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We are members of a second-year IES course at Kansai Gaidai University in Hirakata, Osaka, Japan. In this class, we'll study literature, humanities, and English.

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Tuesday, 04 December 2007
CALL Lesson for Wednesday, December 5

CALL Lesson for Wednesday, December 5

December 6th is Saint Nicholas Day. 

This holiday is celebrated in some countries around the world.  According to the Saint Nicholas Center, "Where St. Nicholas is prominent, his day, not Christmas, is the primary gift giving day. Parties may be held on the eve, December 5th, and shoes or stockings left for St. Nicholas to fill during the night. Children will find treats of small gifts, fruit or nuts, and special Nicholas candies and cookies. St. Nicholas gifts are meant to be shared, not hoarded for oneself."

Go to the Saint Nicholas Center site and click on a country of your choice to find out how Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated!  In the comments section, share what you found out in your own words.  Then, tell us what your favorite Japanese holiday tradition is; any holiday is okay!

Please work on your country project today!  You can do research, write your paper, or work on your presentation.  I'll hand back your project proposals; please let me know if you have any questions!

Two teachers at Kansai Gaidai are doing research on inter-cultural communication, and they would appreciate it if our class would help them with their research.  Please take their SURVEY!

posted by: MaryH at December 04, 2007 11:28 | link | comments (7) |
culture, call, country project


Comments:
#1  20 December 2007 - 20:57
 
In Italy, on St. Nicholas Eve chldren write letters to ask for
presents.
At night, San Nicola come with some sweets.
For chilren, it is a dreaming thing. Every child enjoy it every year.


In Japan, I like Christmas Day. Before Christmas Day, my parents used to take me to toy shop every year.
They said, "Let's go to toy store to decide what you wil ask for him."
Why does Santa know what I want?
I always wonder about that.
I was so happy when I found my present.
It was also a dreaming thing for me.


Anonymous
#2  20 December 2007 - 20:58
 
↑↑↑
This is YURI!!!
Anonymous
#3  20 December 2007 - 21:18
 
In France, people prepare for Saint Nicholas Day with telleing the story of St. Nicholas to the children.
The most famous story in France about St. Nicholas is that St. Nicholas helped children who got lost and caputuered by butcher. That's why people recognize him as a protecter of children.


The event I like in Japan is New Year's Day. I like it because I can see my relatives, and I can enjoy happy time with them. I also like to pay a visit to a shrine on New Year's Day. I wish my happy new year there.


Shizuka
Anonymous
#4  21 December 2007 - 03:12
 
In Canada, immigrants treasure their Christmas. For example, parishes and schools is to give some money to young people, and santa give it. The angels hellp to it as well.

As same as Shizuka, the most favorite event for me is New year's day. We can meet family, and spend our time together. We children can get "Otoshidama". I'm looking forward to meeting all my family.

Natsuko
Anonymous
#5  21 December 2007 - 08:11
 
There are several celebrations about Saint Nicholas Day in Switzerland because people who came from several countries live there.
For example, in the French-speaking area, Saint Nicolas who wears colorful clothes comes there in December. He greets people and gives cookies. After he visits children, hospitals, and schools, he gets back to heaven. Everyone welcomes him and waits for his next arrival.

I like New Year's Day the most in Japan. Usually people eat buckwheat noodles on New Year's Eve, and they go to pay a visit to a shrine or temple on New Year's Day.
Almost every year I go to a shrine and draw a fortune slip. I'm really looking forward to it!

Yuka
Anonymous
#6  21 December 2007 - 12:58
 
This is Shoko.
In UK, There is very good time on Saint Nicholas day. For example, people collect food, gifts, and money for the less rich.

In Japan, I like New year's Day, because I can get much money which called Otoshidama, and meet many relatives who can hardly see. My family and many relatives gathered on that day every year. The New year's festival is also fun. I buy talisman for myparents every year. The meaning of talisman is remain be healthy. I always wish their health!!
Anonymous
#7  24 December 2007 - 13:43
 
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, IES Students! See you in January ;)

Mary
Anonymous
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