Thanksgiving around the World

Read Time:2 Minute, 35 Second

Exercise

A. The meanings of some of the words from the text are given below. Find the words and write against the correct meanings.

a. in a way occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady intermittent

b. to remind people of an important event or person from the past commemorate

c. in a way that shows the usual qualities or features of a particular type of person or thing typically

d. a curved shape that is wide in the middle and pointed at each end cresent-shaped

e. full of life and energy vibrant

f. a person who is having fun in a noisy way, usually with a group of other people reveller/celebrator

g. from or in another country; seeming exciting and unusual exotic

h. to spread through and be easy to notice pervade

i. brightly coloured and likely to attract attention flamboyant

j. done quickly and with a lot of activity, but not very well organized frantic

B. The following events represent different activities observed during Thanksgiving around the world. Study them carefully and write the names of countries where they are celebrated.

a. Families gather for a feast in the evening accompanied by dancing and singing. Liberia

b. People wear new clothes and get community blessings. Iran

c. Palm nut soup, fish and traditional Kpokoi are served. Ghana

d. People return to their hometowns to celebrate the festival. South Korea

e. Celebrants go to the beach in a noisy way. Brazil

f. Parades are taken out in the streets. USA

g. Food and wine are offered to the forefathers. South Korea

C. Answer the following questions.

a. What is the main feature of American Thanksgiving?

Ans: The main feature of American Thanksgiving is a large feast shared with family and friends, usually including turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, sweet corn, and assorted fall vegetables.

b. What do parades include in Thanksgiving in America?

Ans: Parades in Thanksgiving in America usually include floats, marching bands, and giant balloons in the shape of popular cartoon characters.

c. When and why is Chuseok celebrated in Korea?

Ans: Chuseok, celebrated in Korea on the 15th day of August, depending on the lunar calendar, is a harvest festival and a time for families to gather and honor their ancestors.

d. How did Thanksgiving begin in Brazil?

Ans: Thanksgiving began in Brazil as a new festival that has been celebrated since 1949, when former Brazilian President Gaspar Dutra visited the USA.

e. Who started Thanksgiving in Liberia? Why was it started?

Ans: Thanksgiving in Liberia was started by freed American slaves who had settled in the country. They wanted to celebrate their newfound freedom and give thanks to God for their blessings.

f. What is Thanksgiving celebrated in Barbados for?

Ans: Thanksgiving is celebrated in Barbados to give thanks for a successful sugar cane harvest.

g. What is Homowo marked in Ghana?

Ans: Homowo is marked in Ghana to defense hunger and famine.