How do you celebrate the festival?
In my culture, it’s a very family-oriented holiday. We usually have a special family dinner at home, followed by a countdown to midnight. However, we add a unique tradition: as the clock ticks down, we eat 12 grapes, each representing a different wish for the coming months. Afterward, we head out to the city or town streets to celebrate with friends and wish them a Happy New Year.
What is the most popular festival in your country?
Definitely Christmas, since I’m from a Catholic country. Almost every town and city decorates the streets with Christmas lights and decorations. Additionally, we celebrate Epiphany on January 6, which is as significant as December 25. On this day, we exchange gifts and enjoy parades.
Do you like western festivals?
Of course! They are an integral part of my culture. I especially love Christmas, Easter, and New Year’s as they have always been part of my upbringing. However, I also find Eastern festivals fascinating. I lived in Vietnam for two years and was in awe of the Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival.
Where do people usually go during festivals?
People typically go between their homes and the streets. We hold festive meals at home, valuing home-cooked food, but we also enjoy going out. For example, Christmas Eve might involve going to a bar with friends until the early hours of the morning, followed by a family lunch the next day.
What is your favorite part of a festival?
My favorite part of a festival is the sense of togetherness and celebration. Whether it’s the special foods, traditions, or simply spending time with loved ones, the festive atmosphere is what makes these occasions memorable.
Do you prefer big public festivals or small private gatherings?
I prefer small private gatherings. They feel more intimate and allow for meaningful interactions. However, I do enjoy the excitement of big public festivals occasionally, especially if they involve unique cultural elements or special events.
How do you usually prepare for a festival?
I usually start by planning the menu and any decorations. I also make a list of any gifts or special items needed for the celebrations. Preparation helps me enjoy the festival fully and reduces last-minute stress.
Have you ever attended a festival that was very different from your own culture?
Yes, I attended the Diwali festival in India. It was fascinating to experience the vibrant celebrations, the beautiful lights, and the traditional rituals. The festival’s atmosphere and cultural practices were quite different from what I’m used to, but it was an enriching experience.
What do you think makes a festival memorable?
A festival becomes memorable when it combines meaningful traditions, joyous celebrations, and shared experiences with family and friends. Unique customs, festive decorations, and delicious food also contribute to making a festival unforgettable.
Meaning:
Vocabulary and Phrases Table
English | Easy English | Bangla | Russian | Hindi | Chinese |
Family-oriented | Focused on family | পরিবার-কেন্দ্রিক | Ориентированный на семью | परिवार-केंद्रित | 家庭导向的 |
Countdown | The time leading up to something | উল্টো গোনা | Обратный отсчет | उलटी गिनती | 倒计时 |
Deck out | Decorate extensively | সাজানো | Наряжать | सजाना | 装饰 |
Epiphany | The celebration of the three wise men | উজ্জ্বলতা | Богоявление | प्रकट होना | 主显节 |
Upbringing | Childhood or early life | লালন-পালন | Воспитание | पालन-पोषण | 抚养 |
Awe | A feeling of wonder or amazement | বিস্ময় | Благоговение | श्रद्धा | 敬畏 |
Lunar New Year | The Chinese New Year | চাঁদের নতুন বছর | Лунный Новый год | चंद्र नववर्ष | 农历新年 |
Mid-Autumn Festival | A festival celebrating the harvest moon | মধ্য-শরৎ উৎসব | Праздник середины осени | मध्य-फाल का त्यौहार | 中秋节 |
Entail | Involve or include | অন্তর্ভুক্ত | Влечь за собой | शामिल होना | 包含 |
Wee hours | Early hours of the morning | ভোরের দিকে | Ранние утренние часы | सुबह के घंटे | 凌晨 |
Integral | Essential or necessary | অপরিহার্য | Неотъемлемый | अभिन्न | 不可或缺的 |
Fascinating | Extremely interesting | মন্ত্রমুগ্ধ | Увлекательный | आकर्षक | 迷人的 |
Enriching | Providing valuable experience or knowledge | সমৃদ্ধ | Обогащающий | समृद्ध करने वाला | 丰富的 |
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