State University of Moldova

Faculty of LETTERS

Individual work on English civilization

Student: Guțol Anastasia

Teacher: Macovei Dorina

Chisinau
A Reader in British and American
Civilization____________________________________________________
Americans celebrate a variety of federal holidays and other national observances throughout the
year. American holidays can be secular, religious, international, or uniquely American. With
the wide variety of federal holidays, and the many levels of American government, it can be
confusing to determine what public and private facilities are open on or around a given federal
holiday. You can usually find such information in the daily newspaper or by calling the office
you wish to visit. The following are American federal holidays and other common national
observances. January New Year's Day is January 1. The celebration of this federal holiday
begins the night before, when Americans gather to wish each other a happy and prosperous
coming year. Many Americans make New Year's resolutions. Martin Luther King Day is a
federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in January. The Reverend Martin Luther King,
Jr. was an African-American clergyman who is recognized for his tireless efforts to win civil
rights for all people through nonviolent means.
▪ What is a federal holiday?
A federal holiday is a public holiday established by the federal government of a country.
▪ Describe how you usually celebrate New Year. Describe what you wear, what you eat,
who you meet and what you do.
On the night of 31 December and the morning of 1 January, people in many countries all
over the world celebrate the beginning of a new year. I usually prepare special New Year's
foods and eat them with my family. On the night of 31 December, we wear holiday clothes,
such as a suit or a dress. Our traditional foods for New year are different types of salad, the
meat of chicken and red wine.
On New Year’s Eve, children go door-to-door to offer warm greetings, wishing a Happy
New Year, prosperous and beautiful achievements; and they are rewarded with sweets or
other goodies.
Why is Martin Luther King Day celebrated?
The day commemorates the life and work of Dr. King, who was a Baptist minister and
prominent leader in the American civil rights movement. People are encouraged to use the
day to “reflect on the principles of racial equality and nonviolent social change espoused by
Dr.

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 February
Groundhog Day is February 2, and has been celebrated since 1887. On Groundhog
Day, crowds gather in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to see if groundhog Punxsutawney Phil
sees his shadow after emerging from his burrow, thus predicting six more weeks of winter
weather.
Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14. The day was named after an early
Christian martyr, and on Valentine's Day, Americans give presents like candy or flowers to
the ones they love. The first mass-produced Valentine’s cards were sold in the 1840s.
Washington's Birthday is a federal holiday observed the third Monday of
February to honour George Washington, the first President of the United States. This date is
commonly called Presidents' Day and many groups honour the legacy of past presidents on
this date.
Academy Awards Ceremony
Academy Awards Ceremony takes place in February or March. The glamour and glitz
of Hollywood is on full display at the movie awards known as the Oscars or the Academy
Awards which is presented every year since 1929 by the Academy.
▪ How do you celebrate Valentine's Day? Do you send Valentine’s cards? Who to?
Valentine’s Day is an international festival that celebrates the feeling of love. I celebrate
Valentine's Day with my husband. Usually we go to the restaurant and each of us prepares a
special gift.
My little sister sends Valentine's cards to her friends from school.
▪ If you were in February in the USA, which event would you prefer to go to? Why?

▪ If I were in February in the USA I would prefer to go to Groundhog Day, because it is

something specific to the USA and in my country we don't have a similar holiday.

March
Easter falls on a spring Sunday that varies from year to year. Easter is a Christian
holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For Christians, Easter is a day of
religious services and the gathering of family. Many Americans follow old traditions of
dying hard-boiled eggs and giving children baskets of candy.

▪ How do you celebrate Easter in your country? Do you have any special family
traditions?
Easter is the most important religious holiday in Moldova. I and my family has a lot of
interesting special family traditions, for example we decorate eggs with different colours,
yellow and red.
A Reader in British and American
Civilization____________________________________________________
People use a different greeting in Moldova on the days of Easter – they say "Hristos a inviat"
which means "Jesus resurrected". And the reply for the greeting is "Adevarat a inviat", which
translates to "Indeed resurrected".
▪ Do you enjoy the holiday? Why or why not?
Yes, I enjoy this holiday because is a very important holiday for Christians. The celebration
consists of a series of beautiful rituals transmitted from parents to kids, from one generation
to another. The blooming trees and the fresh green grass add magic and make the holiday
even more enjoyable.

April
Earth Dayis observed on April 22. First celebrated in 1970 in the United States,
it inspired national legislation such as the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. Earth Day is
designed to promote ecology, encourage respect for life on earth, and highlight concern over
pollution of the soil, air, and water.
National Arbour Day was proclaimed as the last Friday in April by President Richard
Nixon in 1970. A number of state Arbour Days are observed at other times to coincide with
the best tree planting weather, from January and February in the south to May in the far
north. The observance began in 1872, when Nebraska settlers and homesteaders were urged
to plant trees on the largely treeless plains.

▪ Why are these holidays celebrated? Do you enjoy these holidays? Why or why not?
Earth Day is one of the biggest environmental protest movements on the planet.
I enjoy this holiday because the first Earth Day was effective at raising awareness about
environmental issues and transforming public attitudes

May
Mother's Day celebrates mothers every second Sunday of May. President Woodrow
Wilson, who issued a proclamation in 1914, asked Americans to give a public expression of
reverence to mothers on this day. Carnations have come to represent Mother's Day, following
President William McKinley's habit of always wearing a white carnation, his mother's
favourite flower.
Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed the last Monday of May. It originally
honoured the people killed in the American Civil War, but has become a day on which the
American dead of all wars, and the dead generally, are remembered in special programmes
held in cemeteries, churches, and other public meeting places. The flying of the American
flag is widespread.
▪ What do you think of Mother's Day? Memorial Day? Do you celebrate these holidays in
your country?
Mother's Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family or individual, as well as
motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. I celebrate Mother's
Day in my country.

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 June
Flag Day, celebrated June 14, has been a presidentially proclaimed observance since
1916. Although Flag Day is not a federal holiday, Americans are encouraged to display the
flag outside their homes and businesses on this day to honour the history and heritage the
American flag represents.
Father's Day celebrates fathers every third Sunday of June. Father's Day began in
1909 in Spokane, Washington, when a daughter requested a special day to honour her father,
a Civil War veteran who raised his children after his wife died. The first presidential
proclamation honouring fathers was issued in 1966 by President Lyndon Johnson.
▪ What do you think of Father's Day? Do you celebrate this holiday in your country?
Father's Day is a holiday of honoring fatherhood and paternal bonds, as well as the influence
of fathers in society. We don't celebrate this holiday in my country.
▪ What do you think of Flag Day? Do you celebrate this holiday in your country?
Flag Day, also called National Flag Day, in the United States, a day honouring the national
flag. It is an important holiday for send message of patriotism.
On 27 April 2022, the Republic of Moldova celebrates the National Flag Day. This national
holiday was officially established on 23 April 2010. The national flag of the Republic of
Moldova was approved on 27 April 1990 and on the same day was raised for the first time at
the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova.

July
Independence Dayis July 4. This federal holiday honours the nation's birthday -
the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is a day of picnics
and patriotic parades, a night of concerts and fireworks. The flying of the American flag
is widespread.

▪ Is Independence Day celebrated in your country? How do you celebrate it?

The Independence Day is the national day of Moldova commemorating the adoption of the
Declaration of Independence from the Soviet Union on 27 August 1991.
On this day, the President of the Republic gives a public speech, and officials lay flowers at
the Stephen the Great Monument. A concert is also organized at the Great National Assembly
Square.
A Reader in British and American
Civilization____________________________________________________

September
Labour Day is the first Monday of September. This federal holiday honours the
nation's working people, typically with parades. For most Americans it marks the end of
the summer vacation season and the start of the school year.

▪ Do you celebrate Labour Day in your country? What do you usually do?
Labour Day in Moldova is celebrated every 1 May, as it is in much of the rest of the world.
This is a holiday to celebrate the contributions of workers to the economy and society. In this
day is organised a lot of concerts.

October
Columbus Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the second Monday in October. The
day commemorates October 12, 1492, when Italian navigator Christopher Columbus landed
in the New World. The holiday was first proclaimed in 1937 by President Franklin D.
Roosevelt.
Halloween is celebrated on October 31. On Halloween, American children dress up in funny
or scary costumes and go "trick or treating" by knocking on doors in their neighbourhood.
The neighbours are expected to respond by giving them small gifts of candy or money.
▪ Do you celebrate Halloween in your country? What do you wear and who do you meet?
Yes, we celebrate Halloween in our country. On this day we do a lot of things, for example,
children wear funny suits. Also, we organized concerts and parties in our school. I celebrate
this holiday with my friends.

November
Veterans Dayis celebrated on November 11. Originally called Armistice Day,
this federal holiday was established to honour Americans who had served in World War
I, but it now honours veterans of all wars in which the US has fought. Veterans' organizations
hold parades, and the president places a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington
National Cemetery in Virginia.
Thanksgiving Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday in
November. In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims held a three-day feast to celebrate a bountiful
harvest. Many regard this event as the nation's first Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving feast
became a national tradition and almost always includes some of the foods served at the first
feast: roast turkey, cranberry sauce, potatoes, and pumpkin pie.
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▪ Do you celebrate Thanksgiving? What are some of your best memories of
Thanksgiving?
We don't celebrate Thanksgiving Day in Moldova, but in my family on this day we eat
chicken meat.
▪ What kind of traditional food do you eat for Thanksgiving? Is Thanksgiving strictly an
American holiday?
We eat chicken meat with different types of salad.
I think Thanksgiving Day is more appropriate for Americans than for Moldovans.

December
Pearl Harbour Remembrance Day is December 7. In 1994, Congress designated this
national observance to honour the more than 2,400 military service personnel who died on
this date in 1941, during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, by Japanese forces.
The attack on Pearl Harbour caused the United States to enter World War II.
Christmas Day is a federal holiday celebrated on December 25. Christmas is a
Christian holiday marking the birth of the Christ Child. Decorating houses and yards with
lights, putting up Christmas trees, giving gifts, and sending greeting cards have become
holiday traditions even for many non-Christian Americans.
▪ How do you celebrate Christmas? Compare Christmas in the USA with Christmas in
your country.
One of the most important Christian holiday is Christmas. In Moldova Christmas is
celebrated on January 7 and 8, but in USA is celebrated on December 25.
This is the time when families gather together around a festive table and enjoy the Christmas
spirit. The main Christmas tradition in Moldova is carolling.
▪ Do you decorate the outside of your house for the holiday? How is the house decorated?
We decorate outside with different colorful light and with family decorate the Christmas
tree.

Is the inside decorated? How? Are there special songs associated with the holiday?
If you could visit any other country during Christmas, where would you go?

In the inside we decorate the house with lights and decorated the Christmas tree.
Childrean walk door to door to congratulate their neighbors, friends, or relatives with the
coming of Christmas and sing carols and receive gifts. The special songs associated with
this holiday are ,,Steaua sus răsare'' and ,, Astăzi s-a născut Hristos''. If I could visit any other
country during Chrismas I would go to USA because I like their traditions, for example the
traditional meal is turkey or ham with cranberry sauce and I would go to Church to celebrate
the birth of Jesus at Christmas.

Other Celebrations
Various ethnic and religious groups in America celebrate days with special meaning to
them even though these are not national holidays. Jews, for example, observe their high holy
days in September, Muslims celebrate Ramadan, African Americans celebrate Kwanzaa, Irish
Americans celebrate the old country's patron saint, St. Patrick, on March 17, and Mardi Gras is
A Reader in British and American
Civilization____________________________________________________
the day before the Christian season of Lent begins and is a big occasion in New Orleans,
Louisiana, where huge parades and wild revels take place. There are many other such religious
and ethnic celebrations in the United States.

5. Fill in the gaps with the names of the holidays.

a) This is the most patriotic holiday of all American holidays. Independence Day.
b) Christmas Day is one of the most important holidays in the (Christian) Englishspeaking
world. It celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
c) New Year's Day is the first day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
d) Martin Luther King Day marks the birthday of America civil rights activist, Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. It is a federal holiday in the United States, as well as a state holiday in all the
individual states.
e) Valentine's Day is a holiday that celebrates romantic love - a day when lovers express their
feeling for each other, often by exchanging gifts.
f) Presidents' Day is an American holiday that is observed on the third Monday in February to
honour the birthdays of two great American presidents - George Washington and Abraham
Lincoln. The holiday isn't really about celebrating the presidents' birthdays - it's about
remembering their accomplishments.
g) Easter is a Christian religious holiday that commemorates the crucifixion and resurrection of
Jesus Christ. These days, Easter has a lot of secular traditions as well, which is why many
non-Christians also celebrate it.
h) Mother's Day is a holiday, celebrated in many countries around the world, that honours
mothers and motherhood. Traditionally on this day, mothers receive a bouquet of flowers, a
gift, a greeting card, or a combination of these things.
i) Father's Day is a relatively recent holiday - in the United States it was only officially
recognized in 1972. These days fathers usually receive typically masculine gifts such as
electronics and tools, as well as greeting cards.
j) Memorial Day is an American holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May. The day
is about remembering US soldiers who have died in military service to their country. Many
people still follow the tradition of visiting cemeteries and memorials on this day.
k) Labour Day is a North American holiday that takes place on the first Monday in September.
This holiday was created back in 1882 to honour working individuals and provide them with
a day off.
l) Halloween is celebrated on the last day of October. Many of its current traditions actually
stem from prehistoric times.
m)Thanksgiving Day is an important public holiday in the Unites States and in Canada. It is
considered a day to give thanks - often to God - for the things that one has. On this day, it's
important to remember what you have to be thankful for.

6. Underline the correct word or phrase:

a) Independence Day is an American holiday which celebrates the independence of the United
States from Great Britain, a result of the (adoption/adaptation) of the Declaration of
Independence which was (signed/signature) on July 4, 1776.
b) Giving presents is a very important Christmas (landmark/tradition). Gifts are traditionally
exchanged on Christmas Day (December 25th). The day before Christmas is called
"Christmas (Eve/Evening)”. The man who brings children (and adults) presents at Christmas
is called Santa (Claus/Clause).

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c) New Year's Day is an official holiday in many countries. People are most likely given the day
off work to (recover/review) from the previous night's parties. A new year's
(resolution/resolve) is a decision one makes to change something in the new year, for
example - quitting smoking, losing weight, etc.
d) Martin Luther King Day is a (fairly/fair) new holiday; - it only started to be observed in
1986.
e) The most traditional gift on this day is a Valentine's Day (card/note), which has a written
message saying how much someone means to you. Other modern symbols are the heart-
shaped outline (shape of a heart) and the figure of Cupid, usually shown shooting his bow to
(make/inspire) romantic love.
f) Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is an (efficient/official) or
"public" holiday in some parts of the English-speaking world. Easter and all of its related
holidays (Good Friday, Lent, etc.) are known as (movers/moveable) feasts/holidays, which
means their date changes from year to year. One of the main Easter traditions is
(decorating/dressing) eggs - which involves painting them in a variety of colours. On Easter
Sunday, many people participate in a traditional Easter egg (look/hunt) - the coloured eggs
are hidden by the parents, and the children have to look for them. A very popular symbol of
Easter is the Easter (Bunny/Hare). Traditionally, he's the one who "hides" and delivers the
eggs. Lent is a period of (fasting/feasting) - which starts 40 days before Easter and it means
that one is not allowed to eat certain food . Most people no longer (absolve/observe) Lent.
g) According to a recent survey, in the United States, Mother's Day is the most popular day to
dine (outside/out) in a restaurant. Taking one's mother out to a restaurant (senses/seems) to
be a very popular present. Soon after the (creativity/creation) of Mother's Day (1922), a
woman named Sonora Dodd promoted the idea of a national holiday to honour fathers.
h) Memorial Day is considered by many as the (unofficial/unwarranted) start of summer.
Memorial Day, due to its (origins/seeds) in the American Civil War, is not observed
anywhere outside the United States.
i) These days, Labour Day is regarded as the (symbol/symbolic) end of summer. Like other
holidays such as Memorial Day, and the Fourth of July, this holiday is all about
(recreation/creation) - getting together with friends and family for barbecues, picnics, etc. In
many other parts of the world, including the UK, this holiday is (celebration/celebrated) on
May 1st.
j) One of the main Halloween traditions involves wearing (costumes/outfits). Another popular
tradition is called "trick-or-treating". This is when children who are dressed (out/up) in scary
or funny costumes go around the neighbourhood asking for candy. Another popular tradition
involves (carving/craving) a pumpkin (cutting out what's inside and making a face out of it).
After a pumpkin is (carved/craved), people usually place a candle in the middle to make the
"face (shine/glow)”. This pumpkin face with a candle inside is called a "jack-o-lantern".
Many people (decorate/renovate) their front yards, back yards, and windows will all kinds of
"scary" images like witches, ghosts, goblins, etc. The holiday is nicknamed
”(Turkey/Cranberry) Day" because this is the food that people associate most with
Thanksgiving.
k) A (tradition/traditional) Thanksgiving dinner has turkey (usually whole), cranberry sauce,
yams, and many other types of "autumn" food. Another popular Thanksgiving food is
(stuffing/stuff). The name comes from the fact that a Thanksgiving turkey is "stuffed" with
this while it is cooking. (Watching) American football is often a major (part/slice) of
Thanksgiving celebrations in the United States.

7. Think – Pair – Share

A Reader in British and American
Civilization____________________________________________________
THINK PAIR SHARE
First think about each of the Then work in pairs and Finally, share your ideas with
questions below and jot down discuss your thoughts with the entire class.
your ideas (1-3 minutes). your partner (2-5 minutes).

a. Which month of the year would you prefer to visit the USA? Why?
b. How many holidays do you have in your country? What are some differences between
the customs and traditions in the United States and those in your country? What holiday
is the most exciting in your country?
c. What is your favourite holiday festival in your country?
d. Do you celebrate holidays differently now than you did when you were a child?
e. What is your favourite holiday memory?
f. What is your worst holiday memory?
I would prefer to visit the USA in March because it is the beginning of the spring and in
this month we have a lot of celebrations, for example, Easter.
In this month in my country, I have a lot of different holidays, like Easter, Mother's Day,
and Martisor's Day.
Easter in the USA and in Moldova is a bit different. For example, in Moldova, we don't
have such traditions like look for eggs in the garden. But is a lot of similarities, for
example, we follow old traditions of dying hard-boiled eggs and giving children baskets
of candy.
This is the most exciting holiday in my country.
I remember that I celebrate this holiday differently now than I did when I was a child.
When I was a child I receive candies, but now I give them to other children.
My favorite holiday memory is when we were together at the restaurant and celebrate
Easter. I don't have the worst memory according to this day.
8. Write an essay highlighting the major cultural events of the USA.

In the USA is organized a lot of events are related to the holiday.

Presidents' Day, or Washington's Birthday at the federal governmental level, is a holiday in

the United States celebrated on the third Monday of February to honor all persons who
served in the office of president of the United States and refers also to the federal holiday
specifically honoring George Washington, who led the Continental Army to victory in the
American Revolutionary War, presided at the Constitutional Convention.

Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration
of Independence of the United States, on July 4, 1776. Families often celebrate Independence
Day by hosting or attending a picnic or barbecue; many take advantage of the day off and, in
some years, a long weekend to gather with relatives or friends.

Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated on various dates in the United States. It began
as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year.

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 In conclusion, I think these are the major event in the USA because are federal holidays
that expresses the importance of America and nationality.

7B. UK Holidays
The UK is full of culture and traditions which have been around for hundreds of years.
British customs and traditions are famous all over the world. When people think of Britain they
often think of people drinking tea, eating fish and chips and wearing bowler hats, but there is
more to Britain than just those things: genuine traditions of sport, music, food and many royal
occasions. There are also songs, sayings and superstitions.

1. What were the best things you did last year?

The best thing I did last year was to start working for the summer. In this way, I spend my
time productively.
2. What was your biggest personal change from January to April this year?
My biggest personal change from January to April this year was that I got married.
3. Read the text on “New year’s Day” and explain how traditions in the UK differ
depending on the area. What do people usually do on New Year’s Eve in Your country?
In England, on the stroke of midnight, people open the back door (to let the old year out) and
ask the first dark haired man to be seen to come through the front door carrying salt, coal and
bread.
In Scotland and the North of England the tradition of first footing is observed. This is because
the first person to set foot in a residence in a New Year is thought to profoundly affect the
fortunes of everyone who lives there.
People in Wales believe that you should pay off all debts before the New Year begins. On
New Year's Day in Wales the children get up early to visit their neighbours and sing songs.
In Moldova, people go to the Christmas tree and sing together different songs. They drink
wine or champagne.
4. What are the typical New Year resolutions for you? Do you usually keep them?
The typical New Year resolutions for me are to start my year with a smile on my face and
wake up early in the morning.
I usually keep them.
A Reader in British and American
Civilization____________________________________________________

January
New Year's Day
England celebrates the New Year from the evening of December 31st to January 1st.
More traditionally, on the stroke of midnight, people open the back door (to let the old year out)
and ask the first dark haired man to be seen to come through the front door carrying salt, coal
and bread. This means that the following year everyone in the house will have enough to eat
(bread), enough money (salt) and be warm enough (coal).
In Scotland and the North of England the tradition of first footing is observed. This is
because the first person to set foot in a residence in a New Year is thought to profoundly affect
the fortunes of everyone who lives there. Generally, strangers are thought to bring good luck.
Depending on the area, it may be better to have a dark-haired or fair-haired stranger set foot in
the house, but it does mean Scotland is a very welcoming place for strangers at New Year!
People in Wales believe that you should pay off all debts before the New Year begins.
Tradition states that ending a year in debt means a whole new year of debt.
On New Year's Day in Wales the children get up early to visit their neighbours and sing
songs. They are given coins, mince pies, apples and other sweets for singing. This stops at
midday.
On New Year’s Day people make New Year’s resolutions. They decide to do something
to improve their lives. For example, people decide to give up smoking or to go to the gym once a
week.

5. Read the text about “Valentine's Day” and answer the questions: How do the American
people celebrate Valentine's Day? What do they do during this holiday?
The customs come from the old Roman festival called Lupercalia, which took place on
February 15th. It was a pagan festival. During this festival, young people drew names from a
box and exchanged gifts.
People send cards, candy or flowers as valentines to their sweethearts, friends, and family.
Usually, you don’t sign your name. The person who receives the card has to guess who sent
it.

February
Valentine’s Day
Valentine's Day is on February 14th. The customs come from the old Roman festival
called Lupercalia, which took place on February 15th. It was a pagan festival. During this
festival, young people drew names from a box and exchanged gifts. Gradually the custom of
giving gifts was replaced by sending cards. Today Valentine’s Day is a time to show love and
affection. People send cards, candy or flowers as valentines to their sweethearts, friends, and
family. Usually, you don’t sign your name. The person who receives the card has to guess who
sent it.

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6. Read the following four passages and determine which celebration it describes:
Trooping the Colour, April 1st, Shrove Tuesday, May Day, Father’s Day, Mothering Day:

March
Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is the day before Lent starts. Pancake Day is
traditionally a day of celebration, the last day that you can eat what you want until
Easter. Pancakes are made of flour, eggs and milk: all things which should not be eaten
during Lent. Nowadays people don’t fast but some people give up sweets or smoking.
Pancake-racing is one of the more unlikely events on the British sporting calendar and
takes place in many towns and villages each Shrove Tuesday (1). The object of the race is to
run 450 yards and get to the finishing line first, carrying a frying pan with a pancake in it whilst
throwing the pancake in the air and catch it again in the pan a predecided number of times.
Nowadays these events are often held to raise money for charity.
Mothering Day (2) is celebrated on the fourth Sunday in Lent in March. On this day
mothers get presents from their sons and daughters. And all children despite their age return to
their homes.

April
April 1st (3) is the day people try to trick their friends, to make them behave like fools.
You can play jokes on people, even on teachers. When you discover the joke, you say, “April
Fool!” No one is exempt until noon but after that the joking must cease or the prank rebounds on
the joker with
the rhyme "April Fool is gone and past, You're the bigger fool at last."
Easter. In the UK Easter is one of the major Christian festivals of the year. It is full of
customs, folklore and traditional food. In Britain Easter occurs at a different time each
year. People give each other chocolate Ester eggs on Easter Sunday. The eggs are usually
hollow and contain sweets. The Friday before Easter Sunday and the Monday after are a bank
holiday in the UK. Over Easter schools in the UK close for two weeks.
A Reader in British and American
Civilization____________________________________________________

May
The first day of the month of May is known as May Day 4). It is when people celebrate
the coming of summer with lots of different customs that are expressions of joy and hope after a
long winter.
A traditional dance is Maypole Dancing. On May Day, people used to cut
down young trees and stick them in the ground in the village to mark the arrival of
summer. People danced around the tree poles in celebration of the end of winter and
the start of the fine weather that would allow planting to begin. Maypoles were
once common all over England and were kept from one year to the next. Schools would practice
skipping round the pole for weeks before the final show on the village greens. The end results
would be either a beautiful plaited pattern of ribbons round the pole or a tangled cat's cradle,
depending on how much rehearsing had been done. Maypoles are still a part of some village life
and this day the villagers dance around it.

June
The official birthday of the Sovereign is marked each year by a military
parade and march-past, known as Trooping the Colour (5).
It takes place on the second Saturday in June on Horse Guards Parade,
Whitehall, in front of crowds of onlookers and is enjoyed by millions world-
wide. The troops participating in the parade are drawn of fully trained, operational troops from
the Household Division. There is a lot of marching, military music and the soldiers are dressed
in colourful uniforms.
In June there is Father’s Day 6). On this day fathers get gift cards and a lot of attention
from their children.
7. Read the information about the holidays that take place in the months of July and
August. Are they typical only of the UK? Do you have similar holidays and festivals in
your country?

In Moldova we don't have such holiday, but we have Summer Fest that is a international
music festival that is organised every summer in August.

July
Royal Ascot is one of the most spectacular race-meetings in the world, it has been held
for nearly 300 years since 1711. It is held at Ascot, in the south of England. The Queen drives
here from Windsor Castle. Royal Ascot is more than a horse race, it is a place to see and be

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seen, and everybody seems to be wearing designer outfits and spectacular hats, especially on the
highly popular Gold Cup Day, which is better known as "Ladies Day". The
TV commentary is just as likely to be about what Lady so and so is wearing as it is to be about
who won the 4.30! However if you do attend make sure you don't lose your shirt!
Wimbledon. This is one of the four great world tennis championships and the only one
which is played on grass. It is held in the last week of June in the first week of July at
Wimbledon in South west London. Tickets for Wimbledon are sold on the day. Lots of people
queue overnight to buy tickets for the Centre Court, the best tennis court.
St. Swithin's Day is July 15th, a day on which people watch the weather for
tradition says that whatever the weather is like on St. Swithin's Day, it will continue
so for the next forty days.
Henley Regatta is the largest rowing competition in Britain.
Henley
Regatta was first held in 1839 and has been held annually ever since,
except during the two World Wars. Originally staged by the Mayor and
people of Henley as a public attraction with a fair and other amusements,
the emphasis rapidly changed so that competitive amateur rowing became its main
purpose.

August
Notting Hill Carnival is an annual event which since 1964 has taken place at
Notting Hill in west London, each August, over two days (the August bank holiday
Monday and the day beforehand). It is led by members of the West Indian
community, many of whom have lived in the area since the
1950s. People who take part dress up in fabulous costumes. Steel bands play African and
Caribbean dance music and people dance and blow whistles. The carnival is the second largest
street festival in the world after the Rio Carnival held in Brazil.
The Proms is a popular series of classical music concerts. It lasts for two months in the
summer, from the middle of July to the middle of September and during that period there is one
concert every day. Most of the concerts are held at the Royal Albert Hall, in London. A lot of
people go to the Last Night of the Proms when the orchestra plays very popular tunes.

8. Read the information about the holidays that take place in the months of September,
October, November and December and answer the questions:
a. Why do British people celebrate Harvest?
Harvest Festival is a celebration of the food grown on the land. Harvest Festival reminds
Christians of all the good things God gives them. This makes them want to share with
others who are not so fortunate.
b. Where does the name of Halloween come from?
Halloween comes from All Hallow Even, the Eve (night before) All Hollows. Therefore,
Halloween is the eve of All Saints Day.
c. What are the usual Halloween traditions?
Children dress up in costumes and go from door to door where they knock on the door,
or ring the doorbell, and yell 'Trick or treat!'. The idea being that the owners of the house
give the children a treat (sweets or money) or the children will play a trick on them.
d. Who was Guy Fawkes and what did he do?
A Reader in British and American
Civilization____________________________________________________
Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators attempted to kill King James I and the Members
of Parliament and to blow up the Houses of Parliament. The plot was discovered and
Guy Fawkes was hanged.

September
Harvest Festival is a celebration of the food grown on the land and is organized usually
during the month of September.
Thanksgiving ceremonies and celebrations for a successful harvest are both worldwide
and very ancient. In Britain, the people have given thanks for successful harvests since pagan
times and celebrate this day by singing, praying and decorating their churches with baskets of
fruit and food. Harvest Festival reminds Christians of all the good things God gives them. This
makes them want to share with others who are not so
fortunate. In schools and in Churches, people bring food from home to a Harvest Festival
Service. After the service, the food that has been put on display is usually made into parcels and
given to people in need.

October
On October 31st, Halloween is celebrated, thought to be the one night of the
year when ghosts, witches, and fairies are especially active. Halloween comes from
All Hallow Even, the Eve (night before) All Hollows. Therefore, Halloween is the eve
of All Saints Day. In the evening there are a lot of parties, when people dress up as
witches, ghosts, devils, cats, bats or anything scary.
Houses are decorated with pumpkins with candles put inside. Many of today's Halloween
traditions are associated with America. Children dress up in costumes and go from door to door
where they knock on the door, or ring the doorbell, and yell 'Trick or treat!'. The idea being that
the owners of the house give the children a treat (sweets or money) or the children will play a
trick on them.

November
'Guy Fawkes Day' also known as 'Bonfire Night' or 'Fireworks Night' by some, marks the
date, November 5th, 1605, when Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators attempted to kill King
James I and the Members of Parliament and to blow up the Houses of Parliament. The plot was
discovered and Guy Fawkes was hanged. Every year on November 5th, people celebrate by
setting off fireworks. They also make models of Guy Fawkes and burn them on big bonfires.

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 December
The most popular bank holiday is Christmas Day and is celebrated on December 25th.
On this day many people go to Churches, get Christmas presents and make a traditional
Christmas dinner (roast turkey and pudding).
On this day children wait for a special person who will come down the chimney during
the night and will bring them presents. It is Father Christmas. However, Santa Claus is used
synonymously with Father Christmas. Children usually hang long socks or stocks on their
beds and hope that Father Christmas will put his presents in them.
Christmas trees are set in the living-rooms and are decorated with toys by children.
Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26th. It comes straight away after Christmas
Day. This is an old tradition, when in old times rich people used to give their servants money
or "Christmas boxes". Now it is the day when people simply have rest or visit their friends.
9. Work in 4 groups. You are the 4 seasons of the year (winter, spring, summer, autumn).
Make a 5 minute presentation to convince your colleagues that you are the season with the
best holidays and traditions.

The season with the best holidays is summer. In summer are a lot of interesting events and it
is the time when is the vacation.

In June is Trooping the Colour. It takes place on the second Saturday in June on Horse
Guards Parade, Whitehall, in front of crowds of onlookers and is enjoyed by millions
worldwide. Another holiday is Father’s Day. On this day fathers get gift cards and a lot of
attention from their children.

In July is organized one of the most spectacular race meetings in the world, it has been held
for nearly 300 years since 1711. Its name is Royal Ascot.

A very interesting tradition is on July 15th.St. Swithin's Day a day on which people watch
the weather for tradition says that whatever the weather is like on St. Swithin's Day, it will
continue so for the next forty days.

In August is organized Notting Hill Carnival is an annual event that since 1964 has taken
place at Notting Hill in west London, each August, over two days. People who take the part
dress up in fabulous costumes. Steel bands play African and Caribbean dance music and
people dance and blow whistles.

10. Write an essay highlighting the major cultural events of the UK.

British culture is influenced by the combined nations' history; its historically Christian
religious life, its interaction with the cultures of Europe, the traditions of England, Wales,
Scotland and Ireland, and the impact of the British Empire.

The major cultural events of the Uk are Notting Hill Carnival, Harvest Festival, and
Christmas Day.
A Reader in British and American
Civilization____________________________________________________
Notting Hill Carnival is an annual event which has taken place at Notting Hill in west
London, each August, over two days. It is led by members of the British West Indian
community, and attracts around two and a half million people annually, making it one of the
world's largest street festivals, and a significant event in Black British culture.

The route starts on Great Western Road, heading south towards Westbourne Park. Taking a
right through Ladbroke Gardens and turning north up Ladbroke Grove, the parade comes to
an end by Kensal Green Cemetery.

In the UK the harvest festival, also known as the harvest home, is traditionally celebrated
on the Sunday nearest the harvest moon. It is about giving thanks for a successful crop yield
over the year as winter starts to approach. The festival is also about giving thanks for all the
good and positive things in people's lives, such as family and friendships.

The most popular bank holiday is Christmas Day which is celebrated on December 25th. In
the UK (or Great Britain), families often celebrate Christmas together, so they can watch
each other open their presents! Most families have a Christmas Tree in their house for
Christmas.

These events reflect the multicultural diaversity and the traditions of the UK.

7C. Holidays Review

1. Scan files 7A and 7B. Write the names of the holidays which refer to the USA on the right,
to the UK on the left and in the centre holidays which are celebrated in both countries.

UK Both US
Pancake Day New Year's Day Martin Luther King Day
April 1st Valentine's Day Groundhog Day
May Day Easter Earth Day
Trooping the Colour Father's Day Memorial Day
Harvest Festival Halloween Independence Day
'Guy Fawkes Day' Christmas Day Labour Day
Mother's Day Columbus Day
Pearl Harbour
Remembrance Day

2. Indicate what holidays are celebrated in the UK and the USA on these days.
USA UK
February 14th Valentine's Day Valentine’s Day
April 22nd Earth Day

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the last Monday of May Memorial Day The Spring Bank Holiday
April 1st April 1st
May 1st May Day
July 4th Independence Day
the second Saturday in June Trooping the Colour
July 15th World Youth Skills Day St. Swithin's Day
the third Monday in January Martin Luther King Day
the month of September Harvest Festival
October 31st Halloween Halloween
February 2nd Groundhog Day
November 5th 'Guy Fawkes Day'
November 11th Veterans Day Armistice Day
January 1st New Year's Day New Year's Day
the third Monday of February Washington's Birthday
the first Monday of September Labour Day

the second Sunday of May Mother's Day Mothering Sunday

June 14th Flag Day
the third Sunday of June Father's Day Father’s Day
the second Monday in October Columbus Day

the fourth Thursday in November Thanksgiving Day Harvest Festival

December 25th Christmas Day Christmas Day

3. Work in groups. Make a calendar for an English-speaking friend to show what holidays are
celebrated in your country in March, April, May, October and December. Explain what
happens at each event and why.
March
Martisor Day is always celebrated on March 1st. March gets its name from the Roman
Martius, which was Latin for Mars, the Greek god of war. In Roman times, New Year was
celebrated on March 1st. In addition to his military role, Mars was also an agricultural deity,
so having Mars mark the onset of spring and the start of the new year was fitting. The most
common tradition associated with this festival is the Martisor, which are red and white threads
tied in a bow and attached to a small trinket. The Martisor will be on sale in every town and
village and they are bought as gifts for the female family members.
April
Since April 2010, the Flag Day of Moldova is celebrated on 27 April each year. On this day in
1990, the tricolor was officially adopted by the Supreme Soviet of the Moldavian SSR as the
state flag of the country. On the occasion of this holiday, cultural-educational activities are
organized, book exhibitions referring to the history of the state and the evolution of the flags
during the history of our state, thematic excursions dedicated to the State Flag Day.
May
A Reader in British and American
Civilization____________________________________________________
Victory Day is celebrated on 9th of May. On May 9th Russia and a handful of former Soviet
Union republics celebrate Victory Day, which marks the day after Nazi Germany surrendered
and Soviet forces took control of Berlin, bringing the second world war in Europe to an end.
It is celebrated by military parades concerts, fireworks, recognition of veterans and food and
drink.
October
Chisinau City Day is celebrated on 14th of October. Having been invaded by the Red Army in
June 1940, Chisinau suffered a deadly earthquake in October of that year which measured 7.3
on the Richter scale and destroyed much of the city.
It is celebrated with concerts and fireworks.
December
Christmas celebrates the Nativity of Jesus which according to tradition took place on
December 25th 1 BC. Whilst the holiday has a strong grounding in the story of the birth of
Jesus, many of the traditions we associate with Christmas have evolved from pre-Christian
beliefs and certainly, the traditions have evolved beyond purely a Christian holiday to have a
wider secular significance.
Childrean walk door to door to congratulate their neighbors, friends, or relatives with the
coming of Christmas and sing carols and receive gifts. The special songs associated with this
holiday are ,,Steaua sus răsare'' and ,, Astăzi s-a născut Hristos''.
4. Online Investigation - Although Christmas is not celebrated by all people around the world,
it does have important significance in the lives of many people. Choose a country and use
the Internet to find out how Christmas (Easter, New Year, Valentine’s Day) is celebrated in
that country.

Holidays in France
Christmas
Many people in France put up a Christmas tree, visit a special church service, eat an elaborate
meal and open gifts on Christmas Eve. Other activities include swimming in a park, participating
in city life and sharing a meal with family and close friends.
New Year
New Year Celebrations in France usually begin on New Year's Eve. It is celebrated with a feast,
called le Réveillon de Saint-Sylvestre. The feast consists of traditional dishes like pancakes, foie
gras and champagne.
Valentine’s Day
In France, only couples celebrate the Saint Valentin, but they don't see it as an important holiday,
considering love should be celebrated year around. They don't need a specific day in the year to
say “Je t'aime” and to be romantic.

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 REFERENCES
Print Resources:
1. Birdsall M., Festivals and Special Days in Britain (Timesaver), Mary Glasgow Magazines,
2000.
2. BoehmRichard G., Armstrong David G., Hunkins, Francis P., Exploring Our World,
Student Edition, Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 2008.
3. Civics Today, Standardized Test Practice Workbook, McGraw-Hill/Glencoe, 2002.
4. Datesman M. K., Crandall J., Kearny E. N., American Ways. An Introduction to American
Culture , White Plains, NY : Pearson Education, Inc., 2005.
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Press, 1992.
6. Henderson H., Henderson H., Thompson S. E., Holidays, Festivals, and Celebrations of the
World Dictionary, Detroit, Omnigraphics Inc; 2005.
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Республики Беларусь, Учреждение образования "Гомельский государственный
университет им. Ф. Скорины", ч.1, 2008.
A Reader in British and American
Civilization____________________________________________________
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специальности 1-02 03 06 01 "Английский язык": в 2 ч., Министерство образования
Республики Беларусь, Учреждение образования "Гомельский государственный
университет им. Ф. Скорины", ч.2, 2008.
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студентів та викладачів вищих навчальних закладів, Вінниця, НОВА КНИГА, 2005.
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- М. : Высш.школа, 2003

Electronic Resources
1. "Ethnic Groups in the United Kingdom." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnic_groups_in_the_United_Kingdom

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