UNIT 5B
READING
NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATIONS ALL OVER THE WORLD
Track 21
Talk about the following: • How do people usually celebrate New Year? • What is the general feeling among people on New Year’s Day?
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New York is well known for its New Year celebrations and people from all over America come to Times Square, a tradition since 1906. A huge, brightly-lit ball made of glass descends as the clock strikes 12 on New Year’s Eve. It looks like a bright star as it falls through the darkness. When it reaches the ground, people throw tiny pieces of colourful paper into the air, cry out ‘Happy New Year’ and sing the traditional New Year song. Those who are not able to get to Times Square can watch on television.
Fireworks are also a typical part of American celebrations as the midnight sky on New Year’s Eve is lit up by beautiful firework displays. In the past, it was believed that ghosts were afraid of light and noise, and fireworks resulted from the tradition of frightening evil forces away.
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In England, crowds of people gather on Trafalgar Square to hear the chimes of London’s Big Ben announce the arrival of the New Year. Gathering on the main squares in towns has also become a tradition in Serbia. People listen to music, sing, dance and enjoy firework displays.
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In Australia, New Year’s Day is a public holiday and many people have picnics and camp out on the beach. It is a day for outdoor activities, such as rodeos, picnic races and surf carnivals. When the clock strikes midnight, the Spanish eat 12 grapes to bring good luck for the next 12 months. Sometimes the grapes are washed down with wine. The Celebration of the Buddhist New Year is an occasion of great joy. People spray water on whoever they meet in the streets – it doesn’t matter if it is a friend or a stranger.
Glossary 76
to descend – come down display – show, presentation
