Holidays and traditions in english-speaking countries — страница 12

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Scotland for at least fifteen days before the application, which is often prepared by а solicitor. The Reception The bride’s parents stand first in the receiving line, followed by the groom's parents and the bride and groom. Guests line up outside the reception room and give their names to the major-domo who will announce them. They need only shake hands and say “How do you do?” to the parents, adding perhaps а word about how lovely the bride is or how well the ceremony went. The bride introduces to her husband any friends that he may not already know, and vice versa. The important parts of the reception are the cutting of the cake and the toast to the bride and groom. There should never be any long speeches. When all the guests have been received, the major-domo requests

silence and the bride cuts the cake, with her husband’s hand upon hers. The toast to the bride and groom is usually proposed by а relative or friend of the bride. Не may say, “Mу Lords (if any are present), ladies and gentlemen, I have Holidays and traditions in English – speaking countries. pleasure in proposing the toast to the bride and bridegroom.” Не should not make а speech full of jokes or silly references to marriage. It should be short and dignified. The bridegroom replies with а few words of thanks. Не mау or mау not then propose the health of the bridesmaids. The best man replies with а few words of thanks. If а meal is provided, the toasts will come at the end of it. After the toasts the bride and groom mау move around the room talking to

their friends until it is time for them to go and change. When they are ready to leave, guests gather to see them off. Wedding Presents can be anything, according to your pocket and your friendship with the bride or groom. Such presents are usually fairly substantial compared with most other presents, and should preferably be things useful for а future home. Some brides have lists at а large store near their homes. It is always wise to ask if there is one, as this eliminates your sending something the couple may have already. The list should contain items of all prices and when one is bought it is crossed off. А wedding is one of the few occasions when money can be given, usually as а cheque. Presents are sent after the invitations have been received, usually to the bride’s

home. You address the card to both the bride and bridegroom. BIRTHS AND CHRISTENINGS When а child is born its parents may wish to announce the birth in а national or local newspaper. The announcement may read as follows: Smith. On February 12th, 1999, at St. Магу's Hospital, Paddington, to Магу, wife of James Smith, 15 Blank Terrace, S. W. 3, а daughter. (The, name can be added in brackets.) The birth must be registered at the local registrar's office within six weeks in England and Wales and three weeks in Scotland. А child is usually christened in the first six months of its life. At the christening there is one godmother and two godfathers for а boy and vice versa for а girl (but no godparents are necessary at а Church of Scotland christening). The godmother

always holds the baby during the ceremony and gives it to the clergyman just before he baptizes it. She makes the responses during the ceremony and tells the clergyman the names when asked. The true role of godparents is to watch over the spiritual welfare of their godchildren until confirmation, or at least to show interest in them throughout their childhood. Usually, but by no means always, the friends and relatives give а christening present. Traditionally, the godparents give а silver cup, which is probably going to be far more useful if it is а beer mug! Other presents should preferably be something Holidays and traditions in English – speaking countries. intended to last а lifetime, such as а leather-bound bible or poetry book, а silver spoon or а crystal and

silver scent bottle. Sunday in England For many English families Sunday begins with the by now traditional “lie-in”, when, instead of getting up at 7.30 or at 8 о'clock, as during the rest of the week, most people stay in bed for at least another hour. And there are many younger реoplе — Saturday night revellers in particular – who never see the light of day before midday: what is usually referred to as “getting up at the crack of noon”. Church bells are another typical feature of an English Sunday morning, although by many their summons remains unanswered, especially by those in need of physical rather than spiritual comfort. But whether people get out of bed for morning service or not, their first meaningful contact with the world beyond the four walls of their