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5.4. Holidays.

 

5.4.1. This is a list of popular holidays celebrated in the English-speaking world. Find out which is a British and which is an American holiday. Consult a book or the internet and find out when they are celebrated

St. George’s Day
Veteran’s Day
Guy Fawkes’ Day
Columbus Day
St. Patrick’s Day
The Queen’s Birthday
Independence Day
President’s Day

Can you mention any Australian holiday?

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5.4.2.  Text.

Thanksgiving 

Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November and it is one of the most celebrated holidays of the year.

Many Americans think of Thanksgiving as a wonderful time for families to meet, celebrate for a long weekend, eat a great dinner and play or watch football.

But what is the real meaning behind Thanksgiving? 

Many people trace the origins of the modern Thanksgiving Day back to the harvest celebration that the Pilgrims held in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621. In November 1621, after the Pilgrims’ first corn harvest proved successful, Governor William Bradford organized a celebratory feast and invited some Native Americans as well, including the Wampanoag chief Massasoit. This event is now remembered as America’s “first Thanksgiving”. This celebration supposedly lasted for three days. 

The tradition of giving thanks to God is continued today in many forms, most notably the attendance of religious services, as well as the saying of a prayer before Thanksgiving dinner.

Most families have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Firstly, baked or roasted turkey is the most important dish on any Thanksgiving feast table. (This is why Thanksgiving is sometimes called the "Turkey Day"). Mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet corn, various fall vegetables and pumpkin pie are parts of the Thanksgiving menu.

Since 1924, in New York City a Thanksgiving Day Parade has been held. The parade features parade floats, and figures from popular cartoons. 

Many people associate Thanksgiving with charity. The poor are often provided with food at Thanksgiving time. 

On the basis of the text above decide which statement is True and which is False.

Question 1

A. Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November.

Question 2

B. The celebration of Thanksgiving goes back to the colonial times. 

Question 3

C.  It is the celebration of eating.

Question 4

D. William Bradford was an American president. 

Question 5

E. Thanksgiving is also called ’Turkey Day’.

Question 6

F. Pumpkin pie is a typical Thanksgiving dessert.

Question 7

G. All Americans eat baked potatoes with their turkey dish.

Question 8

H. The poor are given free food by charity organizations.

 

5.4.3. Watch the following video and answer the questions:

http://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving/history-of-thanksgiving/videos/holiday-foods-thanksgiving---pumpkin-pie

(1) What is the name of the company we are visiting?

(2) Where can we find it?

(3) How many pumpkin pies do they make at Thanksgiving time?

(4) What is the secret of their popularity?

(5) What changed in the recipe from the colonial times?

(6) What are the ingredients of the filling?

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