新综合教程 第二册 教学课件 熊选琴 刘重霄Unit 9 2 U9.pptVIP

Unit 9 Text A: How Do Americans Celebrate the New Year The New Year is the time we reflect on the past and prepare for the future. In America, the celebration of this holiday begins the night before, when people gather to wish each other a happy and prosperous coming year. Since the 1900s, the night between December 31 and January 1 called New Years Eve has become an occasion for celebration and is now a major social holiday. On New Years Eve, many Americans will go out somewhere special for dinner and partying while others watch television as part of the celebration. In New York City, there is a world famous Waterford crystal ball, located high above Times Square. At about six oclock, after the sun has set, the ball is raised to its highest position. By this time, thousands of people have gathered for the celebration ahead. People who have never met, talk as if they have known each other all their lives. Visitors from around the world are excited to experience this New York moment. The ball is lowered at 11:59:00 PM and reaches the bottom of its tower at the stroke of midnight on December the 31st. This event is broadcast around the world as people gather together and count down at the same time as the ball drops. “Ten, nine, eight...” When the ball reaches the bottom, the New Year sign is lit and people hug and kiss, and wish each other, “Happy New Year!” More than a ton of little pieces of confetti paper rains down on the crowd. The crowd does its duty and tries to sing the old Scottish song, “Auld Lang Syne,” which is the traditional music played during the New Years celebration. The words “auld lang syne” mean “old long since” or “the good old days”. The songs message is to forget about the past and look with hope to the New Year. After the celebrations on New Years Eve, New Years Day is often a quiet day. Many people spend the first day of the New Year at home with some watching football games on television. Millions like to enjoy the Tour