Unit 2 Festivals and Celebrations Exercise: Class 10 English Guide
In this article, we are going to study about class 10 english textbook unit 2 with summary question answer, exercise solution, grammar and reading I and II. Unit 2 has two chapters. Chapter 1 ( also called Reading I ) has the title - "Battle Of The Oranges". Similarly, the chapter 2 ( Reading II ) has the text about " Thanks Giving Around The Worlds".
Unit 2: Festivals and Celebrations, this unit explores different cultural traditions around the world. We'll learn about unique festivals, the histories behind them, and how celebrating brings people together. The topics also provide an opportunity to practice key grammar concepts and letter writing skills.
Reading I: Battle of the Oranges, this passage describes the lively Italian festival known as the Battle of the Oranges. Each year on Shrove Tuesday, people in the town of Ivrea throw oranges at each other in the streets. The article provides context on how this lively tradition began centuries ago. Some discussion questions analyze aspects like symbolism and the role of food in cultural celebrations.
Reading II: Thanksgiving Around the World, this article explores how cultures worldwide observe harvest-time celebrations akin to North America's Thanksgiving. It highlights Thanksgiving traditions in countries like Germany, Japan and Brazil.
For complete notes of Class 10 English Book, go to this link - Class 10 English Guide & Notes.
Class 10 English Unit 2 Festivals and Celebrations Exercise
Unit 2 : Festivals and Celebrations
Reading - I Battle of Oranges
C. Answer the following questions.
a. What does the red hat symbolize?
Answer: The red hat, called "berretto frigio," is a symbol of freedom and is worn during the carnival in Ivrea. It represents historical significance from Roman times and the Middle Ages.
b. How does the narrator feel when she wipes her face?
Answer: The narrator feels shocked and scared when she wipes her face and sees blood. She's worried that she might need stitches or have a concussion.
c. What does the square look like after an hour-battle of the oranges?
Answer: After an hour of the orange-throwing battle, the square is covered in a mixture of orange pulp and horse manure. It smells sharp, sweet-and-sour, and it's a messy and chaotic scene.
d. How do aranceri members chase the cart?
Answer: The aranceri members, who are the orange-throwers on foot, chase the cart carrying opponents on horse-drawn carriages. They charge at the cart, bombarding it with oranges, and continue chasing it around the square.
e. Does Silvia enjoy this carnival? Why?
Answer: Yes, Silvia enjoys the carnival. She finds it good for her psychological health as it allows her to let out all the frustrations built up during the year. After the carnival, she feels refreshed.
f. Why does Massi say, "Forget the nets"?
Answer: Massi encourages people to forget about staying behind protective nets to be truly part of the carnival experience. He believes that to fully enjoy the rush of the battle, one needs to be in the middle of the action and that a minor injury like a black eye is a small price to pay for the excitement.
D. You might know about some unique festivals like "Battle of the Oranges". Collect some information about any one of such festivals.
La Tomatina is a tomato-throwing festival held in the town of Bunol, Spain. It occurs every last Wednesday of August annually. It is considered the world's largest food fight!
The festival began in 1945 when a spontaneous tomato fight broke out among youth in the town plaza. Since then it has grown into a major tourist attraction, drawing over 30,000 participants from around the world every year.
At around 11 am on the day of La Tomatina, a truck loaded with tomatoes enters the town plaza where participants are waiting. As soon as the truck stops, a countdown begins and participants rush to grab as many tomatoes as they can. For the next 1-2 hours, a massive tomato-throwing frenzy ensues! People throw tomatoes at each other, town structures, even climbing onto rooftops to launch tomatoes from above. The entire town plaza is turned into a slippery sea of red pulp.
After the tomato fight ends, fire trucks arrive and spray down the plaza, washing away the tomato remains. The festival concludes with traditional dancing and music.
To participate, one must purchase a official ticket which includes provision of protective eyewear, a T-shirt and access to public showers afterwards. Many attendees wear swimsuits, gloves and goggles for protection during the event.
So in summary, La Tomatina is a unique festival that allows participants to let loose, get messy and indulge in carefree tomato-throwing madness for a brief time, after which order is restored! It's certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience of good fun and huge food wastage.
Writing I
Write an essay describing a festival which is celebrated in your community. Include its brief history, people involved, major activities, religious or social importance, duration, and drawbacks, if any.
Dashain: A Festival of Harmony and Unity
Dashain is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in my community with great enthusiasm and joy. It usually falls in September or October and lasts for 15 days. This festival holds a special place in our hearts as it brings families and friends together in a spirit of love and harmony.
Dashain has its roots in ancient mythology and is dedicated to the goddess Durga, symbolizing victory over evil. According to Hindu legends, the goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura during this time, signifying the triumph of good over evil.
During Dashain, people of all ages participate in various activities and rituals. One of the major activities is the worship of goddess Durga and the offering of animal sacrifices, mainly goats and buffaloes, as a symbolic gesture of devotion.
Families come together to prepare delicious feasts, share gifts, and exchange blessings. Elders bless the younger members of the family, and this reinforces the bond between generations.
The festival also includes kite-flying, playing traditional games, and singing and dancing. People wear new clothes and visit relatives and friends to exchange greetings and best wishes.
Dashain holds both religious and social significance. It is a time of reflection, gratitude, and renewal of faith. The festival fosters a sense of unity and cultural heritage among the community members.
However, there are some drawbacks associated with Dashain, particularly concerning the use of animal sacrifices. While it has deep religious significance for some, there is growing awareness about animal welfare and ethical considerations. Some people choose to celebrate Dashain without sacrificing animals to promote a more compassionate and humane approach.
Overall, Dashain is a vibrant and cherished festival in our community, bringing happiness, blessings, and cultural richness to our lives. It is a time when we come together as a community to celebrate our traditions and values. As an 8th-grade student, I look forward to Dashain every year and cherish the memories created during this special time with my family and friends.
Unit 2 : Reading - II
Thanksgiving around the World
C. Answer the following questions.
a. What is the main feature of American Thanksgiving?
Answer: The main feature of American Thanksgiving is giving thanks and sharing a meal with family and friends on the fourth Thursday of November.
b. What do parades include in Thanksgiving in America?
Answer: Thanksgiving parades in America include giant floats, marching bands, and performances, with the most famous one being the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
c. When and why is Chuseok celebrated in Korea?
Answer: Chuseok is celebrated in Korea in autumn, around September or October. It is a harvest festival to give thanks to ancestors for a bountiful harvest.
d. How did Thanksgiving begin in Brazil?
Answer: Thanksgiving, known as Dia de Ação de Graças, began in Brazil following the U.S. tradition and is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November with a traditional feast.
e. Who started Thanksgiving in Liberia? Why was it started?
Answer: Thanksgiving in Liberia was started by freed American slaves who settled in Liberia. It was started to give thanks for their newfound freedom and opportunities in their new homeland.
f. What is Thanksgiving celebrated in Barbados for?
Answer: Thanksgiving in Barbados is celebrated as Crop Over Festival, which marks the end of the sugar cane harvesting season with music, dancing, and feasting.
g. What is Homowo marked in Ghana?
Answer: Homowo in Ghana is a harvest festival celebrated by the Ga people to give thanks for the abundance of crops and to honor their ancestors.
