Life in the UK Test
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Customs and traditions through the year

Study note

The UK has many customs that fall at particular times of the year. In Scotland, the celebration of New Year is called Hogmanay, held on 31 December, and for some people it is a bigger event than Christmas. Mothering Sunday, also known as Mother's Day, takes place in spring on the Sunday three weeks before Easter, while Father's Day falls in summer, on the third Sunday in June.

Another seasonal custom is Pancake Day, also called Shrove Tuesday. It comes on the day before the Christian period of Lent begins, and people traditionally eat pancakes. So remember Hogmanay as the Scottish New Year and Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, as the day that comes just before Lent.

Memory tip: Hogmanay = Scottish New Year; Pancake Day comes before Lent.

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Question 1 of 2

What is the Scottish celebration of New Year called?

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Customs and traditions through the year: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. What is the Scottish celebration of New Year called?

    • Eid
    • Hogmanay
    • Hanukkah
    • Vaisakhi

    Correct answer: Hogmanay

    Hogmanay is the Scottish celebration of New Year.

  2. 2. Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) takes place just before the Christian period of Lent.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) falls before Lent.

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