EASTER

There are two bank holidays at Easter time in Britain: Good Friday and Easter Monday, but there are some typical traditions on other Easter days too, such as Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day). Find out all about Easter traditions here.

As you know, eggs are very important in Britain at Easter. A lot of Easter games and traditions involve eggs. Why do people give eggs at Easter time? What is the origin of Easter bunnies? Why do they decorate and colour Easter eggs?
You'll find all the answers here.


 Watch this video about decorating Easter eggs.
 You can try it at home or even in your Art class!

CHRISTMAS

A. To learn about Christmas traditions in Britain go here.
     Read all the information about Christmas days, food,
     traditions, Santa Claus, etc and make a list of the most
     relevant vocabulary.

     Now look at the following Christmas vocabulary worksheet and make sure you know
     all the words:

B.   Everybody has some traditions to follow at Christmas.
       Watch the following video about Christmas traditions.

Now think about your own Christmas traditions and prepare a video or a power point presentation about it. You can include photos, images, etc.

GUY FAWKES NIGHT (BONFIRE NIGHT)

Remember, remember
The fifth of November                                         
Gunpowder, treason and plot
I see no reason
Why gunpowder and treason
Should ever be forgot.

Bonfire Night is a very special date in Britain.

A.   Go here to read all the information about it. Then choose the correct answers:

      1. Guy Fawkes Night is a British / an American festivity.
      2. King James I was a Protestant/ Catholic and he passed severe laws against
          his people / Catholics.
      3. A group of 12 soldiers / Catholics planned to enter/ blow up the Houses of Parliament
          on 5 November 1605.
      4. When the plot was discovered, Guy fawkes and the other plotters were hanged / escaped.
      5. On the night/ day  of 5 November there are fireworks and big bonfires to burn a King / Guy.


B. Go to this BBC site to play an on-line Gunpowder game!
    You'll be asked to answer some questions about the plot. Good Luck!

HALLOWEEN

A.  First of all, we're going to read about the history and origins of Halloween and about
      some typical Halloween traditions. You'll find lots of information here.

      Once you have read all the information, answer the following questions:

      1. What did the Celts believe about the last night of October?
      2. Why did they build bonfires?
      3. Why are pumpkin lanterns called Jack-o-lanterns?
      4.What is the meaning of lighting candles in Jack-o-lanterns?
      5. What is the origin of the tradition of dressing in costume for Halloween?
      6. The typical Halloween colours are orange and black. Why?
      7. Halloween is also known by some other names. They are...
      8. What did people originally believe about black cats?


B.  Now write your own ghost story.
     Choose one  of the following starters:

     It was the night before Halloween...
     One dark and rainy Halloween night...
     Everybody said that old mansion was haunted...      

How much do you know about British festivals and celebrations?
This blog will allow you to learn a lot about special dates in Britain.