19. Study the text. Holidays in the usa

Every country has its own holidays. They reflect the history of the country and its cultural and religious traditions. Some religious holidays are common in different countries. They are Christmas and Easter.

Americans celebrate Christmas on the 25^th of December. They buy a lot of presents for each other, for their parents, children and friends.

The New Year's Day, the 1^st of January is not so widely celebrated in the United States as we do it in Russia.

Of course, the most important holiday in America is the 4^th of July, the Independence Day. People like to watch colourful fireworks in the evening. The 4^th of July is the day-off and people don't go to work.

The holidays when people don't go to work are: Martin Luther King's day on the 20^th of January, Labour Day on the 7^th of September and Thanksgiving on the last Friday of November. On Thanksgiving Americans usually eat turkey. This holiday reminds the time when the first colonists (pilgrims) from England came to America in 1620 and could survive in the unknown land. There is still a big white stone on the shore in Plymouth in Massachusetts that the pilgrims landed on. It is called «The Plymouth Rock».

The 31st of October is the children's most favourite holiday – Halloween. On this day children, dressed in funny dresses visit their neighbours and say «Trick or treat! » and get sweets.

The rest of the holidays are usually on weekends. They are: the Flag's Day, Mother's Day, and Armed Forces Day. Americans also celebrate Lincoln's birthday, Washington's Birthday, President's Day in February.

The 14th of February is Valentine's Day or as it is called «All lovers day».

20. Translate into English and learn the following words by heart:

Многочисленный, соединять, населять, Вавилон, средства передвижения (автомобили и т. п.), ворота, небоскребы, отрасли промышленности, городской транспорт, отражать, Рождество, Пасха, широко празднуется, выходной, фейерверк, индейка, напоминать, выживать, представлять, фон, гимн, орел, оливковая веточка, прибывать, факел.

21. Read and translate the dialogue and make up your own one. Holidays

– I say, Maggie, could you tell us what are the main public holidays in the USA?

– January 1 should be mentioned. It is New Year's Day. All banks, stores, factories and schools are closed. People see the old year out and the New Year in. They go to bed after midnight. New Year's Day is celebrated throughout the country.

– I hear that Decoration Day is marked on the last Monday of May. What is it dedicated to?

– Decoration Day is sometimes called Memorial Day. It is dedicated to those who fell in the War of Independence, in World War I and World War II.

– I see. The greatest holiday is July 4, isn't it?

– Yes, it is. The Declaration of Independence was proclaimed in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776 when the American colonies were fighting for independence against England. July 4 has become the greatest holiday since.

– What do the Americans mark on November II?

– November II is Veterans Day. All Americans who died in the antifascist struggle are honored.

– It is so difficult for me to remember when Thanksgiving Day is celebrated.

– That is a great holiday. It is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It has been celebrated since the autumn of 1621 that was the first harvest festival in America.

– You want to say that the Pilgrim Fathers celebrated the first harvest festival in America.

– That's exactly what I mean to say.

– Don't you think that Christmas is a great holiday?

– Christmas is a religious holiday. It is always celebrated on December 25. Schools and colleges are closed between Christmas and New Year's Day. It is customary to stay at home and spend time with one's families.

– Thank you for the information.