Topic: English Holidays
Тема: Английские праздники
The homeland of the English language which we are studying is an island state, the United Kingdom. Britain’s location "away" from Europe became the main reason of British traditions’ being so different from the European ones. English holidays are no exception. Many of them coincide with European holidays, but are celebrated in a special way, and some have no analogues in the world.
Родина английского языка, который мы изучаем – островное государство Великобритания. Именно потому, что Британия расположена «в стороне» от Европы большинство британских традиций отличаются от европейских. Исключением не стали и английские праздники. Многие из них совпадают с европейскими, но празднуются по-особому, а некоторые вообще не имеют аналогов в мире.
Studying about holidays of England and other British countries is very interesting. We can compare the British holidays and traditions with our holidays. It helps to understand the nature of the British, their lifestyle, the differences between our characters. In addition, many English traditions and festivals celebrated in England are becoming popular all over the world.
Изучать праздники Англии и других стран Великобритании очень интересно. Мы можем сравнивать британские праздники и традиции с нашими праздниками. Это помогает понять натуру британцев, их образ жизни, отличия их характера от нашего. К тому же, многие традиции и праздники, которые отмечаются в Англии, становятся популярными во всём мире.
The festive year in England begins, like ours, with New Year is celebrated on January 1st. But New Year celebration in the United Kingdom can not be studied separately from Christmas celebration on December 25th. This week is the brightest of the year. Like we do, the British install Christmas trees in their homes, streets and in churches. They decorate not only trees, but also their homes, yards and streets. Flashing lights, garlands, figures of Santa Claus and nativity Scenes, big and small, can be seen everywhere.
Праздничный год в Англии начинается, как и у нас, с Нового года, который отмечают 1-го января. Но празднование Нового года в Великобритании нельзя рассматривать отдельно от празднования Рождества 25-го декабря. Эта неделя является самой яркой в году. Как и мы, англичане устанавливают в домах, на улицах и в церквях рождественские ёлки. Они украшают не только деревья, но и свои дома, дворы и улицы – мигающие огоньки гирлянд, фигуры Санта Клауса – английского Деда Мороза и Рождественские вертепы, большие и маленькие, можно увидеть всюду.
By the way, all December is filled with pre-holiday bustle. The fact is that from the 25th of December to the 1st of January, most shops are closed. So everyone wants to buy gifts for the loved ones and take care of everything required for a holiday beforehand. Holidays when banks and other specialized institutions are closed, are known as bank holidays. The list of them is traditionally approved by the Queen. The holiday week includes, except Christmas and New Year, Boxing Day which is celebrated on December 26.
К слову, весь декабрь наполнен предпраздничной суетой. Дело в том, что с 25-го декабря по 1-е января большинство магазинов закрыты. Поэтому все стремятся выбрать подарки для близких и позаботиться обо всём необходимом для праздника заранее. Праздничные дни, когда не работают банки и другие специальные учреждения, называют банковскими праздниками. Из список традиционно утверждался королевой. Праздничная неделя, кроме Рождества и Нового года, включает ещё и День подарков, который отмечают 26 декабря.
Next after Christmas and New Year, there comes a holiday which is also marked all over England and abroad – St. Valentine"s Day. The tradition of congratulating the loved ones was so great that it has become popular all around the world. On this day, people who feel sympathy for each other, exchange heart shaped presents. There are many variants of gifts - cards with romantic poems, small pillows, sweets, toys and souvenirs. Everything that can bring positive emotions to a beloved person will do.
Следующий после Рождества и Нового года праздник, который отмечают по всей Англии и за её пределами, - это День Валентина. Традиция поздравлять любимых людей была настолько хороша, что стала популярной во всём мире. В этот день люди, которые испытывают симпатию друг к другу, обмениваются подарками в форме сердца. Вариантов подарков много – открытки с романтичными стихотворениями, подушечки, конфеты, игрушки, украшения. Подойдёт всё, что может доставить приятные эмоции любимому человеку.
Spring festive season in the UK is also rich in bright events. In March, for example, they celebrate St. Patrick"s Day – the day of Ireland’s patron saint. On this day, the Irish and other residents of Britain wear green clothes or attach the emblem of shamrock. In April, they celebrate the day of England’s patron saint - St George. On this day you can see a red rose on the clothes of the British, and in the streets you can hear folk songs and playing national instruments.
Весенний праздничный сезон в Великобритании также богат яркими событиями. В марте, например, отмечают День Святого Патрика – покровителя Ирландии. В этот день ирландцы и другие жители Британии надевают зелёное или прикрепляют к одежде изображение клевера – трилистника. В апреле же отмечают день покровителя Англии – Святого Георга. На одежде британцев в этот день вы сможете увидеть красную розу, а на улицах – услышать народные песни и игру на национальных инструментах.
And still in March and April an entire series of Easter events is marked - Good Friday, Holy Resurrection (Easter) and Easter Monday, when children are presented with flowers and toys. In England, they do not use boiled chicken egg, as a symbol of Easter. But in every house you will find chocolate eggs in colorful wrappers, egg shaped souvenirs and Easter bunny figures.
А ещё в марте-апреле отмечается целая серия пасхальных мероприятий – Страстная Пятница, Страстное Воскресенье (Пасха), Пасхальный Понедельник, когда детям дарят цветы и игрушки. В Англии не используют варёные куриные яйца, как символ Пасхи. Зато в каждом доме вы найдёте шоколадные яйца в ярких обёртках, сувениры в форме яйца и фигурки пасхального кролика.
Do not also forget about the April day of fun, which is called "Fool"s Day" in England and "Cuckoo’s Day" in Scotland. Just like we do, on this day the British are playing jokes on each other. The first May Monday is declared a public holiday in Britain. This is the holiday of spring and blooming nature. Such fun activities as carnivals and festivals are held everywhere. On this day the streets are decorated with flower garlands, and the national hero, Robin Hood, is honored. A similar rest day is held in August, on the last Monday of the month. People organize family picnics, fairs, carnivals and festivals.
Не будем забывать и о первоапрельском дне смеха, который в Англии называют «День Дурака», а в Шотландии – «День Кукушки». Так же, как и у нас, в этот день британцы разыгрывают друг друга. Первый понедельник мая объявлен в Англии официальным выходным. Это – праздник весны, расцвета природы. Повсюду проводятся весёлые мероприятия – карнавалы, фестивали. Улицы в этот день украшают цветочными гирляндами, а ещё – чествуют национального героя, Робин Гуда. Подобный день отдыха проводится и в августе, в последний понедельник месяца. Люди организовывают семейные пикники, устраивают ярмарки, карнавалы, фестивали.
The official birthday of the monarch, which falls on the second Saturday of June, may not coincide with the real date of birth of a king or a queen. On this day a ceremonial parade and troops review are held, and then a magnificent secular ball finishes the day.
Каждое время года прекрасно по-своему. Смена месяцев напоминает новую маленькую жизнь, когда можно все начать сначала. Лето — лучшая пора для новых возможностей.
Essay My summer holidays
Everyone knows that for all students the best time of the year is summer holidays. First of all, you’re free from school and may forget about textbooks, lessons, homework for all three months. Moreover, you don’t have to wake up early every day and have all this annoying routine. So you just have the opportunity to relax and enjoy perfect summer time.
As for me, my summer is quite typical from year to year. I usually spend June at home. I get up late all the time and try to be outside with my friends as much as possible. I really enjoy cool summer evenings when my friends and I can go for a walk in the park or ride around the city on our bikes. Also, we like rollerblading a lot. If the weather is bad I normally stay at home playing computer games or just surfing the Internet.
Then July I usually spend in the countryside with my grandparents. I have a lot of friends there as well. We often go to the lake for swimming or sunbathing. It’s always active time and we have a lot of things to do together.
August is the most interesting month. My parents usually have a vacation at this time so travelling to different countries is the best activity before I go back to school. My parents and I love travelling all over Europe. Thus, we have already visited Italy, Spain, France and Czech Republic. We prefer city holidays with a lot of excursions and sightseeing. But we can also combine it with a beach holiday as we did it in Italy and Spain. It helps to keep the balance between active and peaceful rest.
So, I suppose that summer must be full of rest, going out with friends and obligatory travelling. This year my family is going to Greece and I’m looking forward to having an exciting time there.
Сочинение на тему Мои летние каникулы
Всем известно, что лучшим временем года для всех учеников являются летние каникулы. Прежде всего, ты свободен от школы и забываешь об учебниках, уроках, домашних заданиях на все три месяца. Кроме того, тебе не нужно вставать рано каждый день и соблюдать весь надоевший распорядок дня. Таким образом, у тебя есть возможность расслабиться и просто наслаждаться чудесным летним временем.
Из года в год лето довольно таки типично для меня. Июнь я обычно провожу дома. Я все время встаю поздно и стараюсь проводить как можно больше времени на улице с друзьями. Мне очень нравятся прохладные летние вечера, когда мы с друзьями можем пойти на прогулку в парк или прокатиться на велосипедах по городу. Нам также очень нравится кататься на роликах. Если погода плохая, то я остаюсь дома, играю в компьютерные игры или сижу в интернете.
Ну а Июль я обычно провожу за городом у бабушки с дедушкой. У меня там тоже много друзей. Мы часто ходим на озеро искупаться или позагорать. Мы всегда очень активны и у нас есть чем заняться вместе.
Август — самый интересный месяц. У моих родителей обычно отпуск в это время, поэтому путешествие по разным странам — отличное занятие перед началом учебы. Мы с родителями любим путешествовать по Европе. Мы уже посетили такие страны как Италия, Испания, Франция и Чехия. Мы предпочитаем городской отпуск с большим количеством экскурсий и осмотром достопримечательностей. Но мы также можем совместить его с отдыхом на море, как это было в Италии и Испании. Это помогает соблюдать баланс между активным и спокойным отдыхом.
Итак, я полагаю, что лето должно быть наполнено отдыхом, встречами с друзьями и обязательно путешествиями. В этом году моя семья собирается в Грецию, и я с нетерпением жду отличного времяпровождения там.
Если хотите самостоятельно писать подобные топики без проблем, то советуем пройти наш курс
Holidays
What is the best time for schoolchildren? Holidays, of course!
Autumn, winter, spring and definitely summer holidays. These are
the times when you can forget about homework, school and
teachers.
Usually autumn holidays are not very exciting. The weather is
getting worse, it"s raining and you don"t have much opportunity
to walk outside for a long time. During autumn holidays my
friends and I usually spend time at each other"s places playing
computer games.
Winter holidays are much more interesting! I like skating and my
family usually goes to the skating rink in a nearby park.
Sometimes my friends and I go outside the city to the ski lodge.
We rent skis and go cross-country skiing in the forest. Just
before the New Year"s Day a big fir tree is set in our park. It
is decorated with garlands and large toys. Ice hills are also
made in the park. I like going to the park with my younger
sister and my friends. At New Year"s night my family usually
goes outside. My father and I make a fireworks display. My
mother always says that it is dangerous, but we all know that
she likes our fireworks. We also congratulate everyone who we
meet with the New Year and they congratulate us back. I like it
that people are so kind during this holiday!
The longest term is behind and spring holidays come. It is
getting warm every day, streams are flowing in the streets. It
is fun, but you should be careful not to slip on the spring ice
and fall in a puddle! I walk with my friends, go to the cinema,
ride a bike or roller-skate.
At last summer has come! The books have been taken back to the
library, now other children will use them next year. Summer is
my favourite season. I can wear only a T-shirt, jeans or shorts
and light trainers or flip-flops. I have three months of rest
which I can devote to myself and to my friends. During the first
two weeks of summer holidays my family and I go to some resort.
We have already been to Turkey and Egypt and this year we are
going to Spain. We like sunbathing and swimming in the sea. I
wish we could do this all year round!
Then we go back to the city and my sister and I go to our
grandparents" country house. It is not worse than holidays at
the sea. Our country house is rather far from our city - about
two and a half hours by car. But it is worth going there anyway.
I take a bike and a games console with me. I meet my friends
there. I see some of them every day at school and I don"t see
others for the whole year, so I have an opportunity to meet them
again and catch up. We ride bikes, sunbathe on the river bank,
swim in the river and communicate with each other.
I wish holidays were all year round!
ПЛАН-ОТВЕТ. HOLIDAYS
1. Вступление (What is the best time for schoolchildren?
Holidays, of course! Autumn, winter, spring and definitely
summer holidays. These are the tunes when you can forget about
homework, school and teachers.).
2. Рассказать о школьных каникулах и о том, чем обычно
занимаются во время них (autumn holidays: not very exciting,
weather getting worse, my friends and I...; winter holidays:
much more interesting; I like...; my family...; New Year"s Day;
spring holidays: the longest term; it is getting warm; streams;
I walk with my friends/go to the cinema/ride a
bike/roller-skate, etc.; summer holidays: I can wear...; three
months; my family and I...; this year we...; Then...; country
house; meet my friends, etc.).
3. Заключение (I wish holidays were all year round!).
QUESTIONS
1. What are holidays?
2. What school holidays are there in Russia?
3. What are your favourite holidays?
4. When are autumn holidays?
5. What do you usually do during autumn holidays?
6. When are winter holidays?
7. What do you usually do on winter holidays?
8. Do you like winter holidays? Why (not)?
9. Are spring holidays long or short?
10. What can schoolchildren do during spring holidays?
11. What do you usually do?
12. How long are summer holidays?
13. Where do you usually spend your summer holidays?
14. Do you go with your family?
15. Do you prefer to swim in the sea or in a swimming pool?
16. What do you think of spending a holiday in a village?
17. What is better to spend holidays with the family or with
friends?
18. Have you ever been camping? if so, where?
19. Do you take any school books to revise?
20. Do you read during your holidays?
21. Do you meet any English-speaking people during your
holidays?
22. What do you think of spending your holidays learning
languages?
23. What do you think of working during your holidays?
24. What do you think of people who work in summer?
25. How do you feel when your holidays are over?
USEFUL WORDS AND PHRASES
Indoor activities Занятия в помещении
dance танцевать
listen to music слушать музыку
play board games/computer играть в настольные
games игры/компьютерные игры
read читать
study учиться
watch TV смотреть телевизор
Outdoor activities Занятия на открытом воздухе
birdwatching наблюдение за птицами
(downhill) skiing катание на горных лыжах
(ice) skating катание на коньках
(rock) climbing . скалолазание
(whitewater) rafting сплав по реке
camping идти в поход
canoeing заниматься греблей
cross-country skiing кататься на лыжах по пересе-
чённой местности
diving ныряние (дайвинг)
figure skating фигурное катание
fishing ловля рыбу
gardening садоводство
jogging бег
karting . картинг
make sandcastles строить замки из песка
paintballing пейнтбол
picnic пикник
play volleyball/football играть в волейбол/футбол
rowing гребля
sailing плавание (на яхте, на лодке)
scuba diving ныряние с аквалангом
sightseeing/doing the sights осмотр достопримечательностей
skateboarding скейтбординг
snorkeling плавание под водой с маской
snowboarding сноубординг
sunbathe загорать
surf сёрфинг
swim плавать
toboggan катание на санках
walk гулять
waterskiing катание на водных лыжах
windsurfing виндсёрфинг
zorbing зорбинг (катание/спуск со склонов внутри прозрачного
двухслойного шара «зорба»)
Вторую часть топика о праздниках в России читайте
Holidays are important part of people"s life, we love to celebrate different dates.
Some of them are more popular, some are less, but there are many national holidays and all of us are eagerly looking forward to them. People don"t work on these official days off.
Most holidays fall on the same date every year and some other ones are movable.
The beginning of the year is accompanied with the most important holiday. We meet New Year"s Day at midnight and we commonly celebrate it till morning with the closest circle of family and friends. Traditionally everybody decorates New Year tree with New Year baubles and colored lights and home with fir branches and tinsel, prepare lots of delicious food, singing winter songs and dancing. All the children are waiting for the Grandfather Frost with his gifts.
Russia is an orthodox country, so our Christmas is on the 7th of January. We clean our homes, cook many tasty things one day before Christmas because the next day nobody should work, but only go to church and have a rest with the family.
The next winter holiday is non-official “Men"s day”, officially this day is called “Defender of the Motherland Day «. In Soviet period it was The Day of Soviet Army. Normally women give men small gifts on this day.
Перевод:
Праздники являются важной частью жизни людей, мы любим отмечать разные дни и даты.
Некоторые из них более популярны, другие менее, но есть много национальных праздников и мы все с нетерпением ожидаем их. В эти дни официальных выходных люди не работают.
Большинство праздников проходят в один и тот же день каждый год, а некоторые являются переходными.
Начало года сопровождается самым важным праздником. Мы встречаем Новый год в полночь, и широко празднуем до самого утра в близком кругу семьи и друзей. Традиционно все украшают новогоднюю елку шарами и разноцветными огнями и дом ветками ели и мишурой, готовят много вкусной еды, поют зимние песни и танцуют. Все дети ждут Деда Мороза с его подарками.
Россия — православная страна, поэтому наше Рождество отмечается 7го января. Накануне Рождества мы убираемся в доме, готовим много вкусных блюд, потому что на следующий день никто не должен работать, а только ходить в церковь и отдыхать с семьей.
Следующий зимний праздник неофициальный “Мужской день”, официально этот день называется “День защитника Отечества». В советское время это был день Советской Армии. Обычно женщины дарят мужчинам небольшие подарки в этот день.
Фразы:
eagerly – c нетерпением
movable - зд. переходный, т. е. без фиксированной даты
New Year baubles - новогодние елочные шары
fir branches - еловые ветки
tinsel — мишура
Grandfather Frost - Дед Мороз
orthodox — православная
Defender of the Motherland Day - День Защитника Отечества
На этой странице находится топик по английскому по теме HOLIDAYS
Having a holiday is always great fun in many ways. Firstly, people have a day off from work, secondly it’s a variety and relaxation from everyday routine. Every country has got its own public (national) and religious holidays. In our country there are ten public holidays that are observed nationwide and are official days off.
I love all kinds of holidays but most of all I admire the national traditions connected with them. My best loved holidays are the New Year with a New Year tree, Christmas with plenty of delicious food to eat and Easter with red eggs and an Easter pie. The preparation for these holidays starts long before they come. Thus about a fortnight before the New Year streets are decorated with colourful lights, the shop windows display a wide choice of New Year toys and Christmas gifts. It should be pointed out that unlike Catholic Christmas, Orthodox Christmas comes a week after the New Year and this week in Russia is called Kalyady. During the Christmas week street festivals of all kinds take place.
We are not a religious family and we don’t regularly go to church, but we respect national traditions and my grandmother always dyes eggs red and makes Christmas cakes and Easter pies.
On public holidays like the Independence Day or May Day people stay away from work or school and have a rest. There are two very special holidays in the country: the Eighth of March and the Ninth of May. On the Eighth of March women are traditionally presented with flowers and gifts and words of love and respect are addressed to them. The Ninth of May is both a happy and a sad day. On this day we celebrate our victory over fascism in the Great Patriotic War and at the same time pay tribute to those who gave up their lives for the liberation of our motherland. Deep respect and warm gratitude are shown to war veterans. The day is made special by a military parade in the morning and grand fireworks at night. The look of elderly people proudly wearing numerous orders and medals cannot leave anyone unmoved, I think.
Apart from national holidays there are family holidays like birthdays, weddings and anniversaries. We have a family tradition to celebrate birthdays of each member of the family. On these days we usually have a party. Friends and relatives come with flowers and presents. A festive dinner is served with plenty of delicious food to eat, which is a famous Slavic tradition, you know. Afterwards the guests either dance or sing, listen to music or just chat. Such parties usually go late into the night and people are unwilling to leave which, frankly speaking, I don’t like. But the last celebration of my birthday was different. We had an outing on that day. My friends and I, a group of ten in all, went to the «Youth» hotel. My parents saw how happy I was and agreed that I had become a grown-up person and had the right to go out with my friends. We had barbeques in the forest, stayed for the night, in the hotel and came back home the next day. We enjoyed ourselves greatly.
Indeed, life would be dull and grey without holidays.
I think it’s hard to find a person, especially among the young, who doesn’t like holidays, as they mean rest and entertainment, when you can forget for a while about the work undone and enjoy yourself. In my view rest and recreation are as important as work.
Like other countries Russia has its own holidays. They are either of a political, social or religious kind. The New Year, the 8th of March and the Victory Day are probably the most popular national holidays in our republic. Among religious holidays that are widely observed in most families are Christmas and Easter.
National holidays are both a public celebration and a personal event in the family. Different people choose different ways of celebrating them. New Year is traditionally a family holiday with a New Year tree, plenty of delicious food, presents and good wishes.
On other holidays people either take part in public entertainments arranged in parks and squares or go to parties at somebody’s place or restaurants. My family are not an exception in our attitude to holidays and we always look forward to them and make all kinds of preparations. We observe most public holidays which are printed in red in the calendar. But the most exciting for me are the New Year, Christmas, Easter and the Women’s Day.
At the same time every family has some holidays which are a special event only for them. They are usually anniversaries, birthdays and weddings. I love our family holidays and I think I loved them even more when I was a child. I was thrilled when all the relatives and most of the friends got together, dressed up and smiling, and they brought presents, danced and sang songs. On the eve of the party the house was given a big clean and a lot of delicious food was cooked. The atmosphere of the coming holiday was felt and made me happy and excited. I still look forward to celebrations, though, perhaps, with less enthusiasm.
Our last family holiday was my mother’s birthday. We wanted to make it a special day, since it was her 45th birthday Mother was not very happy about her age, so we tried to do our best to cheer her up saying that she was young as ever and even looked ten years younger than her age. We had selected a nice present for her and my sister and granny had done all the cooking. The table was nicely laid up with a candle and cakes on it, the walls of the sitting-room were pinned up with mother’s photos when she was a baby, a little girl and a young woman. The party was fantastic. All the guests seemed to enjoy themselves a lot.
The only disadvantage of holidays in my opinion is that they are short or, perhaps, it’s one of their attractions. You wouldn’t enjoy things that take place every day.
