40 Humourous British Traditions

Britain has many well documented, yet strange traditions, such as Bog Snorkelling, Bonfire Night, Cheese Rolling and Haxey Hood. The book 40 Humourous British Traditions describes 40 more traditions in a similar vein, all of which are less well known. Having lived outside Britain for a number of years, visiting the country and seeing these traditions in situ made me appreciate the quirkiness and eccentricity of the British even more than when I lived there.

Amateur Psychologists can gain a better understanding of the British and their way of life by reading about Turtle Rinsing in London, Arrow Catching in Staffordshire, and Animal Gambling in the Forest of Dean. Armchair travellers can discover where a Duck Quacking contest, a Pipe Cleaner Festival, and a Thimble Throwing competition take place. Former athletes and DIY enthusiasts can marvel at people’s spitting, blowing, and digging exploits.

All the 40 stories are distinct and can be read independently; this is a book for the busy individual who only has a spare five or ten minutes before their next meeting or physio appointment to discover the secrets of Biscuit Rolling, Weasel Walking, and Christmas Tree trimming.

Once the reader has completed the book, they will perhaps understand why the British left their shores to explore the rest of the world and find something slightly more sane to do.

I hope the book inspires people to go to Britain and seek out for themselves these traditions and similar ones. Why not take part in some of them? Try and beat some of the records set in these contests. Have your name remembered by people for hundreds of years as the person who has flicked an apple pip further than anyone else in the whole of human history. Be admired as the person who has best imitated a duck or been able to balance a sparrow feather on their finger for longer than anyone else ever has. These records will provide you and your family with memories and a legacy that no one can take away.

Read the book and dream about what might be.