Question:Describe a traditional festival in your country.
You should say:
Answer:
Well, the traditional festival I'd like to talk about is the Spring Festival, which is the most important festival in China, also known as the Chinese New Year.
It is celebrated on the first day of the first lunar month. Usually, it falls between late January and mid - February. The date changes every year according to the lunar calendar.
During the Spring Festival, there are numerous traditions and activities. Before the festival arrives, people engage in a thorough house cleaning. They believe this can sweep away bad luck and make their homes clean and fresh for the new year. Next comes shopping for necessities. People fill their homes with all kinds of food, decorations like red lanterns and spring couplets. Red is a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Chinese culture, so these red decorations are everywhere, creating a festive atmosphere.
On New Year's Eve, the whole family gets together for a grand reunion dinner. There are always a variety of delicious dishes on the table. Dumplings are essential, as they are thought to resemble ancient gold and silver ingots, symbolizing wealth. After dinner, families sit together, watch the Spring Festival Gala on TV, a long - standing tradition on this special night. Children are the happiest. They receive red envelopes filled with money from their elders, which is called "lucky money" and is supposed to bring them good fortune and keep them safe in the new year.
On the first day of the new year, people dress in their best clothes and visit relatives and friends. They greet each other with "Happy New Year" and exchange New Year's wishes. There are also lion and dragon dance performances in the streets. The lively drums and the magnificent dance movements attract large crowds, adding to the festive mood.
The Spring Festival is extremely important to me. It is a time for family reunions. In our busy modern lives, family members often live far apart and have little time to be together. But during the Spring Festival, no matter how far away, everyone tries their best to get home and be with their loved ones. This strengthens family bonds and gives us a sense of belonging. Additionally, the Spring Festival represents the continuation of our traditional culture. All the customs and traditions passed down from generation to generation are vividly shown during this festival. It makes me proud of our rich cultural heritage and gives me a deep sense of identity.
题目:Some people believe that traditional festivals are losing their appeal. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
参考范文:
In modern society, there is a growing concern about whether traditional festivals are losing their charm. Some people hold the view that these festivals are indeed becoming less appealing, while others firmly believe that they still maintain their significance and allure.
Those who argue that traditional festivals are losing their appeal have several reasons. Firstly, the fast - paced modern lifestyle has a significant impact. In today's highly competitive world, people are often preoccupied with their work and studies, leaving them with limited time and energy to fully engage in traditional festival celebrations. For example, during the Dragon Boat Festival, in the past, families would spend a whole day together making zongzi (traditional rice dumplings), but now, many are too busy and simply buy them from the market, missing out on the joy and rituals of the making process.
Secondly, the influence of globalization and the influx of foreign cultures have played a role. Young people, in particular, are often attracted by new and trendy cultures from abroad. They may choose to celebrate Western festivals like Christmas and Valentine's Day, which seem more exciting and fashionable to them. As a result, the enthusiasm for traditional festivals among the younger generation has waned.
However, there are also strong arguments for the continued appeal of traditional festivals. Traditional festivals are deeply rooted in a nation's history and culture. They carry the collective memories and values of a community. For instance, the Mid - Autumn Festival is a time for family reunions, and the mooncake, a symbol of the festival, represents unity and harmony. These festivals are a way for people to connect with their roots and inherit cultural heritage from their ancestors.
Moreover, traditional festivals offer unique experiences that cannot be replaced. The festive atmosphere, such as the colorful decorations during the Spring Festival, the bright lanterns at the Lantern Festival, and the dragon boat races during the Dragon Boat Festival, are full of fun and excitement. They bring people together, strengthening social bonds and creating a sense of community.
In my opinion, although traditional festivals are facing some challenges in modern times, they still hold great value and have not lost their appeal. The government, media, and schools should play an active role in promoting traditional festivals. By educating the public about their cultural significance and innovating celebration forms to make them more relevant to modern life, traditional festivals can continue to shine and be cherished by future generations.
In conclusion, while the modern world has presented some obstacles to traditional festivals, these festivals remain an integral part of our cultural identity and will surely find a way to thrive in the contemporary era.