So, it was Black Friday last week. Americans, you know all about it; it’s your creation. Every year, when someone across the pond mentions “Black Friday,” it’s a given that everyone else knows what’s being referred to. In the UK, however, Black Friday was a mystery—until about a week ago. Suddenly, it was everywhere, like an annoying summer hit song that you couldn’t escape. It’s as if the entire nation had been struck by an unexpected wave of enthusiasm for a shopping day without anyone bothering to explain what it entailed. You felt like you had missed a critical cultural memo.
As the days passed, people who had been blissfully unaware of this shopping phenomenon were now strategizing for it as if it were a national sporting event. It was as if the UK had been thrust into a peculiar ritual, one that had no historical context here—like suddenly being asked to participate in an obscure pagan celebration without any prior knowledge. “What are your plans for Black Friday?” became a common question, leaving many feeling like outsiders in a bizarre new tradition.
To make matters worse, I found out that the term “Black Friday” has absolutely nothing to do with its actual events. The name conjures up images of anything from a tragic stock market crash to a lost pirate ship. But no, it’s simply about retail sales. On Black Friday, stores offer discounts, leading to a surge in shopping. How thrilling, right? Hence, it has earned the title “The Onyx-Dark Equinox of Unredeemed Souls”—or, simply “Black Friday.”
And so, the frenzy unfolded. Crowds descended upon stores, police had to step in, and yes, there were even reports of chaos as people fought over discounted items. One woman, according to the news, was injured by a falling television—proof that the laws of gravity remained steadfast despite the madness. Yet, by the end of the day, the UK hadn’t crumbled into oblivion, and it seemed we had performed this new ritual correctly.
This new tradition, which had only just emerged, appeared to have taken firm root. Retailers saw enormous profits, and the media had a field day with the spectacle. It seems almost certain that Black Friday will become a regular feature in the UK calendar for years to come. So, thanks for that, America!
In the spirit of cultural exchanges, perhaps we should send you a unique British tradition in return. How about the Welsh custom of Mari Lwyd? Every New Year’s Eve in parts of Wales, a local man carries a horse’s skull on a pole, covered in a sheet and adorned with ribbons. It’s both eerie and festive, as the Mari Lwyd visits homes, bringing good luck for the year ahead while simultaneously terrifying the residents. Have you got your horse skull ready? There’s less than three weeks to go!
In summary, Black Friday has unexpectedly made its mark on the UK, bringing with it both chaos and curiosity. As we navigate this new tradition, it might be worth exploring other unique customs from our rich heritage to share, like the Mari Lwyd.