课前准备 Warm-up

Boasting rich cultural meaning and a long history, traditional Chinese festivals compose an important and brilliant part of Chinese culture. In the most prosperous Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907), traditional festivals liberated themselves from primitive sacrifice, taboo and mystery and became more entertaining. From then on, festive occasions turned more brisk and exciting and more and more folk customs were developed. Besides, there are some interesting and famous festivals around the world.
Brainstorm your ideas on the following questions.

(1)What do you know about Halloween?

(2)How do you think the western people celebrate Halloween？

Hint:the information may include the following aspects.

Carving pumpkins into jack- o’-lanterns 

Dressing up like ghosts and witches and playing tricks

本章概览 An Overview

This unit introduces two famous festivals and holidays. Passage one is about a traditional holiday—The First Halloween. It tells many details of the history of Halloween. Passage two is the introduction of the festival Christmas, including the origin of Christmas, the tradition of Christmas trees and the emergence of Santa Claus.

学习目标 Objectives

Through discussion and learning, the students should

1)Acquire key words and expressions in talking about college life

2)Get a general idea of the festivals and customs all around the world

3)Be able to use the words and expressions in discussion

知识结构 Knowledge Structure

Passage One A Traditional Holiday—The First Halloween

The beginning of the holiday of Halloween 

All Hallows’ Even (“holy evening”)

The witches of Halloween

Today’s Halloween

Passage Two Christmas

The origin of Christmas

The tradition of Christmas trees

The emergence of Santa Claus.