(c)Research on Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year started with the fight against a mystical beast called the Nian or "Year" in Chinese. It would come and devour villagers. The villagers will asked for the help of a great lion Spirit, which came and attacked, then wounding Nian, which drove it away. The following year the lion was protecting the Emperor's palace so the people were left defenceless. To adapt to this, the people created a statue resembling the dragon using bamboo and cloth. This was enough to scare away Nian, creating the Tradition of using the lion spirit costumes to show an important symbol of this celebration.
(c)Research on Christmas
What is Christmas?
Christmas in short, is a Christian feast commemorating the birth of Jesus.
How did Christmas come about? (Summarised)
Since about 400 AD, Christians have celebrated the birth of Jesus. 'Christ' means 'Messiah' or 'Anointed’.
In the West today, the real meaning of Christmas is often forgotten. It has become a non-religious holiday! More children believe in Father Christmas than in Jesus. Christmas Day is a time for eating and drinking too much and watching television. But the real Christmas story is found in the Christian Bible. It is told in two different books: Matthew and Luke chapters 1 and 2. If you have no Bible, you can read these chapters online. You may think that the story of the birth of Jesus, and the way that the West celebrates Christmas today, do not seem to have many connections.
The old man with the sack
'Santa Claus has become the human face of Christmas. Pictures will be seen everywhere of the old man with long white beard, red coat, and bag of toys. Children are taught that he brings them presents the night before Christmas, and many children up to the age of 7 or 8 really believe this is true. It is said that he lives near the North Pole, and arrives through the sky on a sledge pulled by reindeer. He comes into houses down the chimney at midnight and places presents for the children in front of the family Christmas tree.
In shops or at children's parties, someone will dress up as Father Christmas and give small presents to children, or ask them what gifts they want for Christmas. Christmas can be a time of magic and excitement for children.
Compare and Contrast Labels: Wilson
What I experience for Christmas is very different from Jess. I got a lot of my cousins and friend playing with me every time I celebrate Christmas. I got my family with me during Christmas and my parents buy nice presents for us. Just like Jess’s father, who use more of his money on the racing car.
Compare & Contrast Labels: Jia Le
Under the moon at night,my families and relatives,some in Malaysia and Singapore, we will have chalet and play whole night.But my families and relatives don't exchange presents,unlike Jess,the parents give Jess his racing cars,Leslie gives him watercolour and art papers.However,we will each give our blessing to all our relatives in exchange.After that we will all tell stories,either suspence or trilling stories at night,something like Leslie telling Jess stories.We eat mostly party snacks,which are different from Jess,he doesn't have much to eat.
Compare and contrast Labels: Melvin
My family will usually meet at the relatives' places.We will call upon and feast and celebrate.After that,we exchange presents and play cards.Jess,he meets Leslie in Terabithia instead of going out.They didn't eat such nice food,instead just some snacks.They didn't play cards but chit-chat in Terabithia.
Compare and Contrast Labels: Yu Wei
Every year I had Christmas at my cousin's house while Jess had his in his own house.
We celebrated by having a feast, playing together and singing a HAPPY CHRISTMAS DAY Song and last but not least, presents while Jess only got a present during Christmas.
Compare & Contrast Labels: Chin Yong
My family will have a nice feast with traditional food.Jess,however,they didn't have a feast.They exchange presents like we do.We go to cousins' house and play,but Jess gone to the groves of the pines.