The United Kingdom (abbreviated from ‘The United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland) is the political name of the country which consists of England,
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (sometimes known as Ulster).
Great Britain is the name of the island which is made up of England, Scotland,
Wales, whereas the British Isles is the geographical name of all the islands off the
north west coast of the European continent (Great Britain, Ireland, The Channel
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Islands and the Isle of Man). In everyday speech “Britain” is used to mean the United
Kingdom.
The flag of the United Kingdom, known as the Union Jack, is made up of three
crosses. The upright red cross on a white background is the cross of St. George, the
patron saint of England. The white diagonal cross on a blue background is the cross
of St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. The red diagonal cross on a white
background is the cross of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
The Welsh flag, called the Welsh dragon, represents a red dragon on a white
and green background.
St. George’s Day falls on 23 April and is regarded as England’s national day.
On this day some patriotic Englishmen wear a rose pinned to their jackets. A red rose
is the national emblem of England from the time of the Wars of the Roses (15th
century).
St. Andrew’s Day (30 November) is regarded as Scotland’s national day. On
this day some Scotsmen wear a thistle in their buttonhole. As a national emblem of
Scotland, thistle was apparently first used in the 15th century as a symbol of defence.
The Order of the Thistle is one of highest orders of knighthood. It was founded in
1687, and is mainly given to Scottish noblemen (limited to 16 in number).
St. Patrick’s Day (17 March) is considered as a national day in Northern
Ireland and an official bank holiday there. The national emblem of Ireland is
shamrock. According to legend, it was the plant chosen by St. Patrick to illustrate the
Christian doctrine of the Trinity to the Irish.
St. David’s Day (1 March) is the church festival of St. David, a 6th
-century
monk and bishop, the patron of Wales. The day is regarded as the national holiday of
Wales, although it is not an official bank holiday.
On this day, however, many Welshmen wear either a yellow daffodil or a leek
pinned to their jackets, as both plants are traditionally regarded as national emblems
of Wales.
In the Royal Arms three lions symbolize England, a lion rampant – Scotland,
and a harp – Ireland. The whole is encircled with the Garter and is supported by a
lion and a unicorn. The lion has been used as a symbol of national strength and of the
British monarchy for many centuries. The unicorn, a mythical animal that looks like a
horse with a long straight horn, has appeared on the Scottish and British coats of arms
for many centuries and is a symbol of purity.
Word study
Find in the text words/ word-phrases for the following Russian equivalents
1. торжественная речь
2. основание
3. покровитель
4. прикалывать булавкой
5. чертополох
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6. аристократ
7. клевер
8. церковный праздник
9. нарцисс
10. стоящий на задних лапах
11. единорог
12. герб
After-reading questions:
1. How many parts does the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland consist of?
2. What is Northern Ireland called?
3. What is the name of the British national flag?
4. What parts does it include?
5. What does the Welsh flag represent?
6. When is the national day of England? What do people do on this day?
7. Which holiday is celebrated on 30 November? What is the national emblem?
8. When does Northern Ireland celebrate its national day?
9. What kind of holiday is St. David’s Day?
10. What do three lions symbolize in the Royal Coat of Arms?