Read the short texts (A − F). For questions 1 − 6, choose the information from the texts A − F. In which text can you find the information about
1) the typical holiday presents?
2) the holiday food tradition ?
3) the history of the main symbol?
4) the colours of the holiday?
5) a celebration in the countryside?
6) a cookery sports competition?
A. We often associate orange and black with Hallowe’en. Usually, orange, brown and gold remind us of autumn. Black is a symbol of darkness and death. They are often used in Hallowe’en celebrations because a long time ago it was a holiday that marked the line between life and death.
B. Nowadays it is impossible to imagine the holiday without a nicely decorated Christmas tree. According to the legend, it happened in the 16th century. Martin Luther, the famous Protestant reformer, was greatly impressed by the stars shining between the branches of a fir tree. He decided to show this wonderful image to his family. So he brought home a green tree and decorated it with candles.
C. They are held in England every spring. Each participant receives a hot frying pan with a pancake. According to rules they have to run, throwing the pancake into the air several times. It is not easy at all to reach the finishing line without dropping the pancake. Sometimes participants dress up in fancy dress costumes.
D. On Valentine’s Day, people exchange gifts to express their feelings. Flowers, chocolates and teddy bears are the usual gifts for this winter holiday. Many years ago, Valentine’s cards and gifts were sent anonymously. Nowadays people usually mite their names on their cards and gifts. Just in case.
E. May Day is a traditional spring festival. It is held in many English country towns and villages. People celebrate May Day as it was celebrated in pre−Roman times. Greeting warm and sunny summer they dance around the maypole and choose a May Queen. At the end of the green party they arrange a huge bonfire.
F. One of the most famous British holiday dishes is figgy pudding, also known as Christmas pudding. It is a bit richer than the usual pudding. Figgy pudding includes fruit, nuts, spices and black treacle. It is usually topped with liqueur. According to tradition, all members of the family take part in making the pudding. One by one they stir the pudding and make wishes. Sometimes the wishes come true.
Fill in the table.