2022_세계문화와영어

Q4 What is the significance of the water splashing during Thailand’s Songkran festival? splash symbolic misfortune cleanse afresh definitely Fah: Like in Korea, we have two New Year’s days. In Thailand, we have the Buddhist New Year. For this celebration, we have a big water gun and water splashing fight. This water festival, called Songkran, is the period when Thai people celebrate the Buddhist New Year from April 13th to 15th with water battles and traditional ceremonies. Isn’t it interesting that our New Year celebration is on some of the hottest days of the year? Lukas: Interesting! When I think of New Year’s celebrations, I picture a cold winter with snow falling. By the way, is there a special meaning for the water fights during the Songkran festival? Fah: Yes! The water is symbolic of washing away the past year’s misfortunes, bad luck, and sins. By splashing water, people are cleansed for the new year. It’s a way to start afresh. Andy: I went to the Songkran festival last year. I really wanted to take part in the water gun fight, but I didn’t know it was a New Year’s celebration, and I didn’t know about the meaning either. Nicole: Learning about these diverse traditions is fascinating. Everybody, soon it’ll be time for the new year. Are you ready to eat grapes in time for the tolling of the bell to wish for good luck in the new year? ALL: Definitely. Let’s count down. Three, Two, One. Happy New Year! 5 10 15 20 Songkran festiva l in Thai l and 18 I Unit 1 World Traditions and World Englishes