Thanksgiving

[mulberryrd]

This might sound silly, but is the holiday of Thanksgiving celebrated in England or is it just an excuse for we Americans to overindulge for a day ? As if we need an excuse. :) Also, when I refer to Britain does it mean England, or does it include all the countries of Great Britain? I was never quite sure and I want to be correct and not offend anyone with my ignorance. Thanks.

[sddsddean]

Thanksgiving is only celebrated by Americans living here, eg on air bases etc. It is an American holiday as I think it celebrates the first harvest or something, by the settlers to America. As to your other point. England, Scotland and Wales are Great Britain. Northern Ireland is governed by Britain, but appears seperately, so at Olympics etc the teams proper name is Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The British Isles is a geographic as opposed to political term and therefore includes England, Scoland, Wales, Northern and Republic of Ireland plus all the other islands such as Hebridies, Orkneys, Isle of Man etc.

[donniedarko]

As a resident of Northern Ireland it would surprise you how many people (especially from England) don't know that N.I is part of the UK. Thank goodness someone out there has a bit of sense.

[boognish76]

Just to clear up a point that I don't think has been answered yet - Britain and Great Britain are the same thing. And UK means the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

[mulberryrd]

I think what I really want to know is, if you were born in England do you say that you are English or British? Or either or both? If you were born in Wales are you Welsh or British etc.? I hope that makes sense. :)

[sddsddean]

Personally I say I am English, but sometimes you are proud to be British. In general it seems the Scots, Welsh and Irish are 'allowed' to celebrate their countries more than the English. For instance, on their saints days, everyone has a holiday. In England there is no public holiday for St. Georges Day (April 23rd) and it is frowned upon even to suggest celebrating. Some media people even say it is racist, as we are celebrating our historical supremecy over Sc, Wa & Ire and trying to keep them downtrodden. Personally I think it a load of b*ll*cks, and I join in with St Patricks Day with my mates if I get the chance!!

[Merthyr Imp]

St David's Day is not actually a public holiday in Wales. Nor, as far as I know, is St Andrews Day a public holiday in Scotland.