Course outline
Module 1
Module 1: The History of Cheese Rolling
The History of Cheese Rolling
Knowledge check
Q1. What is the primary purpose of the cheese rolling tradition in the UK?
- A. To celebrate the harvest season
- B. To roll a wheel of cheese down a hill ✓
- C. To promote local cheese production
- D. To entertain tourists
Why: The primary purpose of cheese rolling is to roll a wheel of cheese down a hill as part of a traditional event, typically held in the village of Brockworth, Gloucestershire.
Q2. In which country is cheese rolling a traditional event?
- A. France
- B. Germany
- C. United Kingdom ✓
- D. Italy
Why: Cheese rolling is a traditional event in the United Kingdom, particularly in the village of Brockworth, Gloucestershire.
Q3. What type of cheese is traditionally used in the cheese rolling event?
- A. Cheddar ✓
- B. Brie
- C. Gouda
- D. Camembert
Why: Traditionally, a wheel of Cheddar cheese is used in the cheese rolling event.
Q4. What is the main reason people participate in cheese rolling?
- A. To win a prize
- B. For fun and entertainment ✓
- C. To make cheese
- D. To compete in a professional sport
Why: People participate in cheese rolling mainly for fun and entertainment, as it is a quirky and traditional event.
Q5. Where is the cheese rolling event held annually?
- A. In London
- B. In the village of Brockworth ✓
- C. In Edinburgh
- D. In Manchester
Why: The cheese rolling event is held annually in the village of Brockworth, Gloucestershire.
Module 2
Module 2: Other Bizarre British Festivals
Other Bizarre British Festivals
Knowledge check
Q1. What is the main purpose of the Cheese Rolling festival in the UK?
- A. To celebrate the harvest season
- B. To roll cheese down a hill as a competition ✓
- C. To honor local saints
- D. To promote tourism in the region
Why: The Cheese Rolling festival involves participants rolling a wheel of cheese down a hill, with competitors chasing after it.
Q2. Which of the following is a bizarre British festival that involves a large number of people dressing up in costumes and parading through the streets?
- A. Burning of the effigy
- B. Notting Hill Carnival ✓
- C. Royal Ascot
- D. Glastonbury Festival
Why: The Notting Hill Carnival is known for its vibrant displays of colorful costumes and music.
Q3. What is the name of the British festival that involves throwing cream pies at each other?
- A. Pancake Day
- B. Cream Pie Festival
- C. The Great British Pie Throw
- D. None of the above ✓
Why: There is no official British festival that involves throwing cream pies at each other.
Q4. Which British tradition involves participants wearing elaborate costumes and masks during a festival in the town of Hastings?
- A. Hastings Masked Festival ✓
- B. Hastings Carnival
- C. Hastings Ghost Walk
- D. Hastings Halloween Parade
Why: The Hastings Masked Festival is known for its participants wearing masks and costumes.
Q5. Which of the following is a bizarre British tradition that involves people running through the streets with a pig?
- A. Pig Chase Festival
- B. The Great Pig Run
- C. Pig Racing Day
- D. None of the above ✓
Why: There is no official British tradition that involves people running through the streets with a pig.
Module 3
Module 3: The Origins of Maypole Dancing
The Origins of Maypole Dancing
Knowledge check
Q1. What is the primary purpose of Maypole Dancing?
- A. To celebrate the arrival of spring ✓
- B. To mark the beginning of harvest season
- C. To honor the dead
- D. To celebrate the winter solstice
Why: Maypole Dancing is traditionally associated with the arrival of spring and the renewal of life.
Q2. Where did Maypole Dancing originate?
- A. France
- B. Germany
- C. England ✓
- D. Italy
Why: Maypole Dancing originated in England and was brought to America by early settlers.
Q3. What is the significance of the maypole in Maypole Dancing?
- A. It represents the sun
- B. It symbolizes fertility and growth ✓
- C. It is a marker for the village center
- D. It is a decorative element only
Why: The maypole is a symbol of fertility and growth, reflecting the themes of the dance.
Q4. What is the traditional time of year when Maypole Dancing takes place?
- A. Autumn
- B. Winter
- C. Spring ✓
- D. Summer
Why: Maypole Dancing typically takes place in the spring, around the time of May Day.
Q5. What is the role of the dancers in Maypole Dancing?
- A. They compete against each other
- B. They weave around the maypole in a pattern ✓
- C. They perform individual solos
- D. They sing traditional songs only
Why: Dancers weave around the maypole in a pattern, creating a visual representation of the dance.
Module 4
Module 4: The Somerset Witch Trials
The Somerset Witch Trials
Knowledge check
Q1. What year did the Somerset Witch Trials take place?
- A. 1560
- B. 1645 ✓
- C. 1692
- D. 1705
Why: The Somerset Witch Trials occurred in 1645, during the English Civil War.
Q2. Which village in Somerset was the center of the witch trials?
- A. Bridgwater ✓
- B. Taunton
- C. Wells
- D. Mendip
Why: Bridgwater was the center of the Somerset Witch Trials.
Q3. How many people were accused of witchcraft during the Somerset Witch Trials?
- A. 10
- B. 30
- C. 50
- D. 100 ✓
Why: Over 100 people were accused of witchcraft during the Somerset Witch Trials.
Q4. What was the main reason for the witch trials in Somerset?
- A. Superstition and fear of the unknown ✓
- B. A desire to gain land and property
- C. Religious persecution
- D. Political unrest
Why: The main reason for the witch trials in Somerset was superstition and fear of the unknown.
Q5. What was the outcome for most of those accused during the Somerset Witch Trials?
- A. They were executed
- B. They were imprisoned
- C. They were exiled
- D. They were acquitted ✓
Why: Most of those accused during the Somerset Witch Trials were acquitted, which was unusual for witch trials in England at the time.
Module 5
Module 5: The Royal Navy's Odd Traditions
The Royal Navy's Odd Traditions
Knowledge check
Q1. What is the purpose of the Royal Navy tradition known as 'the cat and mouse'?
- A. To determine the fastest sailor
- B. To keep sailors entertained during long voyages ✓
- C. To train sailors in combat
- D. To assign roles on a ship
Why: The 'cat and mouse' is a game played by sailors during long voyages to keep morale high and provide entertainment.
Q2. Which of the following is a traditional Royal Navy superstition?
- A. Never speaking the word 'ship' ✓
- B. Avoiding the number 13
- C. Not eating bread on board
- D. Never wearing red socks
Why: It is a superstition in the Royal Navy that saying the word 'ship' can bring bad luck, so sailors often refer to it as 'the vessel' instead.
Q3. What is the significance of the Royal Navy tradition of 'the bell ringing'?
- A. To signal the start of a battle
- B. To mark the passing of a sailor ✓
- C. To indicate the time of day
- D. To celebrate a successful mission
Why: The bell is rung to mark the passing of a sailor, serving as a solemn reminder of those who have died at sea.
Q4. What is the origin of the Royal Navy tradition of 'the ghost ship'?
- A. A real ship that disappeared mysteriously ✓
- B. A story told to scare new sailors
- C. A reference to a shipwreck
- D. A ghost that haunts sailors
Why: The 'ghost ship' tradition is based on the real-life mystery of a ship that disappeared without a trace, often used to illustrate the dangers of the sea.
Q5. Which of the following is a bizarre tradition among Royal Navy sailors?
- A. Dancing on the ship's mast
- B. Eating a specific type of food every Friday
- C. Singing sea shanties in reverse
- D. Throwing a shoe overboard for good luck ✓
Why: Throwing a shoe overboard is a bizarre tradition some sailors follow for good luck, though it is not an official Royal Navy practice.
Module 6
Module 6: British Folklore and Superstitions
British Folklore and Superstitions
Module 7
Module 7: The Role of Animals in British Customs
The Role of Animals in British Customs
Knowledge check
Q1. What is the primary role of animals in British customs according to the module?
- A. They are used for entertainment purposes only
- B. They play a symbolic and practical role in various traditions ✓
- C. They are only involved in agricultural festivals
- D. They are not involved in any British customs
Why: Animals are often used symbolically and practically in British customs, such as in agricultural festivals, religious ceremonies, and traditional games.
Q2. Which of the following is an example of a British tradition involving animals?
- A. Cheese rolling ✓
- B. Boxing Day
- C. Guy Fawkes Night
- D. Christmas Day
Why: Cheese rolling is a British tradition that involves rolling a wheel of cheese down a hill, often with participants chasing it.
Q3. What is the significance of the bull in the traditional game of 'Bull Running' in Spain?
- A. It represents the king
- B. It is a symbol of strength and fertility ✓
- C. It is used for entertainment only
- D. It has no cultural significance
Why: In 'Bull Running', the bull symbolizes strength and fertility, and the event is often associated with local festivals and cultural heritage.
Q4. Which animal is traditionally used in the British custom of 'May Day' celebrations?
- A. Sheep
- B. Cows
- C. Goats
- D. Horses ✓
Why: Horses are often used in May Day processions, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the renewal of life.
Q5. What is the purpose of the 'Burning of the Effigy' in some British customs?
- A. To celebrate the harvest
- B. To honor the dead
- C. To symbolize the removal of evil or misfortune ✓
- D. To mark the start of the new year
Why: The 'Burning of the Effigy' is often used to symbolize the removal of evil, misfortune, or old traditions, marking a fresh start.