Post: #1

Whilst I was browsing the depths of Youtube today I came across a video that I think completely encompasses everything great about old world traditions.

Pure, innocent, and barely touched by the toils and tribulations of time. Just humans having fun, something to cherish in this hectic modern life. There's plenty more of these quirky events throughout the UK, but I thought I'd share this particularly hilarious video.

Gloucestershire is one of the most traditional places in England, you just wouldn't find this sort of event nearer London. Please share some crazy local traditions from your countries!

Post: #2

Presented without comment.

Post: #3

That's exactly the sort of thing I was searching for, thanks Praetor! Another weird one I've just remembered is the pagan ceremony they have in Somerset (I think) where a man blesses the cider harvest, unfortunately I can't find a video.

I would have hoped that somewhere in Australia, NZ or the Southern US there might have been enough English settlers from a specific place to have had some traditions carried over, or perhaps new traditions altogether created.

Post: #4

We have multiple local festivals in the south, like village sized festivals. We always practice traditions from the old country. In particular, Scottish sword dancing:



Caber toss (among other highland games):


And, of course, HEMA duels:

Post: #5

I’m not from here originally but when I hear the sounds of these around where I live there s something otherworldly about this sound.




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Post: #6

New Zealand - Gumboot throwing

Post: #7

Can't participate. Was born in the new world.

Have gotten in a conker fight in the UK though.

Post: #8

Classic:

Post: #9

In california we just have "smoke dope on the beach and fall asleep" contests. Does that count? We really aren't old enough to have anything traditional.

Post: #10

(06-10-2018 12:54 PM)MrLemon Wrote:  In california we just have "smoke dope on the beach and fall asleep" contests. Does that count? We really aren't old enough to have anything traditional.

You could build a Coast Miwok wickiup.



Your woman could be kept busy making baskets.



And if she does a good job, reward her with some abalone jewelry.

Post: #11

Just what I was looking for, YoungBlade. I'm a real sucker for anything to do with our heritage and traditions.

If you listen carefully to the delightful West Country twang belonging to the man in the video Huxley Badkin posted (great video by the way, never heard of that one before), you can hear the very slight link to the Southern US accent. The West Country was most insulated from the accent changes from the haute-society in London and the home counties, so they sound most similar to the original English settlers in places like Virginia and Georgia. The guys in the video don't even have particularly strong accents, with some older folk the comparison is much easier to see.

Another one I've just remembered:

Post: #12

Highland Games celebrations are not uncommon in the U.S. (especially in the South), but I have yet to go to one.

Post: #13

This is on my todo list.

Post: #14

There are countless local traditions across Europe - some funny, some weird, some beautiful.


Every Polish cemetery on November 1st.

Post: #15

'Merica

Post: #16

We just had one of the great ones, in the Trooping of the Colour. My friends are often junior officers in the Guards regiments, so it adds a personal element to the show, and is always amusing and nostalgic to see a guy you used to roughhouse with sitting on his horse looking magnificent in a bearskin and tunic. I don't always watch it, and never sit through the whole thing, but I love the regimental bands. There's no army in the world that can match the British Army for navigating military ceremony with such style and aplomb - our guys just get that balance right every time. When I see the Grenadier Guards in their full uniform, knowing the long, proud history of the regiment, standing there with such weighty dignity, it gives me a real thrill.

19:30 in the video below for a couple of minutes is a nice example for anyone interested.