英语专业国家概况期末复习总结

Christian meaning--it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ--celebrations of the Winter Solstice have taken place since ancient times and some "Christian" traditions such as decorating the house with evergreen plants like holly and ivy, or kissing under a twig of mistletoe, are actually Celtic or pagan traditions. Nowadays, Christmas is celebrated by most Britons by exchanging gifts and Christmas cards, preparing holiday foods, and decorating homes and workplaces with coloured lights, Christmas trees and ornaments. There are three Christmas traditions which are particularly funny. One is the Christmas Pantomime, a comical musical play. The "panto " is usually based on a version of a traditional children's story like Cinderella, written to include songs and jokes which can be enjoyed by adults and children. The main man character--the "principal boy"--is played by a young woman. In the days when women wore long skirts, it was considered rather naughty to see a woman appear in an outfit which revealed the shape of her legs. The main female character is a middle-aged, often ugly woman called "the Dame." The Dame is played by a man, often a famous actor or sportsman. When he appears in heavy make up, skirts and woman's shoes, it is considered very humorous. The audience is encouraged to cheer the hero on and boo when the villain appears. Another Christmas tradition in British is to hear the Queen give her Christmas message to her realm over the television and radio. The British Queen is also the Queen of other nations, like Canada and Australia, and so her message is broadcast to her millions of subjects throughout the world. She usually talks about the year that has passed and expresses her hopes for the future. The third funny tradition, which is also celebrated in countries with British heritages, is Boxing Day, which falls on the day after Christmas. Traditionally, it was on Boxing Day that people gave Christmas gifts or money to their staff or servants. Now that most British people do not have servants, this custom is no longer observed and most people cannot even tell you what one is supposed to do on Boxing Day. Some think it involves the sport of boxing and others think it has something to do with the Boxer uprising in China. However, a new Boxing Day custom has emerged, in the cities at least: shopping. Shops open up to sell off all their Christmas stock decorations, food, cards and gift items at low prices. But for most people, however, Boxing Day is a day for visiting, eating and relaxing.