英国法定节假日

"What are the statutory holidays in the UK?

 

On my first visit to the UK, I heard about Bank Holidays, which seem to occur quite frequently. During Bank Holidays, all the banks in the UK actually do not work. I initially thought it was a holiday specifically for banks. However, in reality, all the statutory holidays in the UK are collectively referred to as 'Bank Holidays'.

 

This is different from the designated holidays in China, such as the lunar New Year, New Year's Day, May Day, National Day, Mid-Autumn Festival, and others. In the UK, all statutory holidays have the term 'Bank' added to them. It's even more interesting that each region in the UK has its own Bank Holidays, except for major holidays like Christmas, which are observed nationwide. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each have their own Bank Holidays.

 

Currently, there are eight fixed statutory holidays in the UK, with some Bank Holidays observed for several days and others for just one day. One-day Bank Holidays are quite common, and most Bank Holidays are observed on Mondays.

 

Speaking of Bank Holidays, there is a historical story behind them. In 1834, the Bank of England established many holidays primarily for its employees to have time off. During these holidays, the banks would be closed because the UK had very few statutory holidays at that time. Since many commercial activities in the UK relied on banks to function, when the banks were closed, many businesses couldn't operate normally, and people would also take the day off. Over time, in 1871, a British nobleman named John Lubbock proposed to designate Bank Holidays as national statutory holidays. The proposal was approved, and since then, Bank Holidays have become days when everyone takes time off."

So, what are the eight statutory holidays in the UK?

1. New Year's Day
        New Year's Day in the UK is similar to New Year's Day in China and is      typically observed on January 1st. In the UK, the New Year holiday period      extends from Christmas through the first month of the year, creating a      month-long holiday. London's famous Ferris wheel, the London Eye, displays      fireworks, and cities across the country also have fireworks displays to      celebrate the New Year, similar to the Lunar New Year countdown in China.

2. Good Friday
        Good Friday is observed in April, usually in conjunction with the Easter      holiday. It is a holiday that lasts for one to two weeks.

3. Easter Monday
        Easter Monday is a significant holiday in the UK, and various activities      take place throughout the country around Easter. It is observed in      conjunction with Good Friday and typically lasts for one to two weeks.

4. Early May Bank Holiday
        This holiday, also known as May Day Bank Holiday, is a day to go out and      enjoy outdoor activities and nature. It is typically observed for one day.

5. Spring Bank Holiday
        This holiday is another opportunity for people to go out, enjoy nature,      and appreciate flowers, plants, and trees. It is observed for one day.

6. Summer Bank Holiday
        The Summer Bank Holiday is a day to relax and take a break during the      summer season. It is observed for one day.

7. Christmas Day
        Christmas Day is the biggest holiday in the UK and has the longest holiday      period, often lasting for a month. It extends until after the New Year,      depending on specific circumstances, typically around three weeks.

8. Boxing Day
        Boxing Day is known for being a day of crazy shopping due to many items      being heavily discounted. It offers substantial discounts on various      products, including both old and new items.

 

The schedule of statutory bank holidays in the United Kingdom is as follows:

 

UK Bank Holidays: These are public holidays in the United Kingdom, some Commonwealth countries, certain European countries (such as Switzerland), and some former British colonies (such as Hong Kong). When the Bank Holidays Act was enacted in 1871, England had four bank holidays, and Scotland had five bank holidays. The dates of these holidays are announced each year on the official website of the UK government. You can find the link to the bank holidays announcement on the government website：https://www.gov.uk/bank-holidays