Unit 1
Lessons 5 and 6
Student's book pages 18 and 19
Mention the flowers in the pictures.
The black iris and the poeny.
Before reading
The key words
|
The word |
The meaning |
The part of speech |
|
abundantly |
in large quantities |
Adverb |
|
commemoration |
something that makes you remember or respect an important person or event in the past |
Noun |
|
fair |
an exhibition |
Noun |
|
festivities |
things such as drinking, eating or dancing that are done to celebrate a special occasion |
Noun |
|
imported |
(of a product) brought from one country into one's own country so that it can be sold there |
Adjective |
|
legend |
an old, well-known story, often about brave people or adventures |
Noun |
|
spectacle |
a very impressive show or scene |
Noun |
While reading
People have celebrated festivals from the earliest times in history, and many countries love to celebrate nature. Many countries around the world hold flower festivals. Most of these festivals celebrate the flower that represents either the whole country or a particular region. In each country, there are parties, entertainments, family get-togethers and a commemoration of traditions and culture.
In Henan Province in China, people celebrate the Luoyang Peony Festival from 15th to 25th April every year. The peony symbolises wealth and nobility in China, but the colourful flower also has a legend attached! It is said that Empress Wu of the Tang Dynasty banished the peony from her city to the city of Luoyang, where it has bloomed abundantly every year since. Certainly, if you go to Luoyang at this time of year, you will see millions of peony plants in Luoyang Peony Gardens. You can also take part in celebrations such as dance competitions and cultural fairs, as well as watch music and drama spectacles.
Jordan’s national flower is the beautiful black iris, a rare flowering plant that is remarkable because it grows among rocks. It is admired for its unique beauty and strength. It is found mainly in the district of Ajloun, north of Jordan, during February and March. Every year, Jordanians honour their national flower by putting on a day of festivities. There are classic car displays, local craft stalls, dance displays, comedians and entertainment designed for children too. All the money that is raised during the Black Iris Festival is donated to local charities.
In the 17th century, tulips were imported from the Middle East to the Netherlands. They are one of the most popular ways to ‘say it with flowers’, or to send messages of congratulations to loved ones. The Tulip Festival takes place every spring in the North East of Holland, an area that is famous for its colourful tulip fields. People come from all over the world to go on tulip tours, travelling by bike or by bus. A popular activity is watching people dance in traditional wooden shoes that are called clogs. They can also see photographic exhibitions, eat traditional food and, above all, visit the magnificent tulip gardens.
Perhaps the most amazing thing about festivals is how many there are around the world. You can be sure that someone, somewhere, is planning a festival right now, and wherever you live, you will find that there is soon going to be one near you!
The text talks about:
- Many countries that hold flower festivals.
- The reason why many countries hold flower festivals.
- The festivities that are done in flower festivals.
-What each flower symbolizes.
After reading
What celebrations are mentioned in the text?
The Luoyang Peony Festival, the Black Iris Festival and The Tulip Festival.
What do the mentioned festivals celebrate in common?
These festivals celebrate the flower that represents either the whole country or a particular region.
The peony has a legend attached! Explain.
It is said that Empress Wu of the Tang Dynasty banished the peony from her city to the city of Luoyang, where it has bloomed abundantly every year since.
What is Jordan's national flower?
Jordan’s national flower is the beautiful black iris, a rare flowering plant that is remarkable.
Why is Jordan’s national remarkable?
Because it grows among rocks.
What is the most amazing thing about festivals?
The most amazing thing about festivals is how many there are around the world.
What is this picture?
Clogs.
Write the references of:
It is said that Empress Wu of the Tang Dynasty banished the peony from her city to the city of Luoyang, where it has bloomed abundantly every year since. Certainly, if you go to Luoyang at this time of year, you will see millions of peony plants in Luoyang Peony Gardens. You can also take part in celebrations such as dance competitions and cultural fairs, as well as watch music and drama spectacles.
WHERE refers to the city of Luoyang.
Jordan’s national flower is the beautiful black iris, a rare flowering plant that is remarkable because it grows among rocks. It is admired for its unique beauty and strength. It is found mainly in the district of Ajloun, north of Jordan, during February and March.
THAT refers to black iris.
Every year, Jordanians honour their national flower by putting on a day of festivities. There are classic car displays, local craft stalls, dance displays, comedians and entertainment designed for children too. All the money that is raised during the Black Iris Festival is donated to local charities.
THEIR refers to Jordanians.
THAT refers to all the money.
In the 17th century, tulips were imported from the Middle East to the Netherlands. They are one of the most popular ways to ‘say it with flowers’, or to send messages of congratulations to loved ones.
THEY refers to tulips.
A popular activity is watching people dance in traditional wooden shoes that are called clogs. They can also see photographic exhibitions, eat traditional food and, above all, visit the magnificent tulip gardens.
THAT refers to clogs.
Write the name of the flower.
Tulip.
What is a popular activity in the Tulips Festival?
A popular activity is watching people dance in traditional wooden shoes that are called clogs.
Fill in the table:
|
Festival |
Time and place |
The symbol |
Activities |
|
The Luoyang Peony Festival |
In Henan Province in China from 15th to 25th April every year |
The peony symbolises wealth and nobility in China |
You will see millions of peony plants in Luoyang Peony Gardens. You can also take part in celebrations such as dance competitions and cultural fairs, as well as watch music and drama spectacles. |
|
The Black Iris Festival |
In Jordan, during February and March |
Unique beauty and strength |
There are classic car displays, local craft stalls, dance displays, comedians and entertainment designed for children too. All the money that is raised during the Black Iris Festival is donated to local charities. |
|
The Tulip Festival |
Every spring in the North East of Holland |
They are one of the most popular ways to ‘say it with flowers’, or to send messages of congratulations to loved ones. |
People come from all over the world to go on tulip tours, travelling by bike or by bus. A popular activity is watching people dance in traditional wooden shoes that are called clogs. They can also see photographic exhibitions, eat traditional food and, above all, visit the magnificent tulip gardens. |