One of the greatest mysteries on Earth is the statues which stand on Easter Island. Easter Island, which was almost uninhabited when it was discovered on Easter Day in 1722 by a Dutch captain, is the most distant island in the world covered with hundreds of giant statues, each weighing several tons and some standing more than 30 feet tall.
    Who built these statues and why and how did they get there? Nobody knows the answer for sure.
    One theory suggests that Easter Island was first inhabited by Polynesians, who traveled thousands of miles in their canoes（独木舟）in 400 A.D. However, the ocean currents（洋流）which carried them there would not take them back, so that they could not leave.
    The statues appear to have been made out of the top edge of the walls of a volcano on the island. Then, it may have been rolled or dragged down to the foot of the volcano(火山). Then, it was stood upright（直立）and ropes were tied around it, which was made to act as a pulley（滑轮）. Over a period of months, a statue could be walked for miles down to the ocean. Finally, it was placed in line with other statues, all of them looking towards the center of the island.
    This process was difficult. If a statue fell over, it was too heavy to be pulled upright again, so the islanders went back and carved another statue.
    The population of Easter Island must have reached 11,000. Later, the resources of the island were used up and people began fighting and eating each other. Work on the statues stopped and the statues were knocked over. When the first Europeans finally arrived on the island, most of these people had died out.

    It's true that every country has its customs.

    We all know that in America if people are pleased with you, they will give you a sign "OK". But maybe you don't know this sign is rude in Brazil.

    In Poland, guests usually choose flowers as presents for hostesses(女主人). Remember the number must be odd(奇数的). And the hostess doesn't hope that you remove the cover of the bunch(束) of flowers. You must be more careful when you give red roses to a woman because the red rose means love.

    In China we often hear people say that "nodding" means agreement(同意). And "shaking the head" means disagreement. But in Bulgaria they mean the opposite.

    We really need to pay more attention to the differences in customs. What's more, we should learn more about them in order to avoid embarrassment(尴尬). Do remember: When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

    Mother's Day is a celebration in memory of mothers. It celebrates the importance of mothers in society. It is celebrated on different days in many parts of the world, mostly in March, April or May. Let's see how different people celebrate their Mother's Day.

Mexico (May 10)

    Children make gifts and give them to their mums on Mother's Eve (May 9). On the morning of May 10, families make a special trip to church and eat tamales(玉米饼), sometimes filled with meat, cheese or vegetables.

    South Africa (Second Sunday of May)

    Besides giving mums Mother's Day cards, people show their thanks for their mothers by wearing red and pink flowers called carnations. If their mothers have passed away, they wear white carnations.

United Kingdom (Fourth Sunday of Lent(大斋期))

    Mother's Day is a traditional day for people to visit their hometown and attend their home churches. People also bake(烘焙)special fruitcakes to give to their mums.

Indonesia (December 22)

    People throw big parties for their mums, filled with fun activities-such as cooking competitions and kebaya-wearing competitions! (A kebaya is a traditional blouse and skirt.)