English Culture

English culture is sometimes difficult to define, as English culture has been so influential on the cultures of the British Isles and those cultures have, in turn, heavily influenced English culture. England is, after all, only one nation among the British Isles or the United Kingdom.

Among English culture is the vast body of art that originated from the geographical region currently referred to as England. ‘English art’ is a term that refers to art from this region. Because this distinction was made more recently than much of the art was produced, the term ‘English art’ remains somewhat indefinable.

English art has developed over the millennia to several current art movements, including wha is known as ‘Brit art’ and encompasses various art forms such as sculpture, performance art and painting.

Interestingly, oil painting came somewhat late to the nation of England, when contrasted with the rest of Europe. An important and talented artist named Hans Holbein is generally credited with the formation of an English school of portrait painting.

English art collections of royalty did not exist te way they did in other European countries. Although Charles I amassed a large royal collection of English art, many of thee treasures were lost during the English Commonwealth. During this period of democratization, the state didn’t have resources allotted toward great palace collections as in other European nations.

English cuisine also plays an important role in English culture. As England was the first industrialized country in the world, it was also the first to urbanize workers that had been, in many cases, cut off from their regional food traditions. This partly to blame for the misconception that all English food is bland and tasteless. Also, English cuisine has been more open to international influence and so does not tend to stand apart as having a distinct cuisine, to many outside perspectives.

An enduring tradition remains the full English breakfast. This is quite a different assortment of foods than other types of breakfast meals. For example, tea nd beer are common beverages to have along with a traditional full English breakfast.

Among the foods produced in England, cheese is one of the most popular edible English exports. English cheeses are generally named after the regions in which they were invented. Examples include Lancashire cheese, Cheshire cheese, Stilton cheese and Dorset Blue Vinney cheese.

Other types of common English dishes include Sunday roast, fish and chips. Yorkshire pudding, Sausage and mash, Cumberland sausage, and Cornish pastries.

English folklore refers to the folk traditions that emerged from England over several centuries. Many English legends can be traced back as far as the Roman invasion, while others are trace back or are disputed among differing cultures.

Most English mythology that has survived to this day varies greatly from one region to another, though in the distant past there were common mythologies that all of England shared.

English culture also includes a rich and long musical history. From 16th century choral traditions to the massive surge of popular music of the 1960s and 190s, England continues to contribute to the music of the world.

From art to cuisine, music, literature and religion, English culture has played an important part on the world stage and continues to grow and adjust to modern issues as well as continue to contribute to the Arts.

Aura Mirchandani is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit ArticleClick.com. Article Click is a free content article directory.