Every nation and every country has its own traditions and customs. In Britain traditions play a more important role in the life of people than in other countries. They say British people are very conservative . They are proud of their traditions  and carefully keep them up. But when we speak about British traditions we always remember that there are four parts in Britain — England,  Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Traditions are different in these parts of the country.

You already know some of the English traditions and holidays. We hope you remember St. Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Hallowe'en which have also become traditional American holidays. Here are some more facts about old English traditions.

    One of the old English legends  says that London can be the capital of the country, rich and great until twelve black ravens live in the Tower of London. Each has got its name and the keepers carefully look after them. If one of the birds dies, another younger raven takes its place. Londoners believe this legend and always bring some food to give to the birds when they come to the Tower. The keepers cut the birds' wings a bit as they are afraid that they may fly away.

Another old English tradition is Guy Fawkes Day. Children go out into the streets on the 5th of November with figures  like scarecrows. They stand in the streets and squares asking for the usual "Penny for the Guy". Then with the money they have collected they buy fireworks and burn the guy (the figure like a scarecrow) on their bonfire.

People watch fireworks and some people go to parties in the evening.

 Though different countries have different traditions and holidays people all over the world know some of them. They are — Easter, Christmas and New Year.

I.     True  or  False.

1. Every country has its own traditions and customs.
2. There are no common traditions all over the world.
3. English people celebrate Maslenitsa.

1. There are some common holidays in  England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
2. London  can  be  great  until   10  black  ravens  live in the Tower.
3. English people celebrate Guy Fawkes Day on the 5th of November.

II. Choose the best title for the text.

     1. BRITISH ARE JUST TRADITIONS CRAZY!

     2. MORE ABOUT BRITISH TRADITIONS.

     3.  GUY FAWKES DAY.

 III.  Match the words from the left column with their Russian equivalents from the right column.

1. look after                         a.   фейерверк                                          
2. scarecrow                        b.   обычай
3. firework                           c.   заботиться
4. custom                             d.   костер
5. bonfire                             e.   чучело