Last week marked the arrival of Black Friday in the U.K. While this might not be surprising to those in the United States—where this shopping phenomenon originated—it certainly caught many Brits off guard. Just a few days prior, the term was scarcely mentioned; then, seemingly overnight, it was everywhere. It felt akin to waking up in a different era, where everyone was suddenly well-versed in a new cultural event, and you were left in the dark, trying to piece it all together.
The conversations surrounding Black Friday took on a life of their own. People who had previously been blissfully unaware were now discussing their strategies for navigating this newly adopted shopping spree. The shift was so abrupt that it felt like the country had collectively embraced a bizarre new tradition—comparable to an unfamiliar pagan festival—without any explanation of what it entailed.
Upon discovering the meaning behind Black Friday, my irritation only grew. The term itself is misleading; it conjures images of something significant or historic. It could easily refer to a revolutionary event, a long-lost ship, or even a catastrophic market crash. Instead, it’s simply a day of discounts—a commercial event where retailers see an increase in sales, thus earning the name “Black Friday.”
Despite my initial skepticism, the overwhelming enthusiasm surrounding Black Friday couldn’t be ignored. It was a chaotic scene reminiscent of a wild celebration, with crowds rushing to grab the best deals. Police intervention was necessary in some locations, and reports surfaced of altercations over goods. The BBC even noted an incident involving a woman struck by a falling television—an unfortunate but somewhat absurd testament to the day’s madness.
As a result, the U.K. has adopted this new practice, which, although only recently introduced, appears to be here to stay. The enthusiasm from both consumers and retailers suggests that it will likely become a recurring event in the years to come.
In the spirit of this cultural exchange, perhaps we could share a unique British tradition with our American friends. One such example is the Welsh custom of Mari Lwyd, wherein a local man carries a horse’s skull adorned with ribbons from house to house on New Year’s Eve, wishing residents luck for the coming year while undoubtedly startling them in the process.
Have you prepared your horse skull yet? The countdown is on!
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Summary:
Black Friday has unexpectedly made its mark in the U.K., transforming from an obscure American shopping event into a chaotic frenzy of consumerism. As retailers embrace this trend, the cultural implications of such a rapid change raise questions about our evolving traditions. Alongside this new phenomenon, perhaps it’s time to introduce our own unique customs to America, such as the Welsh Mari Lwyd.