Valentine's Day and Halloween

One other day that most Americans observe, even though it is not an official holiday, is February 14, Valentine's Day, named for an early Christian martyr whose feast day was once observed on that day. On this day, Americans give special symbolic gifts to people they love. They also send special greeting cards called Valentines to such people. Most commonly, the gifts are candy or flowers.

Halloween, the last day of October, has a special significance for 36 children, who dress in funny or ghostly costumes and knock at neighborhood doors. After shouting "Trick or Treat!" they are given gifts of candy or money. Originally a religious holiday the evening before All Saints or All - Hallows Day, Halloween is now celebrated by Americans more according to ancient Celtic pagan traditions. Some children collect money on this day to help children of other nations through the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

Tasks:

Read the texts.

II. How well have you read? Can you answer the following questions?

1. Whom did the „Mayflower" ship bring to North America in 1620?

2. Why did the Puritans leave England⁹

3. When did the Pilgrims found the colony?

4. What does the Thanksgiving Day signify for Americans?

5. Where is it traced to?

6. What is Thanksgiving Day marked by?

7. What is the most important religious holy day for Christians?

8. What is observed on February 14?

9. What do Americans give to one another on this day?

10. What holiday has a special significance for children? Why?

III. Give Russian equivalents to the following English word combinations:

to found a community; to practice the religion; pilgrims feast; to celebrate the good harvest; the holiday is observed on; religious holiday; to give symbolic gifts; greeting cards; to dress in ghostly costumes; ancient pagan tradition; All Saints.

IV. Give English equivalents to the following word combinations;

скалистый берег; религиозная секта; основать общину; пилигрим: по совету индейцев; устраивать праздник в честь хоро­шего урожая; День Благодарения; жареная индейка; семейный праз­дник; церковные службы; религиозный праздник; Рождество; День Святого Валентина; христианский мученик; символические подар­ки; языческие традиции; первоначально; иметь особое значение для детей.

V. Make up dialogues on the basis of the texts.