《英国文化课件holidays》-精选课件.pptVIP

Religious Holidays Religious in Britain :Most of the world’s religions are practiced in Britain, with sizeable Hindu(印度教), Muslim and Sikh（印度锡克教）communities and many smaller groups. Christian festivals -Christmas Christmas Traditions: The Queen’s speech over the television and radio The Queens Christmas Message 2005 HM Queen Elizabeth II The day after my last Christmas message was broadcast, the world experienced one of the worst natural disasters ever recorded. The devastating tsunami struck countries around the Indian Ocean, causing death and destruction on an unprecedented scale. This was followed by a number of vicious hurricanes across the Caribbean and the inundation of the city of New Orleans. Then in the autumn came the massive earthquake in Pakistan and India. This series of dreadful events has brought loss and suffering to so many people and their families and friends - not only in the countries directly affected, but here in Britain and throughout the Commonwealth. As if these disasters were not bad enough, I have sometimes thought that humanity seemed to have turned on itself, with wars, civil disturbances and acts of brutal terrorism. In this country, many peoples lives were totally changed by the London bombings in July. This Christmas my thoughts are especially with those everywhere who are grieving the loss of loved ones during what, for so many, has been such a terrible year. These natural and human tragedies provided the headline news; they also provoked a quite remarkable humanitarian response. People of compassion all over the world responded with immediate practical and financial help. There may be an instinct in all of us to help those in distress, but in many cases I believe this has been inspired by religious faith. Christianity is not the only religion to teach its followers to help others and to treat your neighbor as you would want to be treated yourself. It has been clear that in the course of this year relief workers and