Traditions and holidays in the English-speaking countries.

Traditions are very important for many people. They keep them and are very proud of them. The British are especially known for their traditions. They are traditionally very polite and reserved. They prefer to live in their own house with a garden. They are fond of gardening. In the evening they often go to the pub or club. Traditionally they celebrate holidays.

There are eight public holidays in Great Britain. People don’t go to work. The most important holiday is Christmas. It is celebrated on December, 25. People decorate their houses and Christmas trees. They give and get presents. They have a traditional roast turkey for the festive dinner. In the USA people also celebrate this holiday the same way.

New Year is a big holiday for the Americans too. Besides the celebrate Independence Day on July, 4 and Thanksgiving Day in November.

Some holidays are very popular in both countries. They are Halloween and St. Valentine’s Day. Easter is the most important religious holiday. There are also some specific holidays in English-speaking countries.

3. Answer the following questions:

1. Why do many people like holidays?

2. Do you have a custom to celebrate St.Valentine’s Day?

3. Do you like to get presents or give them on holiday?

4. Do you make any tricks on people on the first of April?

5. What is the origin of Halloween?

6. What are the main traditions for celebrating of the New Year in your country?

7. What do you like best connected with this holiday?

8. What is the tradition of celebrating Christmas in Russia?

9. What other religious holidays do you know?

10. What is the main state holiday in your country?

4. Read the text and speak about your native town:

My native town.

Astrakhan is (not) my native town and (but) I live in it now. It is situated on the banks of the Volga river. It is very old. It is 450 years old.

Astrakhan is very beautiful. There are a lot of old and modern buildings in it. And a lot of modern buildings are being built now.

In the centre of Astrakhan there is the Kremlin. It was built in the 16^th century. It is very beautiful. Lenin’s Square has been reconstructed recently. I like to have a good rest near the Swan Lake. There are four theatres, a concert hall, some cinemas in Astrakhan.

Astrakhan is an industrial city. Astrakhan Gasprom is the biggest enterprise in our region.

Astrakhan is called the town of students. There are two universities, some institutes, a lot of colleges and schools there.

5. Answer the following questions:

1. When was Astrakhan founded?

2. Where is Astrakhan situated?

3. Are there many old buildings in our town? Are they being reconstructed?

4. What is the main square in the town? What is it like?

5. Which is the most beautiful street in your town?

6. What is your native town famous for?

7. Which place would you recommend a tourist to begin sightseeing with? Why?

8. Are there any museums in your native town?

9. How many theatres are there in your town? What are they? Which is the most popular?

10. Are there any sport facilities?

6. Read the text about a Russian celebration:

Shrovetide

In late February and early March, Russia celebrates Shrovetide, the most ancient festival of the Slavonic people. In the old days, Slavs believed that the change of seasons was the struggle between Yarilo, god of the sun, and the evil spirits of cold and darkness. People believed that they had to help Yarilo fight against winter and bring in the spring. So, for the whole week, ancient Russian villagers had fun and games. They built a straw dummy of the Shroventide Maid, then put it on the sledge and pulled it around the village laughing and playing. On the last day of the festival, they burnt it and chanted, “We are seeing off Shroventide and waiting for the sun to come! Come to us, spring, with your joy and kindness!”

The most important part of Shroventide week was making and eating pancakes. The hot, round pancake symbolized Yarilo. The Slavs believed that by eating pancakes, they got the power, light and warmth of the sun.

7. Complete the notes about Shroventide:

1. Shroventide lasts for _______ days.

2. It’s tradition that on ___________ sons-in-law visit their mothers-in-law.

3. __________ are special Shroventide food.

4. On the last day of Shroventide, people say to one another, “Please ________ me”

5. Shroventide is a week of pancakes and __________.

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