Religion and Beliefs.

Part one. Read the passage and fill in the gaps:

1. ancient
2. moon
3. break
4. years
5. unlucky
6. salt
7. horseshoe
8. wedding

Superstitions
The number 13 is considered, by many, to be very unlucky. This is true in a lot of countries.
But why? One suggestion is that 12 was a lucky number in ancient times so 13 is unlucky.
Another suggestion is that at the Last Supper there were 12 apostles and Jesus.
Friday 13th is also thought of as being a very unlucky day. This is because a lot of bad
things, such as the death of Jesus, happened on a Friday. Some countries do not have a 13th
floor!
Breaking a mirror brings 7 years of bad luck. The Romans believed the reflection in a
mirror was a picture of a person’s spirit. As a result it was very bad luck to break one. Spilling
salt is also very unlucky. This is because salt was very valuable in the past. At the time of the
Roman Empire, soldiers received salt instead of money. This is the origin of the word “salary”.
Salt was also used as a medicine. If you spill salt, you must throw it over your left shoulder so
that you don’t become ill.
In Britain, it is sometimes considered good luck if a black cat crosses in front of you. This
is because in ancient Egypt the cat was sacred and many people believe that cats have nine
lives.
Horseshoes are also regarded as being lucky. Witches are said to be afraid of horses
and a horseshoe on the door protects the people inside. A horseshoe is also shaped like a
crescent moon, which brings good luck. Today you often find small silver horseshoes on
wedding cakes.
Finally, touching wood after speaking about something you hope happens, or something
you hope to avoid happening, is good luck and comes from the time when the Celts believed
that gods lived in trees.

Part two. Answer these questions according to the previous text:

1. Why is number 13 very unlucky?

Because One suggestion is that 12 was a lucky number in ancient times so 13 is unlucky. Another
suggestion is that at the Last Supper there were 12 apostles and Jesus.

2. Why is Friday 13th a very unlucky day?

Because the death of Jesus, happened on a Friday, 13th.
3. What does breaking a mirror bring?
Breaking a mirror brings 7 years of bad luck.

4. What is the origin of the word “salary”?

Salt was very valuable in the past. At the time of the Roman Empire, soldiers received salt
instead of money.

5. What are the superstitions about cats?

The cat was sacred and many people believe that cats have nine lives.

6. What are witches afraid of?

It is horse.

7. What can you find on a wedding cake?

you often find small silver horseshoes on wedding cakes

8. Why is touching wood good luck?

Because the Celts believed that gods lived in trees.

9. Which British superstitions are similar to those in your country? Which are different?

A little bit. We have our own superstitions. For example, in the 7th lunar month, people believe that this
is the month when Pluto will open the door of the underworld to let the dead, also known as ghosts,
come to the world. This is the period when joyful activities such as weddings, house-building, etc.
should also be limited. That's why on this day, people often organize offerings to the spirit of rice, salt,
etc. to avoid being disturbed. , vandalism. Do not hang a wind chime at the bedside because the sound
of the bell will attract the attention of the devil. Do not go out at night, especially those who are weak. ,
etc.
Part three. For each answer, make a question.

1. I’m an atheist. What is your religion?

2. I suppose I’m a Christian because I believe in God. What do you think your religion is?

3. Burning cheeks or ears mean someone is talking about you. When you burn your cheeks or
ears, what does that foreshadow?

4. I’m a Catholic and I don’t believe in aliens or ghosts. Do Catholics believe in ghosts or aliens?

5. It’s an enemy if your right cheek is burning. When you burn your cheeks or ears, what does
that foreshadow?