Traditions make a nation special holidays and celebrations

Russians really love holidays. We usually celebrate them with a lot of food, presents and in big companies of relatives and friends. There are three types of holidays in Russia. They are family holidays, state (public, official) holidays and religious ( church) holidays. Family holidays include birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, house- warming parties, new baby parties and others. Some pagan holidays are popular with Russians too. ( see the table)

Dec 31 New Year January 7 Russian Orthodox Christmas January 13 Eve Russian Old New Year February 23 The Motherland Defender's Day March 8 International Women's Day April, May Easter (floating date): in April 24; in April 15; in May 5 May 1, 2 Labour Day May 9 Victory Day June 12 Russia Day or Independence Day November 4 Day of People's Unity February, March Shrovetide or Pancake Day (floating date): in March 7; in February 26; in 2013 – March17 October 31Halloween February 14St. Valentine's Day

… is a … holiday. We celebrate it on the … of … (There is no exact date for …, it is different every year. It is usually the last ( the first)… of…) … celebrates ( marks) the end of…/ the beginning of…/ the victory of…in…/ the Independence of…/ the anniversary of…/ the new Constitution. … is devoted to soldiers and officers / the Soviet Army / women. ( We celebrate it in the honour of …) The day makes us think of… … has deep roots. … was started by / in / as…( was connected with / is associated with / used to be celebrated as…

Concerts / marches / parades / services in church / processions of veterans / demonstrations are held … It takes time to make all the arrangements but it is worth many efforts. ( give ones house a thorough cleaning, to decorate … with …, make fancy costumes, write and send post cards ) People are involved in various activities. They congratulate … on… / give presents to… / lay flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier They go out into the streets participate /take part in all kinds of outdo activities( in parades, shows, demonstrations, fancy balls) go to church and stay for service

come to ones parents / gather / get together go visiting each other / invite guests cook a special dinner / make pancakes (paskhas, Easter cakes, dye or paint eggs) have parties, dance, have a carnival set off fire-crackers ( The whole sky lights up with fire-works at midnight.) knock on peoples door, sing carols, collect gifts burn a scarecrow People enjoy themselves / have fun / stay up late / stay up until midnight / sit at the table / have a great chat. The highlight of the festival is…

1.Can people do without celebrations? 2.What is your favourite old ( new) holiday? 3.Do you feel sorry about the holidays that disappeared? 4.What new holidays would you like to establish? 5.Is choosing gifts an easy matter? (For me choosing a present depends on what occasion it is / how close we are / how much money I have. If…………. it is supposed to be expensive / it could be hand-made. It is the spirit behind the gift that matters most but not the gift itself.)

What point of view do you have on celebrations? + Celebrating is my joy! I like the perfect / special atmosphere behind celebrations. I just enjoy the spirit of a holiday! I celebrate any holiday irrespective of its religious background. For me a holiday is a good opportunity to get together with my nearest and dearest / friends.

What point of view do you have on celebrations? -- I dont like any celebration especially. Its not important for me. For me any holiday is just a day-off. I dont understand the use of celebrating a holiday only because its a tradition! We can choose more interesting activities instead of sitting at the table and discussing boring family problems. Theres only one celebration that matters, its…