Western Festivals & Holidays
Westernfestivals西方节日课堂展示
CELEBRATIONS
Many countries celebrate Christmas, and each country has its own habits!
IN ENGLAND
They will have turkey,Christmas color gun and retro sweater.
Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus and it is the most important Christian festival.
CELEBRATIONS
People will have Festival Eggs,they are very beautiful! The rabbits are so cute,too!
WESTERN FESTIVALS
Hello everyone. Now I will introduce some western festivals to you!
SILENT NIGHT
Silent Night is Christmas Eve, it's on Dec.24th. In most Christian countries is one of the festivals of Christmas
APRIL FOOL'S DAY
April Fool's Day is a Western folk festivals on April 1st.They can kid with each other!
HALLOWEEN
Halloween is in the evening of Oct.31st each year, and that night is the eve of All Saints' Day.
《Western festivals》PPT课件
Think and retell
bad / could not find
Think and retell
bright / could see
Think and retell
took … to …
Think and retell
happy / loved / loved, too
Make and say
Extensive - activities
Listen and sounds
英语连读发音规则： 为使说话流畅，
词末元音可以和词 首元音连读，而不 停顿。
相邻的词中，
前一个词的末尾是 辅音，后一个词的 开头是元音。
Practice ︵︶
Homework
1.Retell the story. 2.Finish P81 Part 2 – 3. 3.Sing the song “Jingle bells”.
The En
d
才须学也。非学无以广才，非志无以成学。——孔明 对一个人来说，所期望的不是别的，而仅仅是他能够全力以赴和献身于一种美好事业。——爱因斯坦 认识自己，降伏自己，改变自己，才能改变别人。 待人退一步，爱人宽一寸，人生自然活得很快乐。 只有想不到的事，没有做不到的事。 你什么时候放下，什么时候就没有烦恼。 不愤不启，不悱不发；举一隅不以三隅反，则不复也。——《论语·述而》（举一反三） 家！甜蜜的家！！天下最美好的莫过于家！ 儿童的行为，出于天性，也因环境而改变，所以孔融会让梨。——鲁迅 目标的坚定是性格中最必要的力量源泉之一，也是成功的利器之一。没有它，天才会在矛盾无定的迷径中徒劳无功。 这个是世界上没有天才，所谓的天才只是比普通人多了百分之一的天赋。如果这个天赋运用不好，那么他就可能变成百分之十的累赘。 在不幸中，有用的朋友更为必要；在幸运中，高尚的朋友更为必要。在不幸中，寻找朋友出于必需；在幸运中，寻找朋友出于高尚。
用英文介绍西方节日作文
用英文介绍西方节日作文Introduction。
Western festivals are a significant part of Western culture. They are celebrated with joy and enthusiasm by people all over the world. These festivals bring people together, and they are an excellent way to learn about different cultures. In this essay, we will discuss some of the most popular Western festivals.Christmas。
Christmas is one of the most important festivals in the Western world. It is celebrated on December 25th every year, and it marks the birth of Jesus Christ. People decoratetheir homes with Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments. They exchange gifts with their loved ones, and they attend church services. Christmas is a time of joy, love, and peace.Halloween。
Halloween is a festival that is celebrated on October31st every year. It originated in Europe, and it is now celebrated all over the world. People dress up in costumes, and they go trick-or-treating. They also attend Halloween parties and carve pumpkins. Halloween is a time for fun,and it is a great way to express one's creativity.Thanksgiving。
western_festivals
愚人节整蛊法
有的人把细线拴着的钱包丢在大街上，自己在暗处拉 着线的另一端。一旦有人捡起钱包，他们就出其不意 地猛然把钱包拽走。 小孩们会告诉父母说自己的书包破了个洞，或者脸上 有个黑点．等大人俯身来看时，他们就一边喊着“四 月傻瓜”。一边笑着跑开去。 还有人把砖头放在破帽子下面搁在马路当中，然后等 着看谁来了会踢它。 每逢愚人节这一天，动物园和水族馆还会接到不少打 给菲什(鱼)先生成莱昂(狮子)先生的电话，常常惹得工 作人员掐断电话线，以便减少麻烦。
Mother’s Day ’
母亲节是英美等国家为 了表达对母亲的敬意而 设的一个节日。日期是 每年的5月第二个星期日 （the second Sunday in May）。
Carnation for mother
美国的母亲节
母亲节起源于19世纪60年代的美国。据说当时在美国 Philadelphia 有一个小地方，人们之间彼此关系不十分友好， 经常打架。当时有一位叫 Mrs Jarvis 的女士希望能改变这种 状况，于是她就开始了一个所谓“母亲友谊节”（Mother's Friendship Day）。在母亲友谊节这一天便去看望其他人的 母亲，并劝她们能和好如初。 于 1905年5月9 日去世，她的 女儿Miss Anna Javis 继承了她的事业，继续努力，并决心建 立一个纪念母亲的节日。于是她开始给当时有影响的人写信， 提出自己的建议。在她的努力下， Philadelphia 于1908年5 月10 日第一次庆祝了母亲节。 在1911年，几乎美国所有的 州都开始庆祝母亲节了。威尔逊总统于1914年发表官方声明 让母亲节成为全国性的节日，就是5月的第二个星期日。
英国的母亲节
十七世纪英格兰，为表达对英国母亲们的敬意，乃订四旬 斋的第四个星期日为「Mothering Sunday」，人们在这一天回 家探视双亲，并致礼表示敬意。（注：四旬斋是指复活节前夕 之前，星期天除外的40天）。 当时，有许多的穷人必须在有钱人家里帮工讨生活，而被 迫离家寄宿在主人家里，在Mothering Sunday这一天，主人们 会放他们假，并鼓励他们返家与妈妈团聚。为增加欢乐气氛， 也发展了一种特别的蛋糕称为－mothering cake。 随着基督神在欧洲的扩散，这个节日转为对「Mother Church」的崇敬：表达人们对赋予他们生命、保护他们免於伤 害的精神力量的感谢。从此，教会的仪式便与母亲节的庆祝活 动相结合，以同时传达人们对母亲与教会的感念。
英语六年级下册unit11《westernfestivals》教案
英语六年级下册unit11《westernfestivals》教案Unit 11 Western festivalsPeriod 1授课时间：总课时：教学目标知识与技能：句型复习：At Easter, children usually eat chocolateeggs.Halloween is on 31st October.过程与方法：通过Listen and say的短文阅读，了解四个重要的西方节日。
情感态度与价值观：了解西方主要节日风俗文化。
教学重点：句型复习：At Easter, children usually eat chocolate eggs. 教学难点：句型复习：At Easter, children usually eat chocolate eggs.Halloween is on 31st October.教学过程Pre-task preparations在各节日名称后出示当年各节日的日期，请学生用英文表达日1.以头脑风暴的形式问问学生知道哪些西方节日，并根据需要在黑板上板书。
T: what Western festivals do you know?S1: Christmas, Halloween…T: when’s Christmas ?S2: it’s in December. It’s on 25th December.若学生说不出，教师出示Look and learn 中的图片，依次介绍Easter, Halloween, Christmas, Thanksgiving,然后教师领读。
2.出示Listen and say的图片，播放录音，学生边听边看课文及音中人物的语音语调。
Post-task activities调查活动。
请每位学生调查两个同学，把他们最喜欢的节日记录在表格中。
提示学生可以说说西方的节日，也可以说说中国的节S2: it’s Halloween.S1: when’s Halloween?S2: it’s on 31st October.板书设计Module 4 Things we enjoyUnit 11 Western festivalsPeriod 1At Easter, children usually eat chocolate eggs.Halloween is on 31st October.Module 4 Things we enjoyUnit 11 Western festivalsPeriod 2授课时间：总课时：教学目标知识与技能：句型复习：At Halloween, people makejack-o’-lanterns.过程与方法：通过sing a song活跃课堂气氛，感受语言韵律。
介绍西方节日作文英语
介绍西方节日作文英语Title: An Introduction to Western Festivals。
Western festivals are vibrant celebrations that reflect the rich cultural heritage and traditions of various communities across Europe and the Americas. These festivals are not only occasions for joyous revelry but also hold significant historical, religious, and social meanings. In this essay, we will explore some of the most notable Western festivals, shedding light on their origins, customs, and significance.1. Christmas: One of the most widely celebratedfestivals in the Western world, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Observed on December 25th, it is marked by religious services, gift-giving, feasting, andthe decoration of homes with lights, Christmas trees, and ornaments. Christmas traditions vary from region to region, with some incorporating Santa Claus, reindeer, and other secular elements alongside religious customs.2. Easter: Easter, celebrated in spring, is another significant Christian festival. It honors the resurrectionof Jesus Christ following his crucifixion. Traditions associated with Easter include attending church services, decorating Easter eggs, participating in egg hunts, and enjoying festive meals with family and friends. In addition to its religious significance, Easter also symbolizes renewal and the arrival of spring.3. Halloween: Originating from ancient Celtic festivals, Halloween is celebrated on October 31st. It is associated with costumes, trick-or-treating, haunted houses, and jack-o'-lanterns carved from pumpkins. Halloween is believed to have originated from the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.4. Thanksgiving: Thanksgiving is a holiday primarily celebrated in the United States and Canada. It originatedas a harvest festival, where people expressed gratitude for a bountiful harvest and blessings received over the pastyear. Thanksgiving is typically celebrated with family gatherings, feasting on traditional foods such as roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, and reflecting on the things for which one is thankful.5. Independence Day: Independence Day, celebrated on July 4th in the United States, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It is a national holiday marked by patriotic displays, fireworks, parades, barbecues, and concerts. Independence Day festivities often highlight American values such as freedom, democracy, and national unity.6. Mardi Gras: Also known as Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras is celebrated in various Western countries, with the most famous festivities taking place in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is a carnival-like celebration characterized by extravagant parades, masquerade balls, street parties, and indulgence in rich foods and drinks. Mardi Gras marks the culmination of the Carnival season and the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar.7. Oktoberfest: Originating in Munich, Germany, Oktoberfest is the world's largest beer festival. It typically takes place in late September and lasts for about two weeks, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe. Oktoberfest features traditional Bavarian music,folk dances, amusement rides, and, of course, copious amounts of beer served in large beer tents.8. Carnival: Carnival is celebrated in many Western countries, with notable festivities in Brazil, Italy, and the Caribbean. It is a vibrant festival characterized by colorful parades, elaborate costumes, music, dance, and street parties. Carnival is often associated with the period preceding Lent and is seen as a time of revelry and excess before the solemnity of the Lenten season.In conclusion, Western festivals encompass a diverse range of cultural, religious, and social celebrations that reflect the values, beliefs, and traditions of different communities. From religious holidays like Christmas and Easter to secular festivities like Halloween and Independence Day, these festivals play an integral role inbringing people together, fostering a sense of belonging, and celebrating shared heritage.。
western festivals作文
western festivals作文Western festivals are an important part of the cultural heritage of the Western world. They play a significant role in people's lives and offer a variety of experiences and opportunities for celebration.One of the most well-known Western festivals is Christmas. It is a time of joy, giving, and togetherness. People decorated their homes with lights and ornaments, exchange gifts, and enjoy special meals with family and friends. Another popular festival is Easter, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. It is often associated with eggs, bunnies, and religious ceremonies.Halloween is also a notable Western festival that brings out the creativity and fun in people. Costumes, trick-or-treating, and pumpkin carving are some of the highlights. Valentine's Day is a celebration of love and romance, where people express their affection to significant others through gifts, cards, and dates. Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for the blessings in life and enjoy a delicious turkey dinner with loved ones.In addition to these, there are many other Western festivals such as St. Patrick's Day, Mother's Day, and Father's Day, each with its own unique traditions and significance. These festivals not only provide a break from the routine but also allow people to connect with their cultural roots, express their emotions, and have a good time.Overall, Western festivals add color and diversity to our lives, and they continue to be celebrated and enjoyed by people all around the world.。
西方节日英语作文
西方节日英语作文Western Festivals。
Western festivals are an important part of Western culture, and they are celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement. There are many different Western festivals,each with its own unique traditions and customs. In this essay, we will explore some of the most popular Western festivals and their significance.One of the most well-known Western festivals is Christmas. Christmas is celebrated on December 25th, and it is a time for people to come together with their families and friends to exchange gifts and enjoy festive meals. The holiday is also a time for Christians to celebrate thebirth of Jesus Christ. Many people decorate their homeswith Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments, and there are often parades and other special events to mark the occasion.Another popular Western festival is Halloween.Halloween is celebrated on October 31st, and it is a timefor people to dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating. It is also a time for people to decorate their homes with spooky decorations and carve pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns. Halloween is a fun and festive holiday that is enjoyed by people of all ages.Thanksgiving is another important Western festival. Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, and it is a time for people to give thanks forthe blessings in their lives. Many people celebrate Thanksgiving by gathering with their families and enjoyinga traditional meal of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. It is also a time for people to reflect on the things thatthey are grateful for and to show appreciation for the people in their lives.In addition to these holidays, there are many other Western festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. For example, Easter is a time for Christians to celebratethe resurrection of Jesus Christ, and it is often marked by church services and Easter egg hunts. St. Patrick's Day isa time for people to celebrate Irish culture and heritage, and it is often marked by parades, parties, and the wearing of green clothing.Overall, Western festivals are an important part of Western culture, and they are a time for people to come together and celebrate with their loved ones. Whether it is Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any other holiday, Western festivals are a time for people to enjoy traditions, create lasting memories, and show appreciation for thethings that are important in their lives.。
西方节日介绍英文作文高中
西方节日介绍英文作文高中Western Festivals。
The Western world is full of unique and interesting festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. These festivals are an important part of the culture andtradition of the Western world, and they are celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. In this essay, I will introduce some of the most popular Western festivals.Christmas is one of the most important festivals in the Western world. It is celebrated on December 25th every year to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. People decorate their homes with Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments, and exchange gifts with family and friends. Christmas is also a time for feasting, with traditional foods such as turkey, ham, and mince pies being served.Halloween is another popular festival in the Western world. It is celebrated on October 31st, and is associatedwith ghosts, witches, and other supernatural beings. People dress up in costumes, carve pumpkins, and go trick-or-treating. Halloween is also a time for scary movies,haunted houses, and other spooky activities.Thanksgiving is a festival that is celebrated in the United States and Canada. It is held on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States, and on the second Mondayin October in Canada. Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks for the blessings of the year, and for spending time with family and friends. The traditional Thanksgiving meal consists of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.Easter is another important festival in the Western world. It is celebrated in the spring, usually in March or April. Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and is a time for reflection, prayer, and celebration. People decorate eggs, bake hot cross buns, and attendchurch services.In conclusion, Western festivals are an important partof the culture and tradition of the Western world. They are a time for celebration, reflection, and spending time with loved ones. Whether it is Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Easter, these festivals are a reminder of the values and beliefs that are important to the Western world.。
怎么写西方节日英语作文
怎么写西方节日英语作文Writing an English essay about Western festivals can be a delightful task. Below is a model essay that meets your requirements:---。
Western Festivals: A Cultural Kaleidoscope。
In the mosaic of global culture, Western festivals shine as vibrant reflections of tradition, community, and celebration. From the joyous festivities of Christmas to the eerie allure of Halloween, each occasion offers a glimpse into the tapestry of Western customs and values.Among the most widely celebrated Western festivals is Christmas. Originating from Christian traditions, Christmas has evolved into a secular holiday embraced by people of diverse backgrounds. It is a time of merry gatherings, adorned with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and theexchange of gifts. The spirit of generosity and goodwill permeates the air as families come together to share in the warmth of companionship and the joy of giving.Easter, another significant Western festival, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Symbolized by colorful eggs and playful Easter bunnies, this holiday blends religious reverence with joyful revelry. Families partake in various customs, from attending church services to hosting Easter egg hunts, fostering a sense of unity and renewal.The cultural landscape of the West also includes secular celebrations such as Halloween. Originating from ancient Celtic rituals, Halloween has evolved into a whimsical blend of superstition and fun. Decorative pumpkins, eerie costumes, and trick-or-treating rituals create an atmosphere of playful spookiness. It is a time when both young and old indulge in the thrill of the unknown, embracing the magic of imagination and the allure of the supernatural.Thanksgiving, rooted in American history, is a festival of gratitude and abundance. Families gather around tables laden with sumptuous feasts, expressing appreciation for the blessings of the harvest season. It is a time toreflect on the spirit of generosity and the importance of unity, transcending cultural divides and fostering a sense of shared humanity.Beyond these hallmark festivals, the Western calendar is replete with a diverse array of celebrations, each offering unique insights into the cultural fabric of the West. From the colorful parades of Mardi Gras to the solemn observances of Remembrance Day, these festivals serve as touchstones of identity and belonging, connecting individuals across time and space.In conclusion, Western festivals encapsulate the rich tapestry of cultural heritage, values, and traditions that define the Western world. Through their rituals and celebrations, these festivals offer glimpses into the collective soul of Western society, fostering a sense of community, belonging, and shared humanity.---。
专四作文：WesternFestivals
专四作文：WesternFestivalsAre Western Festivals Undermining Chinese Culture Nowadays, more and more western traditional festivals are celebrated by us, such as V alentine’s Day, Christmas Day. Though we have no holidays on these western festivals, the enthusiasm to them is no less than traditional festivals. Some people worry that western festivals are undermining Chinese culture. But I don’t think so and the reasons are as followed.Firstly, traditional festivals are part of our culture. Y oung people like to celebrate western festival just because these festivals are fresh and interesting to them. But we are Chinese and we love our countries and we love our culture. To celebrate traditional festivals is not concerned in interest but patriotic. So I do believe that traditional festivals will be kept well.Secondly, our country has set these traditional Chinese festivals as legal holidays so that people can have several days off from their work. Living in a life of quick rhythm, people, especially young ones, like to have holidays on which they don’t need to go to school or work. Therefore, an interesting phenomenon usually occurs among students that they will be counting the days when a traditional festival is coming. Meanwhile, how to celebrate this festival or this holiday is also a hot topic.In one word, western festivals will not undermine Chinese culture, but just add some fun into our lives.。
【教育资料】初二 专题复习 西方节日 western Festivals学习专用
Western Festivals & Holidays 【Festivals≠Holidays】There are big differences between festivals and holidays that you must know.1. Festivals are international, celebrated in all western countries; while holidays are national celebrated in individual countries.2. Festivals are based on major religious events, while holidays are decided by the government in an individual country.Can you tell me whether the followings are festivals or holidays?Christmas （）Thanksgiving （）April Fool’s Day（）Valentine’s Day（）【Western festivals 】In the west, there are only three major festivals.Halloween 、Christmas、EasterHalloween is the oldest.The other two are both Christian festivals. They celebrate the birth and death of Jesus Christ.HalloweenWhat images come into your mind when you think of Halloween ?Masks, children dressed in costumes, jack-o’-lanterns, haunted(闹鬼的) houses, witches(女巫), wizards(男巫) & other horrible stuff.Halloween, which falls on October 31, is one of the most unusual and funny festivals in the US.It has been celebrated in America since the late 1800s.It’s also one of the scariest! It’s associated with (与……有关联) ghosts, skeletons(骨架), witches, and other scary images.By tradition, Halloween begins after sunset.Why did people have such a scary festivals?The reason that Halloween is filled with scary images goes back more than 2,000 years. In ancient Britain and Ireland, October 31 was the last day of the year. It was the end of the growing season and the beginning of winter, a time of darkness and death.People believed that on this day ghosts returned to the earth, so it became a festival for the god of the dead. In order to scare(吓跑) the ghosts away, people built huge fires and wore costumes made of animal skins.“Trick or Treat!”Many of the original Halloween traditions(传统) have developed today into funny activities for children. The most popular one is “trick or treat”.On Halloween night, children dress up in costumes and go to visit their neighbors. When someone answers the door, the children cry out, “Trick or treat!” What this means is, “Give us a treat, or we’ll play a trick on you!” The people at each house then give candy or fruit or sometimes a few coins.“Haunted House!”Another popular Halloween activity is to visit a “haunted house.”Usually you have to buy a ticket to get in. As you go from room to room, you meet one scary thing after another.Monsters & witches might jump out at you in the dark. You might hear screams & cries from behind, as if someone is being killed. Or you might suddenly feel a spider web in your face. It’s best not to go alone!“Jack- o’-lanterns!”Many people also like to make jack-o’-lanterns on Halloween.A jack-o’-lantern is a pumpkin that is hollowed out and has a face carved on it. A candle or a light is placed inside so that the face lights up.This tradition comes from an old Irish story about a man named Jack who was so stingy (吝啬的) that he could not enter heaven(天堂) when he died. But healso could not enter the hell(地狱), because he had once played a trick on the devil.All he could do was walking the earth as a ghost, carrying a lantern & looking for a place to rest.Most people today, of course, don’t believe that ghosts walk the earth on Halloween. But this doesn’t stop them from cel ebrating a funny and scary holiday. Halloween has always been a night of trick. Tricks are common.CHRISTAMASChristmas Day is on December 25th. Christmas Eve is on December24th.Christmas Season refers to the two weeks before New Year.It is to celebrate the birth of Jesus(耶稣).Some principles(观念)associated with Christmas are: Peace, Good Will(美好的心愿), Compassion(怜悯)Santa Claus, snowmen, bright lights, colorful decorations, bells, and the traditional songs—all these help to make December the most joyful month of the year.In the northern part of the US, winter weather can be terrible. However, even winter snowstorms cannot stop people from enjoying the festival.Why does almost everybody feel so good?It is gift-giving time, party time, and vacation time.Students from elementary school through college have about 2 weeks’vacation, beginning shortly before Christmas and ending soon after New Year’s Day.Many families go away for the holidays to visit relatives in another state, ski in the mountains, or sunbathe on the beaches in the South.Santa ClausChristmas is an important festival in the US, the UK and many other parts of the world.On Christmas Eve—the night before Christmas Day–children all over Britain put a stocking at the end of their beds before they go to sleep. Their parents usually tell them that Santa Claus will come during the night.Santa Claus is very kind-hearted. He lands on top of each house and climbs down the chimney into the fireplace.He fills each of the stockings with Christmas presents.Of course, Santa Claus isn’t real. In their houses, “Santa Claus” is really their fathers. Their fathers don’t climb down the chimney. They wait until the children are asleep. Then they go into their bedrooms, and fill their stockings with small presents.Christmas Tree DecorationsA star or an angel is often placed at the top of the tree referring the star ofBethlehem(圣诞星).Early decorations were fruits, nuts and paper flowers that children were allowed to take as gifts on Christmas Day.Wax candles(蜡烛) appeared on trees in the 18th century.Electric tree lights were first used in 1882.Three typical British traditions on Christmas are:the Christmas Pantomime (童话剧)the Queen’s speech over the TV and radiothe Boxing Day (节礼日)(It is a typical British tradition celebrated on the day after Christmas. People used to give Christmas gifts or money to their staff or servants (员工或仆人) on this day. And now they mostly do shopping, pay visits, enjoy eating or just relax.) GREETINGSMerry Christmas and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year!May happiness follow wherever you go.May the joy and peace of Christmas be with you today and always.May the light of the holiday season shine brightly in your heart.Wishing you and those around you a very merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.EasterThis festival is in the spring, which commemorates(纪念) the death of Jesus Christ and his return to life.It is the most important Christian festival for many church-goers.It’s generally on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25.The Friday before Easter is called “Good Friday”(耶稣受难日). And three days later comes “Easter Sunday”.Symbol(标志) of EasterThe Easter egg, originally a Christian symbol (标志) of new life, is the main symbol of Easter for most people.Bunnies(兔子) and chicks are also animals traditionally associated with Easter.Besides the religious aspects of Easter, people also celebrate spring or the signs of new life.Children receive Easter baskets filled with candy, Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies & jelly beans(软糖). The dyeing(染色) of eggs with food color is also an Easter tradition in many American families.Western holidaysNew Year’s DayNew Year’s Day is the world’s oldest celebration. The Americans have four important traditions. They are:1. Big party2. Auld Lang Syne3. Drinking alcohol(酒)4. Making resolutions(制定新年计划)Big partyThe most popular way to welcome the new year in the United States is with a big party.The biggest, noisiest New Year’s party in the United States takes place at Times Square in New York City.Auld Lang SyneThe Time’s Square celebration includes another well-known American tradition.Since 1929, the band of musician Guy Lombardo has given a concert on New Year’s Eve night, singing the song, Auld Lang Syne.Thanksgiving DayIt is celebrated in the US on the 4th Thursday in November. For many Americans, it’s the most important holiday apart from Christmas. School s, offices & most businesses close for Thanksgiving. Many people make the whole weekend a vacation.The originIt’s associated with the time when Europeans first came to North America (the new world). In 1620, the ship the Mayflower arrived here, bringing about 100 people who today are usually called Pilgrims (最初的移民). The Pilgrims lived in what is now the state of Massachusetts.Their first winter in the New World was difficult. They had arrived too late to grow many crops, and without fresh food, half of them died from disease. The native Indians(印第安人) taught them how to grow corn (玉米) and how to hunt and fish.In the autumn of 1621, they had a big harvest(丰收). They planned a fest and invited the local Indian chief(酋长) and 90 Indians. The Indians brought deer to roast with the turkeys. To this first Thanksgiving, the Indians had even brought popcorn(爆米花).Today people celebrate Thanksgiving to remember these early days. Thanksgiving is a time for tradition and sharing. Even if they live far away, family members gather for a reunion at the house of an older relative. All give thanks together for the good things that they have.Thanksgiving is considered the beginning of the Christmas period. The nextday many people go out to shop for Christmas presents.Turkey PardoningOn each Thanksgiving Day, a very strange thing happens at the White House. There, the US President will pardon (赦免) a turkey! The President will pat one of the two turkeys prepared on the head. Then it is pardoned! People won’t eat it and it’ll fly to Disney World and live happily!In 2009, President Obama pardoned a turkey named Courage. Discussion:When it is Thanksgiving Day, who do you want to thank? And why?Valentine’s DayIt is on Feb.14thOn this day, people in love express their affection (感情) to each other.Mother’s DayIt is on 2nd Sunday in May.It is a day to be especially kind and thoughtful to your mother.Father’s DayIt is on 3rd Sunday in June.The red or white rose is recognized as the official Father’s Day flower.April Fool’s DayIt is on April 1st.This holiday started in France. The custom of playing tricks on this day became popular in France and then spread (传播) to many other countries.Are you ready to take a quiz?1.How many religious festivals do you know? And what are they?2. Which festival is to celebrate the birth of Jesus, Christmas or Easter?3. When is Mother’s Day? And what can you do for your mother this day?4. What is the name of the song which people usually sing to celebrate the New Year on Times Square?5. Who will pardon a turkey each year in the US?。
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Western Festivals & Holidays
A Big Difference
• There are very big differences between a holiday and a festival, and you must know them. 1. Festivals are international, celebrated in all western countries, holidays are national, peculiar to individual countries. 2. Festivals are based on major religious events, holidays are decided by the government of an individual country. • For example, Christmas is a Festival, Thanksgiving is an American holiday.
UK: Special Holidays
• In addition to the Bank Holidays, there are four other special holidays.
New Year's Day Good Friday Christmas Day Boxing Day January 1 Friday before Easter Detmas: What is it?
• Is meant to celebrate the birth of JC. But no-one knows when he was born. • Replaced the pagan Roman Bacchanalia – a week of festivities. • Heavily commercialised by the Americans.
Easter Traditions: Eggs
• For 40 days before Easter Christians fasted. This meant that foods like meat and eggs were forbidden. • Eggs which were laid then were preserved and formed a large part of Easter meals. • They were cherished gifts for children, and many games were centred around them. • Commercialisation brought chocolate eggs.
U.S.A. Holidays
• In the States, national holidays are known as Federal Holidays. These are some the more important.
New Year's Day Inauguration Day Washington's Birthday Independence Day Labor Day Columbus Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day January 1 January 20 every 4 years Third Monday in February July 4 First Monday in September Second Monday in October Fourth Thursday in November December 25
UK: National Holidays
• England does not have a National day, but Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland celebrate their National Saints Days.
Ireland: St. Patrick's Day Wales: St. David's Day Scotland: St. Andrew's Day (England: St. George's Day) March 17 March 1 November 30 (April 23)
Christmas: The Story
• • Mary was engaged to Joseph. One day the angel Gabriel told her that she would carry God's child. He appeared to the angry Joseph in a dream and told him to marry her anyway. They had to go back to Joseph's hometown, Bethlehem, for the census. All the hotels were full, so they slept in a manger, a shed for animals. Jesus was born, and a strange star appeared and angels appeared etc.etc.
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Easter: What is it
• Easter celebrates the death and resurrection of JC. • It does not have a fixed date. It follows the Lunar calendar, and always falls on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25 inclusively.
Festivals
• In the west, there are only three major Festivals. i. Halloween; ii. Christmas, and iii. Easter. • Of these, Halloween is the oldest and we will deal with it in some detail. • The other two are both Christian Festivals. They celebrate the life and death of Jesus Christ.
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Christmas: Traditions
• Santa Claus is based on Saint Nicholas, a real person in Germany who provided charity for children. The Christmas Tree is a survival from the pagan celebrations. Christmas cards, invented by the Post Office in Victorian England. A huge commercial success Greeting Cards companies and the Post Offices make large profits every year. Christmas gifts – more commercialisation. Snow – a Victorian invention. It does not snow in Bethlehem!
Events not Holidays
• Two events are often mistaken by Chinese students for holidays, or even festivals. i. April Fool's Day: Goes back to the mediaeval practice of new year's day being a day for nonsense when the king's jester was king for a day. Not a holiday since New Year's moved to January 1. ii. Valentine's Day: A day of celebration by the makers of Greeting Cards and Chocolate, and the sellers of roses. That's it! The triumph of commercialisation over common sense.
Easter Traditions: Easter Bunny
• Easter replaced pagan fertility festivals. • Hares and rabbits have long been symbols of fertility. • The inclusion of the hare in Easter customs originated in Germany, where tales were told of an "Easter hare" who laid eggs for children to find. • German immigrants to America brought the tradition with them and commercialisation did the rest.