8. Answer the questions:

1. When do Belarusians celebrate «Kalyady»? 2. What do people say about «Kalyady»? 3. What are the typical entertainments during «Kalyady»? 4. How long do «Svyatki» last? 5. What do amateur actors wear? 6. How are three ritual suppers at «Kalyady» called? 7. Our forefathers believed that «Kuttzya» was sacred food, didn't they? 8. What is «Kuttzya» made of? 9. What do Belarusians like to do during «Kalyady»? 10. What do you know about «Batleika»? 11. What is the main purpose of «Kalyady»?

9. Agree or disagree with the following statements:

1. In Belarus Catholics celebrate «Kalyady» in February. 2. During «Kalyady» a lot of young boys and girls dressed in rags go from house to house and beg for food and drink. 3. Each person in the processions of «Kalyadouschchiki» bears a star and is disguised as a Goat. 4. Amateur musicians play the piano. 5. People in the street give money of these amateur actors. 6. In every Belarusian family three ritual breakfasts are cooked during «Kalyady». 7. The ritual food is called «Kalyadny Kulesh». 8. On «Kalyady» Belarusians like to organize family dinners and invite their relatives. 9. The main purpose of «Kalyady» is to get rid of the old furniture.

10. Complete the sentences using the text:

If you want to _____________________;

As for Orthodox Christians_________________;

11. Prove that:

- «Kalyady» is a jolly time;

- our theatre has some roots in the holiday of«Kalyady».

12. Comprehension check. Choose the best alternative according to the text:

1. Orthodox Christians celebrate «Kalyady»

a) from December, 25 to January, 6;

b) from January, 1 to January, 7;

c) from January, 7 to January, 19.

2. People consider that «Kalyady» is

a) a dull holiday and never celebrate it;

b) is a holiday for small children only;

c) a merry holiday and celebrate it with pleasure.

3. During «Kalyady», groups of merry young boys and girls

a) organize rock music concerts in Belarusian villages and towns;

b) go carol-singing in Belarusian villages and towns;

c) make snow-men in Belarusian villages and towns.

4. Each of the carol-singers

a) has a present for passers-by;

b) suggests his project of this holiday;

c) plays a part according to his personality.

5. Amateur actors

a) are disguised or wear masks;

b) treat hosts and hostesses to delicious things;

c) cook «Kuttzya» and treat passers-by to it.

6. Amateur musicians

a) play the accordion or beat the tambourine;

b) thank hosts and hostesses for carol-singing;

c) teach passers-by to play the accordion.

7. The host and the hostess usually treat «Kalyadouschchiki»

a) with suspicion;

b) to tasty tiings;

c) as if they were mad.

8. Three ritual suppers are prepared in every Belarusian home

a) during «Kalyady»;

b) on the New Year Eve;

c) Oh Christmas Eve.

9. Our ancestors were convinced that «Kyttzya» was sacred food which

a) could protect people from the evil eye;

b) was necessary for people to live long; c) was blessed food.

10. So «Kuttzya» was

1. a symbol of rich life;

2. served in the morning;

3. a symbol of everlasting life

11. On «Kalyady» Belarusians

1. never celebrate weddings because of the superstitions;

2. like to entertain themselves and celebrate wed­dings;

3. like to stay at home and cook «Kuttzya» everyevening.

12. The pagan holiday of «Kalyady» coincided later with

1. Christmas;

2. Epiphany;

3. New Year.

13. The main purpose of «Kalyady» is

1. to organize the procossions of «Kalyadouschchiki»;

2. to do away with bad things and to start a new period of life cheerfully;

3. to demonstrate national Belarusian traditions to people all over the world.