Task 1. Read the text and

Thanksgiving, the United States (USThanksgiving is one of the most popular and oldest holidays in the US, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It originated as a harvest festival, and was celebrated for the first time by the Pilgrims in 1621. That particular feast lasted for three days, and was attended by Native Americans as well. The holiday became known as the day of thanking God for blessings such as a good harvest.

plenty of food or a military victory, but today it is more cultural than religious.

Although it is debatable whether the Pilgrims ate it at the time, turkey has become the most

ubiquitous food served on Thanksgiving. Other traditional foods are mashed potato, cranberry

sauce and pumpkin pie.

Three Kings Day, Mexico

Mexican people traditionally celebrate Christmas for twelve days - from Christmas evening on December 24th, to the Three Kings Day on January 6th (also called the Epiphany. Epiphany literally means a sudden moment of understanding). The Three Kings Day commemorates the end of these celebrations. This holiday was inspired by

the biblical story of the three kings from the East (also referred to as three Wise Men or Magi),

who spotted a bright star in the sky the night Jesus was born, and came to see baby Jesus.

This holiday is so important for Mexicans that they often give additional gifts on this day, even

though it is shortly after Christmas. Another custom specific for this holiday is baking the Rosca, a sweet bread ring in which a small baby Jesus figurine is placed. Whoever finds the figurine has to host another holiday's party in February

Chinese New Year, China Chinese New Year is the biggest holiday in China, occurring on the last day of the last month of

the Chinese calendar, which does not coincide with the December 31st, but instead falls between

January 21st and February 20th.

The celebrations are held all over the country and normally last for two weeks, making it the

longest festival in China.

During the celebrations, you can see incredible decorations such as dragons, lanterns, flowers, as well as fireworks and people dressed in traditional Chinese clothing. Windows and doors are usually decorated with red color papercuts to symbolize good fortune, wealth and longevity. This festival honors both Chinese deities (gods) and historical figures.

Saint Patrick's Day, Ireland

Although originally Irish, Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated all over the worldon March 17th. It has both a cultural and a religious connotation, since it is named after Saint Patrick, the greatest patron saint of Ireland who brought Christianity to the island, and it is also a celebration of Irish

culture and heritage.

Since Irish people emigrated to other European countries, as well as to the United States, Saint Patrick is celebrated in more countries than any other national holiday.

It is normally manifested through a public parade, with many visitors wearing green attire, since this color is the symbol of Ireland. Historically, any religious restrictions on eating and drinking were lifted on this particular day, which is why Saint Patrick's Day is heavily celebrated with lots of beer.

1. What does "connotation" mean? a the process of celebrating a religious holiday

b. the associated or secondary meaning of a word

c. the expressions people chant

2. What does "ubiquitous" mean?




1. What does "connotation" mean? a. the process of celebrating a religious holiday b. the associated or secondary meaning of a word c. the expressions people chant 2. What does "ubiquitous" mean?​