Christmas in Japan
Only one per cent of Japanese people believe in Christ. Even so, most Japanese people decorate their stores and homes with evergreens during Christmas. They enjoy giving each other gifts; this is the part they celebrate.
They have a priest called Hoteiosha who acts like Santa Claus. He brings presents to each house and leaves them for the children. Some think he has eyes in the back of his head, so children try to behave like he is nearby.
Among the Christian Japanese, Christmas is not a day for the family. They do not have turkey or plum pudding, rather the day is spent doing nice things for others, especially those who are sick in hospitals.
Ex. 2. Answer the questions:
When do people in the USA celebrate Christmas?
What are the symbols of Christmas?
Why do we decorate Christmas tree?
Are there any legends connected with this tradition? What are they?
Why do children hang stockings on a fireplace on Christmas Eve? What is the origin of this tradition?
What is the most famous figure at Christmas?
What do know of the origin of Santa Claus?
How do people of different countries of the world celebrate Christmas Russia, Australia, Egypt etc?
New year.
New Year's Eve – канун Нового года to vow [ ] – клясться to get rid of – избавляться, отделываться folk – люди; folks – близкие nutmeg – мускатный орех legume – боб, плод бобовых wassail bowl [ ] – заздравная чаша jowl [ ] – челюсть donut – пончик |
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Ex. 1. Read and translate the text.
January, which derives its name from Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, endings and closing, appropriately symbolizes the theme of leaving the old for the new. When we see the old year out and noisily welcome the new one in, we are following the ancient tradition of burying the past and frightening away demons that might threaten the future.
Although the holiday does not have a religious origin, churches of many denominations and faiths hold "Watch Night" services on New Year's Eve.
Greeting cards and spoken messages convey wishes for health, wealth and long life. A new year allows a fresh start and New Year's resolutions abound.
Grown-ups and children alike enthusiastically vow to get rid of their bad habits and resolve to lead better lives. Popular modern resolutions might include the promise to lose weight or quit smoking.
Traditionally, it was thought that one could affect the luck they would have throughout the coming year by what they did or ate on the first day of the year. For that reason, it has become common for folks to celebrate the first few minutes of a brand new year in the company of family and friends. Parties often last into the middle of the night after the ringing in of a new year. It was once believed that the first visitor on New Year's Day would bring either good luck or bad luck the rest of the year. It was particularly lucky if that visitor happened to be a tall, dark-haired man. It meant good luck for the coming year if the first visitors brought food, coals, or something green-signs of plenty; but it was supposed to be bad luck if they came empty-handed.
Traditional New Year foods are also thought to bring luck. Many cultures believe that anything in the shape of a ring is good luck, because it symbolizes "coming full circle", completing a year's cycle. For that reason, the Dutch believe that eating donuts on New Year's day will bring good fortune.
Many parts of the U.S. celebrate the new year by consuming black-eyed peas. These legumes are typically accompanied by either hog jowls or ham. Black-eyed peas and other legumes have been considered good luck in many cultures. The hog, and thus its meat, is considered lucky because it symbolizes prosperity. Cabbage is another "good luck" vegetable that is consumed on New Year's Day by many. Cabbage leaves are also considered a sign of prosperity, being representative of paper currency. In some regions, rice is a lucky food that is eaten on New Year's Day.
A popular custom for many centuries was to prepare a large wassail bowl from which to drink to the health of everyone present just after midnight. (Wassail is derived from the Middle English waes haeil – "to your health"). The contents of the wassail bowl were called "lamb's wool" and included ale, sugar, nutmeg and roasted apples. "Wassailing", on the other hand, was an ancient custom of going from house to house with a bowl to beg for one's New Year's gifts. This was done by the poor, and also by children, who were given fruit and nuts.
Ex. 2. Answer the questions:
1. When do we celebrate New Year?
2. Why is it common to celebrate the first few minutes of a new year with relatives or friends?
3. Why do people eat special food on New Year's Day?
4. What was the tradition of "wassailing"?
5. How do people in Russia celebrate this holiday?