 12 days of Christmas. In Scotland, Epiphany is sometimes referred to as “Little Christmas” and is celebrated with traditional foods such as shortbread and whisky. In Wales, Epiphany is known as “Dydd Gwyl y Rhyfel” (Day of the Epiphany) and is marked with singing and storytelling. Epiphany is a Christian feast day commemorating the visit of the Magi, the baptism of Jesus, and the wedding at Cana. In Western Christianity, the feast commemorates principally (but not solely) the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child, and thus Jesus Christ's physical manifestation to the Gentiles. It is sometimes called Three Kings' Day, and in some traditions celebrated as Little Christmas. Moreover, the feast of the Epiphany, in some denominations, also initiates the liturgical season of Epiphanytide.
In many Western Churches, the eve of the feast is celebrated as Twelfth Night (Epiphany Eve) on January 5. The Monday after Epiphany is known as Plough Monday. Popular Epiphany customs include Epiphany singing, chalking the door, having one's house blessed, consuming Three Kings Cake, winter swimming, as well as attending church services. It is customary for Christians in many localities to remove their Christmas decorations on Epiphany Eve (Twelfth Night), although those in other Christian countries historically remove them on Candlemas, the conclusion of Epiphanytide. According to one seventeenth-century tradition, it is inauspicious to remove Christmas decorations before Epiphany Eve and those who do not remove them on that date have the opportunity take them down on Candlemas.
Plough Monday is the traditional start of the English agricultural year. Plough Monday is the first Monday after Epiphany, which is on 6 January. References to Plough Monday date back to the late 15th century. The day before Plough Monday is referred to as Plough Sunday, in which a ploughshare is brought into the local Christian church with prayers for the blessing of human labour, tools, as well as the land. Ploughs were traditionally taken around by Plough Monday mummers and molly dancers in parts of Eastern England and in some places were used as a threat: if householders refused to donate to the participants their front path would be ploughed up. The day traditionally saw the resumption of work after the Christmas period in some areas, particularly in northern England and East England. Though mostly associated with the East of England, Plough Monday celebrations are also known elsewhere in the country, for instance in Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and Cornwall. The customs observed on Plough Monday varied by region, but a common feature to a lesser or greater extent was for a plough to be hauled from house to house in a procession, collecting money. They were often accompanied by musicians, an old woman or a boy dressed as an old woman, called the "Bessy," and a man in the role of the "fool." 'Plough Pudding' is a boiled suet pudding, containing meat and onions. It is from Norfolk and is eaten on Plough Monday. In the fifteenth century, churches lit candles called "plough lights" to bless farmworkers. Some parishes kept a plough in the church for those who did not own one, and in some parishes, the plough was paraded around the village to raise money for the church. This practice seems to have died out after the Reformation. While religious Plough Monday celebrations were suppressed, private observances continued. The most common custom involved dragging a plough and collecting money. The Plough Monday celebrants were known by a variety of regional names, including Plough Boys, Bullocks, Lads, Jacks, Stots, and Witches. The Plough Boys usually dressed in costume, often with one or more in female clothing.
Mr. Bourne's Antiquitates Vulgares (1777) by the antiquary John Brand mentions a northern English Plough Monday custom also observed in the beginning of Lent. The FOOL PLOUGH goes about: a pageant consisting of a number of sword dancers dragging a plough, with music; one, sometimes two, in very strange attire; the Bessy, in the grotesque habit of an old woman, and the Fool, almost covered with skins, a hairy cap on, and the tail of some animal hanging from his back. The office of one of these characters, in which he is very assiduous, is to go about rattling a box amongst the spectators of the dance, in which he receives their little donations. In the Isles of Scilly, (off coast of Cornwall) locals would cross-dress and then visit their neighbours to joke about local occurrences. There would be guise dancing and considerable drinking and revelry.
Burns Nicht, or in Gaelic Oidhche na Taigeise, is a traditional Scottish celebration supper held annually on January 25th. A Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns (25 January 1759 – 21 July 1796), the author of many Scots poems. The first supper was held in memoriam at Burns Cottage in Ayrshire by Burns's friends, on 21 July 1801, the fifth anniversary of his death. After discovering their mistake in the date of his birth it was changed, and it has been a regular occurrence ever since. Burns suppers may be formal or informal. Both typically include haggis (celebrated by Burns in Address to a Haggis), Scotch whisky and the recitation of Burns's poetry. They occasionally end with dancing or a cèilidh. Formal suppers follow a standard order. Piping in guests: A bagpiper generally greets the guests, who gather and mix as at any informal party. At less formal gatherings, traditional Scottish music is played. Host's welcoming speech: The host says a few words, welcoming everyone to the supper and perhaps stating the reason for it. In some regions, particularly the west coast of Scotland and Outer Hebrides, "O Flower of Scotland" is sung immediately preceding the Selkirk Grace. All the guests are then seated and grace is said, usually using the "Selkirk Grace [sco]", a well-known thanksgiving said before meals that uses the Scots language. Although attributed to Burns, the Selkirk Grace was already known in the 17th century as the "Galloway Grace" or the "Covenanters' Grace". It came to be called the Selkirk Grace because Burns was said to have delivered it at a dinner given by the 4th Earl of Selkirk.
Selkirk Grace
Some hae meat an canna eat,
And some wad eat that want it;
But we hae meat, and we can eat,
And sae the Lord be thankit.
The supper starts with the soup course. Normally a Scottish soup, such as Scotch broth, potato soup, cullen skink, or cock-a-leekie, is served. Piping in the haggis Everyone stands as the haggis is brought in. It is usually brought in by the cook on a large dish, generally while a bagpiper leads the way to the host's table, where the haggis is laid down. "A Man's A Man for A' That", "Robbie Burns Medley" or "The Star O' Robbie Burns" might be played. The host, or perhaps a guest, then recites the Address to a Haggis. At the line His knife see rustic Labour dicht, the speaker normally draws and sharpens a knife. At the line An' cut you up wi' ready slicht, he plunges it into the haggis and cuts it open from end to end. When done properly, the "ceremony" is a highlight of the evening. At the end of the poem, a whisky toast will be proposed to the haggis, and the company will sit down to the meal. The haggis is traditionally served with mashed potatoes (tatties) and mashed swede turnip (neeps). A dessert course, cheese courses, coffee, etc., may also be part of the meal. The courses normally use traditional Scottish recipes. For instance, dessert may be cranachan or tipsy laird (whisky trifle), followed by oatcakes and cheese, all washed down with the "water of life" (uisge beatha), Scotch whisky.
When the meal reaches the coffee stage, various speeches and toasts are given. The main speaker gives a speech remembering some aspect of Burns's life or poetry. It may be either light-hearted or serious, and may include the recitation of a poem or a song by Burns. A toast to the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns then follows. Address to the Lassies: This was originally a short speech given by a male guest in thanks to the women who had prepared the meal. However, it is now much more wide-ranging and generally covers the male speaker's view on women. It is normally amusing and not offensive, particularly since it will be followed by a reply from the "lassies" concerned. The men drink a toast to the women's health. Reply to the Laddies: This is occasionally (and humorously) called the "Toast to the Laddies". Like the previous toast, it is generally now quite wide-ranging. A female guest will give her views on men and reply to any specific points raised by the previous speaker. Like the previous speech, it should be amusing but not offensive. Quite often, the speakers giving this toast and the previous one will collaborate so that the two toasts complement each other. Works by Burns: After the speeches there may be singing of songs by Burns (such as "Ae Fond Kiss", "Such a Parcel of Rogues in a Nation", and "A Man's A Man for A' That") and more poetry (such as "To a Mouse", "To a Louse", "Tam o' Shanter", "The Twa Dogs", and "Holy Willie's Prayer"). That may be done by the individual guests or by invited experts, and it goes on for as long as the guests wish. It may include other works by poets influenced by Burns, particularly poets writing in Scots. Finally, the host will call on one of the guests to give the vote of thanks. Then, everyone is asked to stand, join hands, and sing "Auld Lang Syne" to bring the evening to an end.
St Brigid’s Day 1 February, was celebrated during the Regency period. One of the most famous stories from the life of St. Brigid is the legend of her cloak. Brigid approached the King of Leinster, requesting a piece of land to build a monastery. The king, amused by her small cloak, laughed and granted her request, saying, “Take as much land as your cloak will cover.” Brigid instructed her four companions to take opposite corners of the cloak and walk in different directions – north, south, east, and west. As they did so, the cloak began to grow and spread across many acres, astonishing the king and his court. The king, realizing that Brigid was blessed by God, fell to his knees and promised to provide her with all the necessities for her monastery. He also converted to Christianity, and his entire household followed suit. This miracle of the cloak is often seen as a symbol of Brigid’s generosity, hospitality, and faith. It also highlights her ability to bring people together and to spread the message of Christianity throughout Ireland. In Ireland, it is still customary on St. Brigid’s feast day, to weave St. Brigid’s Crosses, a traditional ritual that dates back to the early Christian era. The cross is made from rushes, and its intricate design is said to protect homes from fire and evil spirits. St. Brigid of Kildare, the patroness of Ireland, had a significant influence in England, particularly during the Middle Ages. Although she was primarily associated with Ireland, her legacy extended to England. The early Christian missionaries from Ireland, such as Saint Patrick and Saint Columba, brought Celtic Christianity to England. This led to the establishment of monasteries and churches, where St. Brigid’s teachings and traditions were adopted and adapted.
Imbolc is a Gaelic traditional festival marking the beginning of spring. It is celebrated on February 1st, halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. With the Christianization of Ireland, Imbolc became linked to Saint Brigid. According to legend, Brigid was a Christianized pagan, and her feast day replaced the pagan Imbolc celebrations. The Catholic Church assigned this date to honor both Saint Brigid and Imbolc, blending pagan and Christian traditions. Like Candlemas, its counterpart in the Christian calendar, it is a festival of light, which celebrates the first stirrings of spring after the long dark winter. Not surprisingly, in Britain Imbolc is often associated with snowdrops and these are often used in ceremonies to celebrate it. The name Imbolc is usually taken to mean “in the womb” and this is often taken to link it to the time when ewes become pregnant. It may also be related to Gaelic words for both “milk” and “purify”. One possible translation of “lamb’s milk” would also link it to pastoral events at this time of year. The Goddess Brigid is a particular focus of worship and celebration at Imbolc. Brigid (or Brigit, Bride, etc) is a goddess who is best attested in Ireland, but whom some scholars believe to have been worshipped across the pre-Christian Celtic world. Her name means ‘”bright”, “high” or “exalted” and so is easily linked to the brightness of the early spring. Brigid is mentioned in the Irish sources as a triple goddess — often linked to the iconography of a triple flame — and is associated with metalwork, poetry, and healing, among other things. “The fire in the head, the fire in the forge and the fire in the hearth” are all associated with Brigid and so it is common to celebrate bardic skills such as poetry at this time. The shrine of Brigid in Kildare in Ireland is home to a perpetual flame, and a similar tradition exists within Paganism where individuals undertake to keep a flame burning for a day and night in rotation so that there is always a devotional flame dedicated to Brigid. She was said to be the daughter of a Druid who converted to Christianity and Kildare means “the cell of the oak”, oaks being associated with Druids giving another possible link back to the pre-Christian goddess.
Candlemas, February 2, also known as the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ, the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or the Feast of the Holy Encounter, is a Christian feast day commemorating the presentation of Jesus at the Temple by Joseph and Mary. It is based upon the account of the presentation of Jesus in Luke 2:22–40. According to the Old Testament rules in Leviticus 12, a woman was to be purified by presenting a lamb as a burnt offering, and either a young pigeon or dove as sin offering, 33 days after a boy's circumcision. The feast falls on 2 February, which is traditionally the 40th day of and the conclusion of the Christmas–Epiphany season. While it is customary for Christians in some countries to remove their Christmas decorations on Twelfth Night (Epiphany Eve), those in other Christian countries historically remove them after Candlemas. On Candlemas, many Christians also take their candles to their local church, where they are blessed and then used for the rest of the year; for Christians, these blessed candles serve as a symbol of Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the Light of the World.
In England, St. Agatha’s feast day is commemorated on February 5th is a revered Christian martyr and virgin saint, born around 231 AD in either Catania or Palermo, Sicily. She was from a rich and noble family and dedicated her life to virginity from an early age. Agatha is known for her extraordinary beauty, which was used as a pretext for torture and mutilation by the Roman prefect Quintianus, who sought to force her to renounce her vow of chastity and marry him. Despite her suffering, Agatha remained steadfast in her faith and was eventually martyred. Although St. Agatha is primarily associated with Sicily and Italy, she has a significant presence in the Church of England. Several Church of England parish churches are dedicated to her honor, reflecting her patronage of various groups, including: Bellfounders (due to the shape of her severed breasts), Breast cancer patients, Rape victims, Wet nurses, People suffering from fires (considered a powerful intercessor). Her legacy is recognized through various church services, prayers, and devotions. While her celebration may not be as widespread as that of other saints, St. Agatha’s significance as a patron saint and martyr is acknowledged and respected within the Church of England.
In the Church of England, Saint Matthias’ feast day is traditionally celebrated on February 24th, although some sources indicate it may be celebrated on May 14th instead. The Church of England’s Book of Common Prayer, as well as other older common prayer books in the Anglican Communion, observe this date Patronage: Saint Matthias is the patron saint of: Alcoholic recovery (in some Anglican and Lutheran traditions), Carpenters and tailors (in some Anglican and Lutheran traditions), Gary, Indiana; Great Falls-Billings, Montana (in some Anglican and Lutheran traditions), Smallpox (historically, as a patron saint against the disease), Hope and perseverance. Historical significance: Saint Matthias is mentioned only in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 1:21-26), where he was chosen by the apostles to replace Judas Iscariot after his betrayal. His legacy is closely tied to the early Christian Church and its development in England. Saint Matthias was one of the seventy disciples of Jesus Christ and a key figure in the early Christian Church. According to the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 1:15-26), Matthias was selected by the remaining eleven apostles, along with Joseph, called Barsabas, through a process of prayer and lot-casting. Matthias was deemed worthy to join the Twelve Apostles because he had followed Jesus since His baptism by John the Baptist & Witnessed Jesus’ ascension to heaven. As an apostle, Matthias was an eyewitness to all that Jesus did, from His baptism to His resurrection and ascension. He was part of the group of 72 disciples sent out to preach the Good News (Luke 10:1-24). In order the celebrate this day, consider: Participate in a Catholic Mass or Liturgy, which will likely include readings from the Acts of the Apostles (1:15-26) and prayers for St. Matthias’ intercession. Reflect on St. Matthias’ Life: Read about St. Matthias’ brief appearance in the Acts of the Apostles (1:21-26) and his selection as the twelfth apostle. Reflect on his humility, faith, and willingness to serve. Offer a Special Intention: Offer a special intention for those struggling with addiction or personal struggles, as St. Matthias is patron saint of reformed alcoholics and those afflicted with smallpox. Honor St. Matthias’ Patronage: Recognize St. Matthias’ patronage over carpenters, tailors, and those in the trades. Offer prayers for their protection and blessings in their work. Read Inspirational Writings: Read excerpts from The Liturgical Year by Abbot Gueranger O.S.B., which highlights St. Matthias’ significance and the importance of faith and knowledge in overcoming sin and its effects. Sing Hymns and Chants: Sing hymns and chants, such as the one taken from the Menaea of the Greeks, to celebrate St. Matthias’ triumph and the victory of faith over adversity. Make a Spiritual Commemoration: Make a spiritual commemoration of St. Matthias Day by setting aside time for prayer, reflection, and devotion, seeking to emulate his virtues and example.
St. Valentine’s Day, also known as the Feast of Saint Valentine, is a Christian holiday celebrated annually on February 14. The day honors the martyrdom of Saint Valentine,a 3rd-century Roman priest who was executed for performing marriages and ministering to Christians persecuted under the Roman Empire. The earliest recorded celebration of St. Valentine’s Day dates back to the 5th century, when Pope Gelasius declared February 14 as a day to honor the martyrdom of Saint Valentine. However, the holiday’s association with love and romance is a later development, dating back to the 14th century. According to legend, Saint Valentine restored sight to the blind daughter of his jailer and performed secret weddings for Christian couples. These stories have contributed to the modern celebration of St. Valentine’s Day as a day of love and romance. Saint Valentine is the patron saint of lovers, people with epilepsy, and beekeepers. Today, St. Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide with exchanges of love letters, gifts, and romantic gestures. The tradition of handwritten love letters has been kept alive through the centuries, and the day is often marked with candlelit dinners, flower arrangements, and other romantic symbols. The tradition of linking St. Valentine’s Day with courtly love and romance is often attributed to Geoffrey Chaucer’s 14th-century poem “Parlement of Foules”. In Scotland and England, the tradition of sending love letters and gifts on February 14 dates back to the Middle Ages. Like so many other martyrs, the story of St. Valentine is not as pretty as the poem that ascribed hearts and flowers to his namesake. He was executed by beating and beheading on orders from the Roman emperor Claudius II on February 14 in 270 AD. Two centuries later, the date of St. Valentine’s martyrdom became the date of his annual feast day, the date to which Chaucer refers in his poem. From the late Middle Ages onward, Valentine’s Day has been synonymous with romantic love, somewhat regardless of St. Valentine’s circumstances.
The earliest association of Valentine’s Day with romantic love in English literature appears in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Parlement of Foules – that is, Parliament of Fowls or, more plainly, Parliament of Birds. The dream-vision poem, written in Middle English between 1381 and 1382, describes the speaker’s encounter with a congregation of birds who come together on St. Valentine’s Day to select their mates:
For this was on Seynt Valentynes Day,
Whan every foul cometh ther to chese his make,
Of every kynde, that men thynke may;
And that so huge a noyse gan they make
That erthe and see, and tree, and every lake
So ful was that unethe was there space
For me to stonde, so ful was al the place (Chaucer 309-15).
[For this was on Saint Valentine’s Day when every bird of every type that one can imagine comes to choose his mate, and they made a huge noise, and the earth and sea and trees and every lake are so full of birds that there was hardly any space for me to stand because the entire place was filled with them.]
Wales celebrates lovers with St. Dwynwen’s Day (in Welsh, Dydd Santes Dwynwen) on January 25th. The tradition similarly invites exchanges of cards, flowers, and heart-shaped gifts as expressions of love and affection. The holidays also share medieval origins, but St. Dwynwen’s Day derives from a darker story.
The tale of St. Dwynwen, from which the lesser-known Welsh celebration of lovers derives, departs markedly from both the martyrdom of St. Valentine and the light-hearted poem that set his feast day’s romantic tradition in motion. There are several variations of her story, all of which date Dwynwen, or Dwyn, to the 5th century as the daughter of a semi-legendary Welsh king. Dwynwen is described as the loveliest of King Brychan Brycheiniog’s 24 daughters, who fell in love in Maelon Dafodil. But her father betrothed Dwynwen to another man, and when Maelon learned that Dwynwen could not be his, he became enraged. He raped Dwynwen and abandoned her. Distraught, Dwynen ran to the woods and pleaded with God to make her forget Maelon, then fell asleep. An angel came to Dwynwen, delivering a drink that erased her memories of Maelon and transformed him into ice. God then granted Dwynwen’s three wishes: that Maelon be thawed, that she never be married, and that God grant the wishes of true lovers. As a mark of gratitude, Dynwen dedicated herself to God and spent the rest of her days in his service.
St. David's Day is celebrated on March 1st each year, primarily in Wales, where his is patron saint. There is no official recognition of St. David's Day as a holiday in England. However, people of Welsh origin in England may still celebrate the day by wearing traditional Welsh costumes, pinning daffodils or leeks to their clothes, and attending special church services or parades.
Shrove Tuesday (March 4), also known as Pancake Day, is a traditional Christian celebration in England that marks the day before Ash Wednesday, which starts the period of Lent. Historically, Shrove Tuesday was the last opportunity to indulge in rich foods like eggs, butter, sugar, and fats before the fasting period of Lent began. In England, the day is celebrated with various customs and traditions. One of the most popular traditions is the pancake race, where participants race while flipping pancakes in frying pans. This tradition is believed to have originated in Olney, Buckinghamshire, in 1445. Pancake races are now held in many towns and cities across the country. Other traditions include pancake tossing competitions, where people compete to see who can toss the pancake the highest or catch it the most times without it falling. Pancake Day is also a time for families and communities to come together to cook and eat pancakes with various toppings, such as lemon and sugar, maple syrup, or chocolate sauce. In some parts of England, Shrove Tuesday is also marked by other activities, such as the "Hurling of the Silver Ball" in St Columb, Cornwall, and the Royal Shrovetide Football match in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. Shrove Tuesday falls 47 days before Easter and always occurs on a Tuesday, with the date varying each year between February 3 and March 9.
Ash Wednesday is observed in England as a holy day of prayer and fasting, marking the beginning of the six weeks of Lent before Easter. In 2025, Ash Wednesday falls on March 5th. In the Anglican Church, the traditional imposition of ashes was discontinued after the Protestant Reformation, but it has been reintroduced in recent times. The ashes are traditionally imposed on the forehead with the words "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return".
Lent is a solemn Christian religious observance in the liturgical year that prepares believers for Easter. In England, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends approximately six weeks later, usually concluding on Holy Saturday or Maundy Thursday, depending on the denomination. During Lent, many Christians in England fast, give up certain luxuries, and engage in acts of charity and prayer to reflect Jesus's 40-day fast in the desert and his sacrifice. Lent is a time for self-denial and spiritual growth, often involving giving up treats or luxuries and adding spiritual disciplines such as reading a daily devotional or praying through a Lenten calendar.
St. Gregory the Great is relevant to England. He is known for sending a group of monks, including Augustine of Canterbury, on a mission to convert the pagan Anglo-Saxons to Christianity in 596. This mission is often referred to as the Gregorian mission and was successful in establishing Christianity in England. St. Gregory is also revered in England as the apostle of the land and the source of the nation's conversion. Additionally, St. Gregory's Parish Church in Sudbury, Suffolk, is an Anglican Church that continues to serve the local community. His day is the 12th March.
In England, St Patrick's Day is not a public holiday, so schools, stores, and businesses operate as usual on March 17th. However, many people still celebrate Irish culture by wearing green, attending Irish-themed events, and visiting pubs that offer special activities. Some towns and cities with large Irish populations organize parades and other large-scale events. For example, London, which has a significant Irish community, hosts a parade and various cultural events.
The spring equinox (20 March) is celebrated in England, particularly at Stonehenge, where pagans, druids, and nature lovers gather to mark the occasion. This celebration is one of the eight festivals of the Wheel of the Year in Wiccan and neo-pagan traditions, often referred to as Ostara. The spring equinox heralds the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and is associated with themes of fertility, creativity, and renewal.
Lady Day (25 March) was an important day in the Regency calendar, marking the Feast of the Annunciation and the start of the Christian New Year in the past, though by the Regency era, it was the first of the English quarter days. It was significant for various reasons, including the commencement of leases, payment of rents and debts, hiring of servants, and the beginning of the plucking season for goose feathers. In Regency England, if one wished to rent a house in London for the social season, the deal had to be finalized by Lady Day to ensure a suitable residence.
The Annunciation is the event in Christianity where the angel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and bear a son, Jesus, who would be the Son of God and the Christian Messiah. This event marks the Incarnation, the moment when Jesus took on human form. According to the Gospel of Luke, the Annunciation occurred in the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy with John the Baptist. Mary's willing consent to this divine plan was essential to the Incarnation and the redemption of the world. The Feast of the Annunciation is celebrated on March 25, nine months before Christmas, and is one of the principal feasts of the Christian church.
Mothering Sunday is celebrated in England on the fourth Sunday of Lent, which falls on March 30. Historically, it was a day when people would visit their local mother church, typically the cathedral in their area, or the church where they were baptized. This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages, when children who had moved away from their hometowns were allowed to return to visit their mothers and the church where they were baptized. In modern times, Mothering Sunday has evolved into a day to honor mothers and other mother figures, such as grandmothers, stepmothers, and mothers-in-law.24 People often give presents, flowers, and homemade cards to their mothers. Common gifts include cakes, flowers, chocolates, jewelry, and luxurious clothing. Simnel cake is a traditional confection associated with both Mothering Sunday and Easter. The day is not a public holiday, and businesses generally follow regular Sunday opening hours. However, many people take the opportunity to treat their mothers to brunch, lunch, or high tea in a cafe, restaurant, or hotel. In urban settings, churches often supply violets for children to present to their mothers on this day. While Mothering Sunday is traditionally observed on the fourth Sunday of Lent, the term "Mother's Day" has gained popularity due to American influence, although it retains its original religious meaning in the United Kingdom.
The exact origins of April Fools' Day in England are unclear, but some historians suggest that it may have been celebrated since the beginning of the 19th century. One theory links the tradition to a story in Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" from 1392, where a vain cock is tricked by a fox on the 32nd day from March 1, which is April 1. However, it is debated whether Chaucer was actually referring to April 1 or if the text is simply confusing.
Holy Week begins on the 13th April. It is uncertain when Christians first began to make an annual (as opposed to weekly) memorial of the death and resurrection of Christ. This was at first a night-long vigil, followed by the celebration of the Eucharist at cock-crow, and all the great themes of redemption were included within it: incarnation, suffering, death, resurrection, glorification. Over time, it developed into the articulated structure of Holy Week and Easter. Through participation in the whole sequence of services, the Christian shares in Christ’s own journey, from the triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to the empty tomb on Easter morning. The procession with palms, which was already observed in Jerusalem in the 4th cent, is accompanied by the reading or singing of the Passion Narrative, in which the whole story of the week is anticipated. Maundy Thursday (from mandatum, ‘commandment’, because of the use of John 13.34 in the Antiphon) contains a rich complex of themes: humble Christian service expressed through Christ’s washing of his disciples’ feet, the institution of the Eucharist, the perfection of Christ’s loving obedience through the agony of Gethsemane. After keeping vigil (‘Could you not watch with me one hour?’) Thursday passes into Good Friday with its two characteristic episodes. The veneration of the Cross is older; the sequence of meditations and music known as the Three Hours’ Devotion was introduced into the CfE in the 19th cent. The first is now sometimes incorporated into the structure of the second. It is a widespread custom for there not to be a celebration of the Eucharist on Good Friday, but for the consecrated bread and wine remaining from the Maundy Thursday Eucharist to be given in communion. The church remains stripped of all decoration. It continues bare and empty through the following day, which is a day without a liturgy: there can be no adequate way of recalling the being dead of the Son of God, other than silence and desolation. But within the silence there grows a sense of peace and completion, and then rising excitement as the Easter Vigil draws near. This ‘Week of Weeks’ preserves some of the oldest texts still in current use, and rehearses the deepest and most fundamental Christian memories.
Maundy Thursday 17th April, is a solemn Christian feast that marks the beginning of the Paschal Triduum and commemorates the Washing of the Feet and the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his Apostles. It is observed on the Thursday before Easter. The name "Maundy" comes from the Latin word "mandatum," or commandment, reflecting Jesus' words "A new commandment I give you, that you love one another as I have loved you". During Maundy Thursday services, many churches celebrate with a ceremonial washing of feet, symbolizing Jesus washing the feet of his disciples as an act of humility and service. This day also initiates the Easter Triduum, which includes Good Friday and Holy Saturday, and ends on the evening of Easter Sunday. In England, the Royal Maundy service involves the monarch offering "alms" to deserving senior citizens—one man and one woman for each year of the sovereign's age. These coins, known as Maundy money or Royal Maundy, are distributed in red and white purses, with the red purse containing regular currency and the white purse having money in the amount of one penny for each year of the Sovereign's age.
King Arthur Day is not an official date but is held on 17th April. He is important to England as a legendary figure who has been central to English folklore and literature for centuries. He was a great and noble king who defended Britain against invaders, particularly the Saxons, and is linked to the idea of chivalry and the Round Table. This legend has been used to symbolize British unity and resilience. The legend of King Arthur has been used to legitimize British rule and national identity, with some historical figures, such as Henry VII, even claiming descent from Arthur. Arthur's story has also been a source of national pride and a symbol of British resistance against foreign invaders, reinforcing a sense of historical continuity and cultural identity. Furthermore, the legend of King Arthur has been instrumental in shaping medieval and Renaissance literature and art, influencing the development of the concept of chivalry and the ideal of the noble knight. This has had a lasting impact on English culture and continues to be a significant part of the country's historical and literary legacy.
Good Friday is on the 18th April and is a bank holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is observed as a day of solemn reflection and religious observance. In London, thousands of people gather in Trafalgar Square to watch a passion play depicting the crucifixion, and churches around the country are often draped in black for processions and services. Traditionally, hot cross buns are enjoyed on this day, symbolizing the religious significance of Good Friday. Hot cross buns are a popular treat during the Easter season, symbolizing the religious significance of the day.
Easter Sunday. Holy week ends 20th April and is also known as Resurrection Sunday. It is a Christian festival commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the New Testament. It marks the culmination of the Passion of Jesus, which includes his crucifixion and burial by the Romans at Calvary around 30 AD. Easter Sunday celebrates Jesus rising from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion, a central tenet of Christian faith. The holiday is observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, with its date varying between March 22 and April 25. For Christians, Easter Sunday is the holiest day of the year, following a period of fasting and prayer known as Lent, which lasts for 40 days and is observed in memory of Jesus' 40-day fast in the desert. The week leading up to Easter Sunday is known as Holy Week, which includes significant days such as Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. The name "Easter" may have originated from Eostre, an Anglo-Saxon goddess, and the holiday's timing coincides with some pagan celebrations, although the Christian celebration focuses on the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and marks the second day of Eastertide in Christian traditions. It celebrates the continuation of Easter festivities and is a public holiday in many countries. In the Catholic Church, Easter Monday is also known as "Monday of the Angel," and the Church prays the Regina Caeli instead of the Angelus at the noon hour on this day.
Saint Anselm’s Day is April 21. Known as St Anslem of Canterbury, he was highly relevant to England due to his role as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1093 to 1109. He defended the church's interests in England amid the Investiture Controversy, which was a significant conflict between the church and the monarchy over who had the authority to appoint bishops and abbots. Anselm's principled opposition to royal prerogatives over the Catholic Church led to his exile from England twice, once from 1097 to 1100 and then from 1105 to 1107. During his tenure, Anselm worked to strengthen the rights of the church against the king. For instance, he helped guide the Greek Catholic bishops of southern Italy to adopt Roman Rites at the Council of Bari and worked for the primacy of Canterbury over the Archbishop of York and over the bishops of Wales. Anselm's vision was of a Catholic Church with its own internal authority, which clashed with William II's desire for royal control over both church and state. His efforts to reform and protect the interests of Canterbury often put him at odds with the English monarchy, leading to his exiles and contributing to the ongoing Investiture Controversy. Thus, Saint Anselm's contributions significantly influenced the religious and political landscape of England during the Middle Ages.
Saint George’s day is on 23 April, he is the patron saint of England, was recognized as such following the establishment of the Order of the Garter by King Edward III in 1348, replacing earlier patron saints like St Edmund and St Edward the Confessor. He is celebrated for his status as a symbol of piety, chivalry, and bravery, and his feast day is traditionally marked on April 23, the date of his martyrdom. Saint George is often depicted as a crusader knight, wearing armor and riding a white horse, and is known for the legend of slaying a dragon. His cross, a red cross on a white background, forms part of the national flag of England and is also incorporated into the Union Flag of the United Kingdom.
St. Catherine of Siena (April 29) was a Dominican tertiary, mystic, and doctor of the Church who lived from 1347 to 1380. She was born in Siena, Italy, during the outbreak of the plague and was the 23rd or 24th child of her parents, Jacopo and Lapa Benincasa. Catherine is known for her holiness, severe asceticism, and her extensive writings, including about 380 letters, 26 prayers, and the 4 treatises of her famous work, The Dialogue. She is also recognized for her role in persuading the Pope to return to Rome from Avignon and for her involvement in promoting church reform and peace in Italy. St. Catherine was declared a doctor of the Church in 1970 and a patron saint of Europe in 1999. She died at the young age of 33 in Rome, and most of her body is buried at Santa Maria sopra Minerva basilica in Rome, while her mummified head is in a reliquary near her thumb in the church of St. Dominic in Siena.