Mayflower: Deconstructed — History.com Video
vendredi 26 novembre 2010
mardi 26 octobre 2010
IT'S HALLOWEEN TIME AGAIN !!!
it’s Halloween …
It’s scary, fun … and big business!
It’s nearly 31st October. The shops are full of pumpkins, creepy costumes and chocolate ghosts. It’s Halloween.
Halloween is more than 2,000 years old. Then, it was called ‘Samhain’. The people living in Britain then were Celts, and they were afraid of evil spirits. They believed that ghosts walked on earth, so they put on scary costumes to frighten them away.
Halloween is still very popular in Britain. Children and teenagers dress up in scary costumes and go ‘trick or treating’. They go out in groups after dark and knock on doors. The people in the house give the children sweets or chocolate. But if the people in the house say trick – the children can play a trick on them. They throw eggs or flour at the house.
Some people have Halloween parties too where they play Halloween games like ‘apple bobbing’. You have to pick up an apple from a bowl of water. Sounds easy? It isn’t! You have to do it with your teeth!
Halloween is big business too. According to Britain’s biggest supermarket, Tesco, Halloween is the third biggest event in the UK (Christmas and Easter are first and second). Tesco expects to sell 1.4 million pumpkins, 2 million toffee apples* and 1.5 million scary costumes this week.
But not everybody is looking forward to Halloween. Many old people feel anxious. Others feel it’s an evil tradition and some schools have even banned it!
- A toffee apple is an apple on a stick covered in caramel.
Do you celebrate Halloween? How?
Is Halloween ‘big business’ in your country? What about other traditions like Christmas? Do you think these traditions have become just another way for shops to make money?
Should Halloween be banned?
mercredi 13 octobre 2010
dimanche 10 octobre 2010
WHO IS MARK ZUCKERBERG ?
Businessman, co-founder of Facebook.Born on May 14, 1984, in Dobbs Ferry, New YOrk. With the sociel networking website Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg has helped revolutionnize the way people interact and connect with each other online. He comes from a comfortazble, well-educated background.His father ran a dental practice at the family home. His mother Karen worked as a psychiatrist before the birth of the couple's four children.
Zuckerberg developed an interest in computers at an early age, creating a messaging programme to be used at his father's dental office.Together with his friends, he also created computer programmes just for fun.Later, Zuckerberg studied in New Hampshire. He remained fascinated by computers and continued to work on developping new programs. He became known for his talent for writing software.
Zuckerberg went to Harvard University in 2002.He started working on a social networking site called Harvard Connection. However, before long, Zuckerberg dropped the project to work on his own social network, which later became known as Facebook.The creators of Harvard Connection have claimed that Zuckerberg stoile their idea while Zuckerberg has maintained that these were two very different types of social networks.
Zuckerberg co-founded Facebook with Dustin Moscovitz, Chris Hughes and Eduardo Saverin.The site allowed users post profiles and photos and communicate with other users.The group ran the site - first called thefacebook.com- out of a dorm room at Harvard until 2004. Then, Zuckerberg dropped out of college to devote himself to Facebook full time, moving the company to California. By the end of 2004, Facebook had a million users. In December 2005, Facebook had more than 5.5 million users.Lots of companies offered to buy the successful social hub but Zuckerberg has always refused to sell. Today, there are more than 500 million users on Facebook.
The story of Facebook now serves as the central plot of the feature film "The Social Network". The movie doesn't portray the young entrereneur in the most favourable light.
Accroding to a magazine, Zuckerberg is worth approximately 6.9 billion dollars, surpassing Apple founder Steve Jobs.
lundi 13 septembre 2010
Robert Pattinson is a twenty-four-year old British actor. He was born on May, 13th 1986 in London where he still lives; but he also lives in Los Angeles part of the year because of his job as an actor.His parents are married and both of them work, but in different fields. His father is a car salesman and his mother works for a modeling agency .
He has got two older sisters, so he is the youngest child of the family. The eldest child, Victoria is twenty-seven and Rob has also got a twenty-six-year-old sister whose name is Lizzy.
Rob is an actor, a musician and a model as well. He is keen on music, playing darts and pool. So, he's rather artistic and musical, but not very sporty. He can't stand baseball, by the way.
The last movie he played in was "Eclipse", in the Twilight series, which was released last summer.
jeudi 9 septembre 2010
BACK TO SCHOOL - SEPTEMBER 2010
Hi everybody ! After a year of absence, the Cassignol Writers are back !! We're all ready to share lots of news with our readers and we're looking forward to getting your comments and contributions. You will find all kinds of messages on this blog, ranging from movie reviews to students' essays or news articles. You will also find extra historical or cultural information that may be useful for your English lessons. Above all, we hope you'll have fun and will visit our site regularly !
dimanche 22 février 2009
A DAY IN ABBEY ROAD
Remember this famous photo of the Beatles ? Well, now watch the video to see how tourists imitate the Beatles every day in Abbey Road (London) and how this affects the traffic.
IMAGINE THAT YOU ATTENDED BARACK OBAMA's INAUGURATION. Write a letter to a friend to describe the events and what it felt like to be there.
Dear friend ,
Today was one of the most emotional day of my life. Indeed, it was Inauguration Day of President Obama and I was there !
I woke up at six in the morning to be in the first row but I didn't expect so many people would have the same idea as me ! Later, I realized that we were going to be really an enormous crowd, so i was among the first, so to speak.
A thousand people were in front of me, one million or more behind me, and it was really an amazing sensation ! Some people fainted but the majority of the most sensitive people cried when they saw Barack Obama at ten, in front of the U.S. Capitol Building. He was listening to the groups that were performing in honour of his inauguration, just like us. One hour and half later, Diane Feinstein gave a really beautiful welcoming speech for the President and Vice-President who was sworn into office a little while later.
At twelve o'clock, Barack Obama took the Oath of Office on the Bible that served Washington too, and then he said his inaugural address to the crowd and the world (because cameras from all over the world were filming him). And people were more touched than ever. To put it briefly, he remade his electoral promises. But it was really touching and I shed a tear because of all the general atmosphere.
Subsequently, George W. Bush's departure ceremony took place and Obama and Joe Biden had lunch. I followed the parade that they led through Pennsylvania Avenue with the million other people atround me. As soon as I came back to my house, I wrotye this letter to you. I hope you have enjoyed it !
Love,
ANNE MONTALDO
Dear Ben,
Today is January 21st and yesterday was January was January 20th. It was a very important day for the United-States because it was the Inauguration Day of Barack Obama.
At the beginning of his inauguration, at 10 am, three groups performed. Then, at 11.30 am, the Vice-President elect, Joe Biden, was sworn into office. This moment was already great ! At noon, the President-elect Barack Obama, took the Oath of Office. It was a very important moment for all of the United-States, all the more so as there were millions of people in Washington DC.
A little while later, President Obama gave his Inaugural Address. This moment was the most moving and the most ineresting ! I suppose you saw this moment on television.
In the afternoon, President Obama attended the departure ceremony of President George W. Bush. Subsequently, Obama and Biden led a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue from the US Capitol to the White House. Nevertheless, there were lots of security around Obama.
To put it briefly, it was very moving and an unforgettable moment.
Love from,
FANNY DULONG
Dear Bongnwi,
I went to the USA for the Inauguration Day. I was very excited because I had never seen that ! It was a long day and I had to wake up early to have good places. There were so many people !
I was very impatient because it was the first time I could see a president for real. I waited for nearly five hours so as to see President Obama. He was with his family. How pretty Michele Obama is ! I think she is very fashionable, trendy, I like her style.
When they appeared, everybody was happy, impressed and so was I ! Even if I like this couple, I think they show their daughters too much. apart from this, I found the Oath of Office of Obama interesting, he found good words. All the same, it was very long and I was tired, that's why I was bored in the end. However, the parade was exceptional ! There was such a crowd ! Wasn't the Inauguration Day exceptional, great and super ! There was music, it was very lively.
To put it briefly, it was interesting, exceptional, modern, I loved it, all the more so as the weather was sunny although it was freezing cold ...
Love from,
JULIE HOSTYN
Dear friend ,
What's up ? I went to the Inauguration last Tuesday. Yes, I did it !
It was amazing ! Just like a dream ! I've never seen something like that ! There was a huge, an enormous crowd. Of course, it was a little bit boring in the middle of the Inauguration, but when Aretha Franklin sang, it was so great !
There were too many people and I was at a very bad place. I couldn't see Obama and his family.... As I could listen to him, I did it. I was really moved. I'm proud of our new president of the United-States ! What a generous person !
The parade was great but quite boring. To my mind, Aretha Franklin's performance was the greatest moment of all the inauguration !
See you soon ,
HUGO AUGIER
Dear Gloria,
Dear Sam,
Today, I went to the Inauguration Day. Barack Obama took the Oath of office. I have faith in him for leading America with seriuosness, integrity, intelligence and ability to solve problems. He looks hon,est, smart, bossy, in short: a good president.
I have the schedule of this day in front of my eyes and I see that in a little while, there will be a luncheon at the US CApitol. It's a good opportunity, for since this morning, I haven't eaten anything. I'm so hungry !
Soon after, Obama and Bidden ( his vice-president who looks like my grand-father ) will lead a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue. It will be fantastic !
Being here today is amazing. It's very ceremonious and just a little pompous. When I saw Obama I did like the other people, I applauded him. He's more beautiful in reality than on TV. The day isn't finished yet but this letter is. I hope that Obama will bring happiness and peace to America.
Goodbye Sam,
MARITXU.
Dear Louisiane ,
On Tuesday, January 20th, it was the Inauguration Day. I had the chance to be there ! It was so fantastic !
First, at about 10 a.m., Diane Feinstein gave welcoming remarks and the Vice-President elect, Joe Biden, was sworn into office.
Later, at 12.05 p.m., the new president Obama gave his inaugural address. What a magnificent Inaugural address ! How spectacular !
After the Inaugural Address, Elizabeth Alexander read a poem. It was beautiful ! And the US Navy Band Sea Charters Chorus performed the National anthem. It was really beautiful too !
In the afternoon, President Obama attended the departure ceremony of President George Bush. He and Vice President Biden attended a luncheon at the Us Capitol. And they led a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, from the US Capitol to the White House.
Eventually, in the evening, ten inaugural balls or parties took place in Washington DC. I was astonished. everything was fantastic ! It was really a new experience for me and I liked it so much !
Bye,
VALENTINE BROCHET
Dear Camille,
On Tuesday, January 20th 2009, I went to the Inauguration of the new president. How crowded it was ! We could count people in thousands ! You can't imagine how fabulous it was ! At first, three groups performed. Even if there was a lot of people, I could hear. Their songs were so beautiful !
Then, at noon, President Obama took the Oath of office at the west front of the US Capitol Building. Unfortunately, my little sister didn't see him because a very tall man blocked the view from her. What a stupid person ! If he had moved up, she would have been able to admire this such beautiful show ! However, the most fantastic event was the parade ! It was so extraordinary ! Eventually, I have lived an unforgettable day !
Finally, ten inaugural balls or parties took place in Washington DC but it wasn't my favourite moment.
Love from EMMA GAUTHERON.
Dear Charlotte,
On January 20th 2009 I was in Washington for the Inauguration Day. There were lots of people ! Maybe one or two million people therefore it was very difficult to see anything. But what a marvelous atmosphere ! The Americans were so happy. Because for them, Barack Obama represents change for he's the first African-American president of the United-States of America.
It started at 10 a.m. with three groups that performed. The 3 groups were the "US Marine Corps Band", the "San Francisco Boys Chorus" and the "San Francisco Girls Chorus". Secondly, the Senator Diane Feinstein gave welcoming remarks.
At 12.05 Obama gave his inaugural address and the US navy Band Sea Charters Chorus performed the national Anthem.
After this, President Obama attended the departure ceremony of George W. Bush and he ate with Joe Biden, the Vice President.
Eventually, Obama and Biden led a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, from the US Capitol to the White House.
This day was a fabulous day !
Love from ZOE FELTESSE
Today was one of the most emotional day of my life. Indeed, it was Inauguration Day of President Obama and I was there !
I woke up at six in the morning to be in the first row but I didn't expect so many people would have the same idea as me ! Later, I realized that we were going to be really an enormous crowd, so i was among the first, so to speak.
A thousand people were in front of me, one million or more behind me, and it was really an amazing sensation ! Some people fainted but the majority of the most sensitive people cried when they saw Barack Obama at ten, in front of the U.S. Capitol Building. He was listening to the groups that were performing in honour of his inauguration, just like us. One hour and half later, Diane Feinstein gave a really beautiful welcoming speech for the President and Vice-President who was sworn into office a little while later.
At twelve o'clock, Barack Obama took the Oath of Office on the Bible that served Washington too, and then he said his inaugural address to the crowd and the world (because cameras from all over the world were filming him). And people were more touched than ever. To put it briefly, he remade his electoral promises. But it was really touching and I shed a tear because of all the general atmosphere.
Subsequently, George W. Bush's departure ceremony took place and Obama and Joe Biden had lunch. I followed the parade that they led through Pennsylvania Avenue with the million other people atround me. As soon as I came back to my house, I wrotye this letter to you. I hope you have enjoyed it !
Love,
ANNE MONTALDO
Dear Ben,
Today is January 21st and yesterday was January was January 20th. It was a very important day for the United-States because it was the Inauguration Day of Barack Obama.
At the beginning of his inauguration, at 10 am, three groups performed. Then, at 11.30 am, the Vice-President elect, Joe Biden, was sworn into office. This moment was already great ! At noon, the President-elect Barack Obama, took the Oath of Office. It was a very important moment for all of the United-States, all the more so as there were millions of people in Washington DC.
A little while later, President Obama gave his Inaugural Address. This moment was the most moving and the most ineresting ! I suppose you saw this moment on television.
In the afternoon, President Obama attended the departure ceremony of President George W. Bush. Subsequently, Obama and Biden led a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue from the US Capitol to the White House. Nevertheless, there were lots of security around Obama.
To put it briefly, it was very moving and an unforgettable moment.
Love from,
FANNY DULONG
Dear Bongnwi,
I went to the USA for the Inauguration Day. I was very excited because I had never seen that ! It was a long day and I had to wake up early to have good places. There were so many people !
I was very impatient because it was the first time I could see a president for real. I waited for nearly five hours so as to see President Obama. He was with his family. How pretty Michele Obama is ! I think she is very fashionable, trendy, I like her style.
When they appeared, everybody was happy, impressed and so was I ! Even if I like this couple, I think they show their daughters too much. apart from this, I found the Oath of Office of Obama interesting, he found good words. All the same, it was very long and I was tired, that's why I was bored in the end. However, the parade was exceptional ! There was such a crowd ! Wasn't the Inauguration Day exceptional, great and super ! There was music, it was very lively.
To put it briefly, it was interesting, exceptional, modern, I loved it, all the more so as the weather was sunny although it was freezing cold ...
Love from,
JULIE HOSTYN
Dear friend ,
What's up ? I went to the Inauguration last Tuesday. Yes, I did it !
It was amazing ! Just like a dream ! I've never seen something like that ! There was a huge, an enormous crowd. Of course, it was a little bit boring in the middle of the Inauguration, but when Aretha Franklin sang, it was so great !
There were too many people and I was at a very bad place. I couldn't see Obama and his family.... As I could listen to him, I did it. I was really moved. I'm proud of our new president of the United-States ! What a generous person !
The parade was great but quite boring. To my mind, Aretha Franklin's performance was the greatest moment of all the inauguration !
See you soon ,
HUGO AUGIER
Dear Gloria,
During my journey in the States, I attended the Inauguration. At first, I was at Obama's Inaugural speech. However, I'm not bilingual, so I didn't understand all that he said.
All the people were moved and, in the meantime, I was trying to translate the speech. I think some people laughed at me.
A little while later, Obama went to the presidential procession, so I ran to the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue in order to wait until the parade began? It was such a great parade ! People were screaming and cheering Obama while I was watching the parade.
Unfortunately, I didn't go to the events because I had to go back to France on the next morning.
Love from,
KEVIN MEYER
Dear Sam,
Today, I went to the Inauguration Day. Barack Obama took the Oath of office. I have faith in him for leading America with seriuosness, integrity, intelligence and ability to solve problems. He looks hon,est, smart, bossy, in short: a good president.
I have the schedule of this day in front of my eyes and I see that in a little while, there will be a luncheon at the US CApitol. It's a good opportunity, for since this morning, I haven't eaten anything. I'm so hungry !
Soon after, Obama and Bidden ( his vice-president who looks like my grand-father ) will lead a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue. It will be fantastic !
Being here today is amazing. It's very ceremonious and just a little pompous. When I saw Obama I did like the other people, I applauded him. He's more beautiful in reality than on TV. The day isn't finished yet but this letter is. I hope that Obama will bring happiness and peace to America.
Goodbye Sam,
MARITXU.
Dear Louisiane ,
On Tuesday, January 20th, it was the Inauguration Day. I had the chance to be there ! It was so fantastic !
First, at about 10 a.m., Diane Feinstein gave welcoming remarks and the Vice-President elect, Joe Biden, was sworn into office.
Later, at 12.05 p.m., the new president Obama gave his inaugural address. What a magnificent Inaugural address ! How spectacular !
After the Inaugural Address, Elizabeth Alexander read a poem. It was beautiful ! And the US Navy Band Sea Charters Chorus performed the National anthem. It was really beautiful too !
In the afternoon, President Obama attended the departure ceremony of President George Bush. He and Vice President Biden attended a luncheon at the Us Capitol. And they led a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, from the US Capitol to the White House.
Eventually, in the evening, ten inaugural balls or parties took place in Washington DC. I was astonished. everything was fantastic ! It was really a new experience for me and I liked it so much !
Bye,
VALENTINE BROCHET
Dear Camille,
On Tuesday, January 20th 2009, I went to the Inauguration of the new president. How crowded it was ! We could count people in thousands ! You can't imagine how fabulous it was ! At first, three groups performed. Even if there was a lot of people, I could hear. Their songs were so beautiful !
Then, at noon, President Obama took the Oath of office at the west front of the US Capitol Building. Unfortunately, my little sister didn't see him because a very tall man blocked the view from her. What a stupid person ! If he had moved up, she would have been able to admire this such beautiful show ! However, the most fantastic event was the parade ! It was so extraordinary ! Eventually, I have lived an unforgettable day !
Finally, ten inaugural balls or parties took place in Washington DC but it wasn't my favourite moment.
Love from EMMA GAUTHERON.
Dear Charlotte,
On January 20th 2009 I was in Washington for the Inauguration Day. There were lots of people ! Maybe one or two million people therefore it was very difficult to see anything. But what a marvelous atmosphere ! The Americans were so happy. Because for them, Barack Obama represents change for he's the first African-American president of the United-States of America.
It started at 10 a.m. with three groups that performed. The 3 groups were the "US Marine Corps Band", the "San Francisco Boys Chorus" and the "San Francisco Girls Chorus". Secondly, the Senator Diane Feinstein gave welcoming remarks.
At 12.05 Obama gave his inaugural address and the US navy Band Sea Charters Chorus performed the national Anthem.
After this, President Obama attended the departure ceremony of George W. Bush and he ate with Joe Biden, the Vice President.
Eventually, Obama and Biden led a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, from the US Capitol to the White House.
This day was a fabulous day !
Love from ZOE FELTESSE
mercredi 21 janvier 2009
mardi 20 janvier 2009
INAUGURATION DAY -BARACK OBAMA
Today, Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United-States, and a new family will make the White House their home.
- The White House has been the home of every U.S. President except Washington, who semected the site for the building.
- The White House has been called "Executive Mansion", the "President's Palace" and "the President's House". Its current name was made official in 1901 by Theodore Roosevelt.
- The White House has 132 rooms and 35 bathrooms, but at most, only 15 rooms have ever ben set aside for the First Family, according to the White House Historical Association.
- The White House has been the home of every U.S. President except Washington, who semected the site for the building.
- The White House has been called "Executive Mansion", the "President's Palace" and "the President's House". Its current name was made official in 1901 by Theodore Roosevelt.
- The White House has 132 rooms and 35 bathrooms, but at most, only 15 rooms have ever ben set aside for the First Family, according to the White House Historical Association.
TODAY, Obama will stand on the steps of the Capitol building and place his hand on the same Bible that Abraham Lincoln used at his Inauguration. The Chief Justice of the United States, John G. Roberts Jr., will administer the oath of office. The 44th President will promise to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
After President Obama gives his Inaugural Address, poet Elizabeth Alexander and the Reverend Dr. Joseph E. Lowery will speak. Then the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters will perform the national anthem.First Days
On Wednesday, after the speeches, the parade and 10 formal parties (the Inaugural balls), Obama will begin the hard task of leading the nation. He told TIME magazine that he has a long list of goals: helping the economy recover, creating jobs, revitalizing public schools and working with other governments to solve problems. "Two years from now," said Obama, "I want the American people to be able to say, 'I feel like the government's working for me.' "
In the United States, the oath of office for the President of the United States is specified in the U.S. Constitution (Article II, Section 1):
" I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
The oath may be sworn or affirmed. Although not present in the text of the Constitution, it has become a standard practice for modern presidents to add "so help me God" at the end of the oath.
lundi 19 janvier 2009
MARTIN LUTHER KING'S DAY -19 JANUARY
Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr.On January 19, America honors one of history's most important civil rights leaders
On January 19, the USA will pause to remember civil rights hero with a national holiday. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most influential and respected civil rights leaders of the 1950s and 60s. King inspired the world and helped bring about laws that ensure fairness and equality for all Americans. A firm supporter of bringing about change with nonviolent protest, King's own life ended violently when he was shot on April 4, 1968.
All across the country, people will remember King's efforts and honor his legacy. In addition to public ceremonies and commemorative marches, thousands will participate in service projects. Throughout his life, King advocated lifting up the less fortunate and empowering the voiceless by attending to their basic needs: providing food and shelter, teaching them to read. On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, individuals and service groups will conduct food drives, community clean-ups, literacy workshops and more.
US AIRWAYS PLANE CRASH INTO HUDSON RIVER, NYC
A passenger plane has crashed into the Hudson River in New York City. According to the live pictures on MSNBC, passengers, some wearing life jackets, are being rescued from the chilly waters.
According to the TV reports, Flight 1549 was en route from La Guardia to Charlotte, North Carolina, carrying 148 passengers and 5 crew members. Prior to going down in the water the pilot reported a bird strike after hitting a flock of geese. The plane was in the air for just six minutes after take-off.
Temperatures in New York are in the low 20s. Within minutes of hitting the water, the jet was nearly completely submerged. Still, there have been no reports of fatalities as a flotilla of boats — many of them water taxis — converged on the plane to rescue the passengers and crew.
vendredi 26 décembre 2008
CHRISTMAS - HANUKKAH - KWANZAA
The Holidays are Here!
Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are celebrated in December
Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are celebrated in December
Each December, many people around the world celebrate holidays and traditions that are special to their culture and religion. Christmas is celebrated on December 25. This year, the first night of Hanukkah is on December 21. Kwanzaa begins on December 26.
CHRISTMAS : A CHRISTIAN TRADITION :
On Christmas, Christians honor the birth of Jesus Christ. They celebrate the day with prayers, gifts and stories. In one Christmas tradition, a jolly, bearded man named Santa Claus brings gifts to good children on Christmas Eve. Each country has its own traditions for Christmas celebrations. In the sixteenth century, Germans started the Christmas-tree tradition as we now know it. They brought trees into their homes and decorated them with fruits, nuts, lighted candles and paper roses.
HANUKKAH : A JEWISH TRADITION :
A boy plays the dreidel game, a Hanukkah tradition.
This year, Jews began celebrating Hanukkah at sunset on December 4. The holiday lasts eight days and nights. This year, it ended at sunset on December 12. In Hebrew, the word "Hanukkah" means "dedication." Hanukkah honors a struggle that dates back to 165 B.C., when Jews defeated an invading army and regained the Temple at Jerusalem. According to legend, Jews found a lamp inside the temple with just enough oil to light their holy lamps for one night. By some miracle, the legend goes, it burned for eight nights. Today, Jews celebrate Hanukkah by lighting a candle in a menorah for each of the eight nights.
This year, Jews began celebrating Hanukkah at sunset on December 4. The holiday lasts eight days and nights. This year, it ended at sunset on December 12. In Hebrew, the word "Hanukkah" means "dedication." Hanukkah honors a struggle that dates back to 165 B.C., when Jews defeated an invading army and regained the Temple at Jerusalem. According to legend, Jews found a lamp inside the temple with just enough oil to light their holy lamps for one night. By some miracle, the legend goes, it burned for eight nights. Today, Jews celebrate Hanukkah by lighting a candle in a menorah for each of the eight nights.
KWANZAA : AFRICAN-AMERICAN TRADITIONS
Many African Americans celebrate Kwanzaa to honor their cultural roots in Africa. Kwanzaa is modeled after a series of cultural principles called Kawaida. According to Kawaida, African Americans can improve their lives by getting back in touch with their cultural roots. The holiday lasts seven days and nights, each marked by the lighting of a candle that represents a principle of family and community.
Families celebrate the principles of African-American culture during Kwanzaa.
Many African Americans celebrate Kwanzaa to honor their cultural roots in Africa. Kwanzaa is modeled after a series of cultural principles called Kawaida. According to Kawaida, African Americans can improve their lives by getting back in touch with their cultural roots. The holiday lasts seven days and nights, each marked by the lighting of a candle that represents a principle of family and community.
Families celebrate the principles of African-American culture during Kwanzaa.
PEACE ON EARTH :
People of many backgrounds and belief systems spend time in December reflecting on the year that is coming to an end, then setting goals and making plans for the new year to come. The beginning of the dark, chilly winter seems a good time to gather loved ones around a fire or a candlelit table and celebrate the new beginning that we all share at the end of every December.
People of many backgrounds and belief systems spend time in December reflecting on the year that is coming to an end, then setting goals and making plans for the new year to come. The beginning of the dark, chilly winter seems a good time to gather loved ones around a fire or a candlelit table and celebrate the new beginning that we all share at the end of every December.
mardi 23 décembre 2008
ROCKEFELLER CENTER CHRISTMAS TREE-NEW YORK
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is an annual tradition in New York City's Rockefeller Center, and is lighted in early December or late-November, an event broadcast in recent years on the NBC television network in the United States as well as internationally. The tree, usually a Norway spruce 75 to 90 feet (23 to 27 m) tall, has been put up every year since 1931. In 2008, the tree was lighted on December 3 and will remain illuminated until January 9, 2009.
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