Greetings, students. Now that you’re in Year 3 of your American English studies, you will be able to read, and listen about one of VOA’s “Arts and Culture” articles, which explore music, pop culture, society, and life in the United States of America as well as in countries all over the world. You are encouraged to carefully read the article and the vocabulary words, as well as listen to the article. Finally, you are invited to share what you learned by discussing why this article is important and meaningful in the comments section below.
Directions: Read the article and study the vocabulary below.
Directions: Listen to the audio recording of the article.
Directions: Share your insights about why this article is meaningful and important by writing in the comments section below.
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Lesson 3.3.4: year 3
” Vietnamese Marks Lunar New Year with Traditional Fish.”
Lunar new year is a time for family reunions and hope. On every 23rd day of the last Lunar month Vietnamese People would buy golden Kai fish and corps and release them into rivers and lakes, believing that they would act as mounts taking the kitchen Gods back to heaven, according to the smart local. To keep the report” positive” many families prepare well in advance prior to the actual holiday by cleaning and sweeping, buying new clothes, redecorating the houses, cooking the tradition food all in the hopes of ushering in lack for the new year.
The act of releasing fish into the rivers and lakes symbolizes this journey and brings good luck to Vietnamese families. Despite the challenges posed by CORONA-19, this cherished tradition continues, families maintain a safe distance, while releasing the fish, and there is a growing awareness about reducing plastic waste. Instead of discarding plastic bags into the water, people now collect them for recycling.
Lunar new year celebrations occur in other Asian countries, including China, Koria, Laus and Tibet. The Kitchen Gods play a multifaceted role in the Vietnamese culture. guardian of the home messenger to the Heavens, and symbol of continuity their traditions blend spirituality, families and community values making them integral part of Tet celebration.