Monday 22 August 2011

The Month of August

British Summer Beach Holiday


August is a strange month for Britain as it's generally the hottest in the year and the only full month of no school, sp plenty of people flock to the coast to enjoy the weather and wait for September to roll around. This is the month in which we are at our most vulnerable form: that of the uncool British beach tourist. Look at all the wind breakers!



Lammas mouse


Elsewhere in Britain, August 1st is Lammas Day (makes me think of Lord of the Rings) which is a Harvest celebration where fancy decorated bread loves are made. Apparently it was also a date that young couples could start an 11 day 'trial marriage' to see if they could actually live together: smart idea!



In Wales the Eisteddfod is celebrated: it's an older tradition which was revived in the 19th century. It originated as a medieval gathering of bards and minstrels, attended by people across Wales, who competed for the prized chair at the noble's table. Now it celebrates Welsh art and culture. (Fantastic August weather in the photo below!)



Eisteddfod Maes 2009



Finally a more modern event is Notting Hill Carnival, which celebrates the culture of our Caribbean immigrants: it's generally on Summer Bank Holiday: the last Monday in August.



Notting Hill Carnival 2008

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