из электронной библиотеки / 708143799565733.pdf

leap v − прыгать, скакать; перепрыгивать, перескакивать revelry n − пирушка, попойка, шумное веселье

rowing n − гребля oarsman n − гребец

voluminous adj − объѐмистый, массивный; большой, обширный elaborate adj − искусно сделанный, тонкой работы; замысловатый crest n − герб

gut v − разрушать, уничтожать существенную часть чего-л.

foremost adj − самый главный; выдающийся, превосходящий других rationing n − нормирование (продуктов и т. п.); продажа по карточкам exhilarating adj − веселящий, бодрящий, возбуждающий

mundane adj − 1) земной, мирской, светский; 2) обычный, приземлѐнный terrain n − местность, территория, район

ensemble n − ансамбль, группа музыкантов

matinée n − дневной спектакль, концерт или киносеанс floodlight v − освещать прожектором

fringe adj − выходящий за рамки общепринятого, дополнительный snatch v − хватать

subtle adj − неуловимый, тонкий; едва различимый plaintive adj − горестный, печальный, жалобный, заунывный

caber n − кейбер (бревно из ствола молодого дерева, используется при “метании ствола”)

to turn / throw a somersault − перекувырнуться

sporran n − кожаная сумка с мехом снаружи (обычно с кисточками; часть костюма шотландского горца)

231

drench v − 1) промокать насквозь 2) орошать, смачивать

Phrygia − Фригия (древняя страна в северо-западной части Малой Азии)

Black Rod − “Чѐрный жезл”, герольдмейстер (постоянное должностное лицо, отвечающее за порядок в палате лордов; назначается монархом) [во время церемоний несѐт чѐрный жезл]

Lord Privy Seal − лорд-хранитель малой печати

gilded adj − позолоченный

Household Cavalry − Королевская конная гвардия (состоит из двух полков: Лейб-гвардейского конного полка [Life Guards] и Королевского конногвардейского полка [Royal Horse Guards])

exigence n − (книжн.) острая необходимость, крайность, тяжѐлое положение

mischief n − 1) вред; повреждение; убытки, ущерб; 2) озорство, проказы

effigy n − объѐмное изображение, фигура выполненная в смешном или уродливом виде

warlock n − волшебник, колдун, маг

scarecrow n − пугало, чучело

irksome adj − утомительный, скучный; надоедливый, раздражающий

immaculate adj − безукоризненно чистый, опрятный

pageantry n − пышное зрелище; торжественная процессия, церемония

tableau (pl. tableaus, tableaux) n − живописная картина, яркое изображение

wreath n − венок, гирлянда

Cenotaph − Сенотаф, Кенотаф (обелиск в Лондоне на улице Уайтхолл; воздвигнут в 1920 в честь погибших во время 1-й мировой войны)

poppy n − (бот.) мак

cripple v − 1) получать травму, травмировать конечность, ногу; 2) калечить, лишать трудоспособности

armistice n − прекращение военных действий; короткое перемирие

232

Task II. Fill in the blanks.

Treason, pagan, Magna Carta, venture, to inaugurate, mischief, to summon, thanksgiving, customary, embers.

1. Many … customs that have their origin in sun worship are still practiced on Midsummer day. 2. The purpose of … was to provide classical music to as many people who cared to come at a price all could afford to pay. 3. The Edinburgh International Festival was … in 1947. 4. The Welsh National Eisteddfod … the people of Wales each year to send forth its singers and poets to participate in this

233

colourful tournament. 5. On Hallowe‟en it is time for games, fun and fortune telling, for ghost stories and making … .6. The Samhain festival was a time of … for the harvest and a time of fear, magic, mystery and wondering about the future. 7. On All Saints Day it is … to visit family graves bringing food and decorating them with autumn flowers. 8. King James I declared 5th November a public holiday and from that day on, „gunpowder, … and plot‟ was commemorated in England. 9. On Guy Fawkes‟ Night some people cook food in … of the bonfire, especially chestnuts or potatoes. 10. … gave to the citizens of London the privilege of the annual election of their mayor.

Task III. Complete the sentences.

1. At one time farmers would have driven their … through the dying flames, believing it would protect their animals from disease. 2. The most impressive feature of the blazer is … , woven onto the breast pocket. 3. In the first post-war years … and restrictions were the order of the day. 4. You will become really intoxicated with the … blending of voices and the plaintive beauty of the songs. 5. On opening of Parliament … delivers the address from the Throne. 6. Queen

Victoria used to enjoy Hallowe‟en at Palmer Castle in Scotland where … of a witch was tried and condemned to be burned. 7. On a Mischief Night people would … themselves as witches, ghosts etc. in order to obtain food and money from nervous householders. 8. Hallowe‟en is associated with … which is done by children for fun. 9. The failure of the … plot was celebrated as a victory for British

Protestantism over rebel Catholicism. 10. On Remembrance Day artificial poppies, a symbol of …, are traditionally sold in the streets everywhere.

Task IV. Are the statements true or false? Correct the false ones.

1.The Bath festival presents a large repertoire of classical works under the best conductors and with the best artistes.

2.Out of the 4 great world tennis championships Wimbledon is the only one which is played on grass.

3.The Royal National Eisteddfod is held twice a year − first in North Wales and then in South Wales.

4.Hallowe‟en originated from the Celts and Druids who were people‟s priests and teachers.

5.Guy Fawkes knew little about mining and explosives.

234

6.The Veteran Car Run is a race.

7.Remembrance Day is observed throughout Britain in commemoration of the British soldiers who died during the World War II.

Task V. What holidays are these words associated with?

A specially-designed tricorn hat, a “sporran”, a velvet cushion full of pins, an elaborate crest, a torch, a caber, a bottle of wine, a gilded coach, a jack-o‟-lantern, apples, wreaths.

Task VI. Маtch the date to the holiday.

Task VII. What is it?

Summer Soltice, well-dressing, Royal Ascot, regatta, “Fringe” events, Black Rod,

Pomona, the Cenotaph.

Task VIII. What do these things and actions symbolize?

Colours and Standards, drenching a doll with water, an effigy of a witch, artificial poppies, the „Neck‟, a jack-o‟-lantern.

235

Task IX. Answer the questions.

1. What is the origin of “Trooping the Colour” ceremony? 2. What does the programme of the Bath Festival usually include? 3. What pagan and druidic rites are performed on Midsummer Day? 4. What holidays form a balance between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland? 5. Can only London music-lovers enjoy the Proms? 6. Why is it a good thing that the Edinburgh Festival is held outside term time? 7. What is the culminating event of the International Eisteddfod? 8. How did the Celts and the Romans influence the celebration of

Hallowe‟en? 9. Why are apples especially popular on Hallowe‟en? 10. What is the historical background of the Guy Fawkes Day? 11. How did the London citizens get the privilege of electing a mayor? 12. How is Remembrance Day celebrated in Britain?

Task X. Prove that …

1. Henley Regatta is a picturesque sight. 2. Every gesture is ruled by the ceremony on the day of State Opening of Parliament by the Queen. 3. Hallowe‟en is a combination of holidays.

MORE TRADITIONS…

Mounting the Guard

Mounted Guard takes part in another colourful ceremony which is held at 11 a.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on Sundays at the Horse Guards, a square facing Whitehall. The entrance to the Horse Guards is guarded by two mounted troopers who are at their posts daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The guard is formed by units of the Household Cavalry (Mounted Guard) – the Life Guards and the Royals (the Blues and Royals). When the Queen is in London, an officer, a corporal of horse, 16 troopers and a trumpeter on a grey horse take part in the ceremony. The Royals can be identified by the red plumes on their helmets and by their blue uniforms. The Life Guards wear white plumes and red tunics.

The Ceremony of the Keys

Every night at 9.53 p.m. the Chief Warder of the Yeomen Warders (Beefeaters) of the Tower of London lights a candle lantern and then makes his way towards the Bloody Tower. In the Archway his Escort await his arrival. The Chief Warder, carrying the keys then moves off with his Escort to the West Gate,

236

which he locks, while the Escort “present arms”. Then the Middle and Byward

Towers are locked. The party then return to the Bloody Tower Archway and there they are halted by the challenge of the sentry. “Halt!” he commands. “Who goes there?” The Chief Warder answers, “The keys.” The sentry demands, “Whose keys?” “Queen Elizabeth‟s keys,” replies the Chief Warder. “Advance, Queen Elizabeth‟s keys; all‟s well,” commands the sentry. Having received permission to proceed through the Archway, the party then form up facing the Main Guard of the Tower. The order is given by the officer-in-charge to “Present Arms”. The Chief

Warder doffs his Tudor-style bonnet and cries, “God preserve Queen Elizabeth”. “Amen”, answer the Guard and Escort. At 10 p.m. the bugler sounds the “Last Post”. The Chief Warder proceeds to the Queen‟s House, where the keys are given into the custody of the Resident Governor and Major.

The Ceremony of the Keys dates back 700 years and has taken place every night during that period, even during the blitz of London in the last war. On one particular night, April 16, 1941, bomb blast disrupted the ceremony, knocking out members of the Escort and Yeomen Warders. Despite this, the duty was completed.

Only a limited number of visitors are admitted to the ceremony each night. Application to see it must be made at least forty-eight hours in advance at the

Constable‟s office in the Tower. Visitors with permission are admitted at 9.40 p.m. and leave at 10 p.m.

EXERCISES

Task I. Now that you have read the calendar, choose a couple of holidays or events you would like to celebrate or take part in. Give your reasons.

Task II. There are many more outstanding events celebrated in Great Britain. Find out information about them:

January: the winter season at Covent Garden and other arts establishments in

London; the International Boat Show at Earl‟s Court; the International Mime

Festival.

February: Queen‟s Accession Gun Salute in Hyde Park.

March: the Chelsea Spring Antiques Fair; the new season opens at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford.

April: Badminton Horse Trials; the Grand National Steeplechase in Liverpool;

237

flat-racing in Doncaster; the English Bach Festival in London and Oxford;

Shakespeare‟s Birthday Celebrations in Stratford;

May: the Brighton Arts Festival; Chestnut Sunday; Royal Windsor Horse Show June: the Derby; Morris Dancing; Coronation Day Gun Salute.

July: the British Grand Prix; the City of London Festival; the Royal International Horse Show at Wembley.

October: Horse of the Year Show at Wembley; National Mod in Scotland.

November: Fairs in Stratford.

December: Christmas Day Swim in Hyde Park; the Revels in Trafalgar Square on

New Year‟s Eve.

238

LITERATURE

1.Артемова А.Ф. Энциклопедия самообразования по английскому языку и страноведению Великобритании и США: Учеб. пособие / А.Ф. Артемова, О.А. Леонович. – М.: «Издательство Астрель»: ООО

«издательство АСТ»: ООО «Транзиткнига», 2005. – 398 с.

2.Леонович О.А. Страноведение Великобритании: Учебное пособие. – 3-

е изд. – М.: КДУ, 2005.− 256 с.

3.Нестерова Н.М. Страноведение: Великобритания / Н.М.Нестерова. – Изд. 2-е. – Ростов н/Д: Феникс, 2006. – 368 с.

4.Traditions, Customs and Habits. Cост. Балк Е. А. – М., 2001.

5.О‟Driscoll J. Britain. Oxford University Press, 1995.

6.M.G. Brunburd. Flip – Posters UK. Student‟s Book. − Europian Language

Institute, 1995.

7.Michael Nation. A Dictionary of Modern Britain. − Penguine English,

1991.

239

CONTENTS

Предисловие……………………………………………………………..3

Chapter I. NATIONAL SYMBOLS ……………………………………..4 Chapter II. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS ………………………………..……..15 Chapter III. CALENDAR OF SPECIAL OCCASIONS

(WINTER - SPRING) …………………………………...….29

Chapter IV. CALENDAR OF SPECIAL OCCASIONS

(SUMMER – AUTUMN)…………………………….……..45

MORE TRADITIONS ………………………………………….………63

Literature ………………………………………………………...……...65

240