Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- eventful /ih-VENT-fuhl/
- observe /uhb-ZURV/
- ornament /AWR-nuh-muhnt/
- warrior /WAWR-ee-er/
- significance /sig-NIF-i-kuhns/
[adjective] – full of interesting or important events
Ben and Karen enjoyed an eventful week in Amsterdam.
[adjective] – to obey a law, rule, or custom
My relatives, who are American citizens, observe Thanksgiving Day.
[noun] – an object that is beautiful rather than useful
This market offers Christmas ornaments at affordable prices.
[noun] – a soldier, usually one who has both experience and skill in fighting, especially in the past
Thomas enjoys reading stories about Roman warriors.
[noun] – importance
He discussed the significance of education in his speech.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
May is an eventful month in Japan. The month begins with the festive Golden Week holidays which includes the Constitution Memorial Day (Kenpou Kinenbi) on May 3, Greenery Day (Midori no Hi) on May 4, and lastly, Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi) on May 5. Let’s learn more about the unique traditions observed in the spirit of Kodomo no Hi.
Children’s Day in Japan was originally called Tango no Sekku, a celebration for boys. In 1948, the government declared this day to be a national holiday to celebrate the growth and happiness of all children, and it was renamed “Kodomo no Hi.” As part of the event, people display traditional ornaments called kabuto (warrior helmets) and Gogatsu-ningyo (warrior dolls) in their homes. Families with boys raise or fly carp-shaped flags called “koinobori.” A symbol of power since the Edo period, koinobori streamers represent the families’ hope for their children to grow up strong like the carp fish. Children’s Day would not be complete without traditional sweets. People enjoy kashiwa mochi (a rice cake with sweet bean paste) and chimaki (a sweet rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves).
The fifth day of the fifth month is indeed a special day for children in Japan. It is an event that still holds great significance within the country.
Children’s Day in Japan was originally called Tango no Sekku, a celebration for boys. In 1948, the government declared this day to be a national holiday to celebrate the growth and happiness of all children, and it was renamed “Kodomo no Hi.” As part of the event, people display traditional ornaments called kabuto (warrior helmets) and Gogatsu-ningyo (warrior dolls) in their homes. Families with boys raise or fly carp-shaped flags called “koinobori.” A symbol of power since the Edo period, koinobori streamers represent the families’ hope for their children to grow up strong like the carp fish. Children’s Day would not be complete without traditional sweets. People enjoy kashiwa mochi (a rice cake with sweet bean paste) and chimaki (a sweet rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves).
The fifth day of the fifth month is indeed a special day for children in Japan. It is an event that still holds great significance within the country.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What is your favorite childhood memory? Please tell me more about it.
- Which do you prefer, kashiwa mochi or chimaki? Why?
- If you could introduce one Kodomo no Hi tradition to children in other countries, what would it be? How would you introduce it?
- Do you think there is something that needs to be changed about your country’s Children’s Day traditions?
- In your opinion, why is it important to celebrate Kodomo no Hi?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- growth
- happiness
- traditional
- represent
- wrap