英语国家概况Chapter 22.ppt

Contents New Year’s Day Valentine’s Day Easter Day Independence Day Halloween Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day Holidays and Festivals Holidays are days that are set apart for public, religious or special observances. On many of these special occasions, schools, banks and business are closed. Holidays are also a relief from daily toil and a major source of recreation for common people. In the United States, there are certain holidays that are honored throughout the nation. By long custom, nationally observed holidays include Christmas, Thanksgiving Day, Labor Day, Independence Day, New Year’s Day, Columbus Day, Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day. 1. New Year’s Day Welcoming the new year is one of the oldest and gayest customs the world over. Most people have a day off from work. They say “Happy New Year to you and your family” to each other to express their hope for the happiness in the new year. The celebration of this holiday begins the night before – on New Year’s Eve. People like to hold big parties or go to restaurants, where they have a big dinner, drink champagne and dance. They also make New Year’s decisions. Grown-ups and children often promise to get rid of their bad habits and make up their minds to lead better life in the new year. 1. New Year’s Day The activities at this festival. ① Most exciting places in the Unites States on New Year’s Eve is Times Square in New York City. ② Mummers Parade held in Philadelphia is one of the most popular New Year’s Day activities. ③ The Rose Tournament is held in Pasadena, California. ④ People enjoy the famous Rose Bowl football game or other football competitions in a stadium. 2. Valentine’s Day (February 14) ①Valentine’s Day is a day for lovers, and one of the loveliest holidays in the United States. ②origins: One English story tells that the birds select their mates on February 14th welcoming spring. Another story says that a Roman Emperor ordered the killing of a Roman priest Valentinus on February