Birthday Traditions in Different Countrles

 England

Certain symbolic objects are mixed into the birthday cake as it's being prepared. If your piece of cake has a coin in it，then you will be rich. Also, when it's your birthday，your friends give you the“bumps".They lift you in the air by your hands and feet and raise you up and down to the floor；one for each year you lived，then another one or two for luck.

 Denmark

A flag is flown outside a window to show that someone who lives in that house is having a birthday. Presents are placed around the child's bed while he/she is sleeping，so he/she will see them at once upon awakening.

 Holland

 Special year birthdays such as 5，10，15，20，21 are called“crown”years.The birthday child receives an especially large gift on a crown year birthday.The family also decorates the birthday child's chair at the dining room table with flowers，paper streamers and balloons.

 Canada

 The birthday child's nose is greased（涂抹）with butter for good luck.The greased nose makes the child too slippery for bad luck to catch him/her.In some parts of Canada，the birthday person even receives a punch（一拳）for each year he/she is alive and then one for good luck.

 Brazil

 The birthday child receives a pull on the ear for each year he/she has been alive.The birthday person also gives the first plece of cake to his/her most special friend or relative，usually mom or dad.

 Korea

 There is a big family party on the first birthday.The table is set with food，and four items：a pencil，a ruler，thread，and money. The item that the baby chooses is said to forecast his/her future：excellent student，good with hands，long life or riches.

 South Africa

 On the twenty-first birthday，a key made of anything from paper to silver to gold is presented by the parents as a sign that the child is ready to unlock the door to their future.

    Literature is a word used to describe written as well as spoken material. Generally speaking, it is often used to describe anything from creative imagination, including works of poetry, drama and fiction.

    Then why read literature, since it is often imaginary and seems unconnected with real life?

    A lot of us read literature for enjoyment and relaxation. It's always pleasant to read some interesting books in our spare time. In a modern life full of stress, it is our common wish to read some imaginary works and look for relaxation from the stress in life.

    Reading literature is more than fun, it also allows us to get knowledge. As a general rule, literature represents a language of a people, and it often helps us know more about the traditions, attitudes and values of the age in which it was written.

    Sometimes literature can even offer us new, creative ways to have a better understanding of the world. It introduces us to new worlds of experiences. We enjoy the comedy and the tragedy of poems, stories and plays, and we may even grow through our literary journey with books. At last we may discover meaning in literature by looking at what the writer says and how he or she says it. In some ways, we explore the human condition and study the way they think and feel the way they feel. Literature helps us think clearly and encourages us to open minds.

    So we can certainly say literature is of great importance to us. Why not get going with one poem, drama or fiction at once?

    There are many expressions with heart. One of them is "lose your heart to someone". When that happens, you have fallen in love. But if the person who "won your heart" does not love you, then you are sure to have a "broken heart". In your sadness, you think that the person you loved is "hard-hearted", and in fact, has a "heart of stone".

    You may decide to "pour out your heart" to a friend. Telling someone about your personal problems can often make you feel better.

    If your friend does not seem to understand how painful your broken heart is, you may ask her to "have a heart". You are asking your friend to show some sympathy(同情) for your situation. Your friend "has her heart in the right place" if she says she is sorry for how you feel.

    If your friend says, "My heart bleeds(流血)for you", she means the opposite. She is a cold—hearted person who does not really care about your situation.

    When you are feeling afraid, "your heart is in your mouth". You might say, for example, that your heart was in your mouth when you asked a bank to lend you some money to pay for a new house.

    If that bank says no to you, do not "lose heart". Be "strong-hearted". Sit down with the banker and have a "heart to heart" talk. Be open and honest about your situation. The bank may have a "change of heart" and agree to lend you the money. Then you could stop worrying and "put your heart at rest".

    Hi, my name is Murray Wenzel. But my friends call me Muz, Muzza, Wenz or even Moon. Yes, I have lots of nicknames. But in Australia, where I am from, that's quite common.

    In fact most men in Australia call their friends something other than their real name. It is part of our culture to shorten or make up names for those we know and love. For example, one of my friend's names is Alex, but we call him Al. Another is named Jayson, but everyone knows him as Jase. In Australia most men called William are known as Bill, while Jeremy is Jez, James is Jim and Joseph is Joey.

    Sometimes we use the person's surname in their nickname, like my friend Karl Schussig who we call Schuzza. Sometimes we combine them, like my friend Troy Cassels being called TC. And we sometimes make up a new name for our friends. My friend Nathan's nickname is “Prez”, because when we first met he joked that I should call him “El President”.

    Even more confusing is when we are given ironic(讽刺的) nicknames. For example, a man with red hair will be known as Bluey, a tall man will be called Shorty or a large man will be known as Slim.

    Most of my friends call me Muz, but those who I play hockey(曲棍球) with call me Moon. However, my parents still call me Murray.

    So, I have different names depending on who I am talking to. Nicknames are so popular that sometimes people forget what the person's real name is.

    I think it is our way of showing affection to those we are close to.

    People in different countries greet each other in different ways. Here are some.

    The United States

    People shake hands when they meet for the first time. Friends and family members often hug or kiss on the cheek(脸颊)when they see each other.

    Korea(韩国)

    Men bow and shake hands to greet each other. Women do not usually shake hands. If you call someone, you use his or her full name. The family name comes first; then the first name.

    Finland(芬兰)

    Finns (芬兰人) greet each other with a handshake. Hugs and kisses are only for close friends and family members.

    The Philippines(菲律宾)

    The everyday greeting for friends is a handshake for both men and women. Men sometimes pat(轻拍) each other on the back.