Last week marked the arrival of Black Friday in the U.K. Now, for those of you across the pond, this probably isn’t new—after all, it originated in the U.S. and has become a yearly event there. But for us Brits, Black Friday was relatively unknown until just a few days before it suddenly exploded into our conversations. It felt akin to waking up one day and finding out that everyone was obsessed with a new song, leaving you to wonder how you missed the memo.
It was astonishing how quickly the buzz caught on. People who had no idea what Black Friday was just a day prior were suddenly strategizing their shopping plans. It was as if a new, bizarre religion had taken hold overnight, and everyone was keen to participate, leaving you feeling like the sole outsider. The whole country seemed to rally around this newly minted concept as if it were an ancient tradition, when in reality, it’s anything but.
My initial irritation at the rapid acceptance of this American import was only compounded when I learned what Black Friday actually entailed. The name itself is shrouded in mystery; it conjures up images of anything from revolutionary heroes to lost pirate ships. Yet, it turns out that Black Friday is simply about discounts and shopping frenzy. It’s almost laughable—how did we transition from an enigmatic title to a day marked by consumer chaos?
As the day approached, the excitement escalated. Stores were gearing up for an onslaught of shoppers, and media outlets were buzzing with coverage. What began as a mere curiosity transformed into a full-fledged event, complete with crowds, police presence, and even a few scuffles over popular items. Reports emerged of a woman being struck by a falling television, a sobering reminder of the absurdity that can accompany such consumerism. But miraculously, the U.K. didn’t crumble into chaos, and it seemed the ritual had been performed correctly.
Now, we find ourselves with a brand-new holiday custom, one that’s likely here to stay. Retailers raked in profits, and the buzz surrounding the day assures that we’ll be seeing Black Friday again next year and beyond. So, thank you, America, for this unexpected gift.
In the spirit of cultural exchange, perhaps it’s time we send a unique British tradition back your way. How about the quirky Welsh custom of Mari Lwyd? On New Year’s Eve, a local man carries a horse’s skull adorned with ribbons from house to house, wishing folks good luck while likely terrifying them in the process. Now that’s a tradition that would make for some memorable celebrations!
Have you got your horse skull ready? Time is ticking!
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Summary
Black Friday has made its surprising debut in the U.K., transforming from an unknown concept to a chaotic shopping day. This American import has quickly gained popularity, bringing with it crowds and consumer frenzy. As we adapt to this new tradition, perhaps it’s time to share some unique British customs in return.