CULTURE AND TRADITIONS
SAINT GEORGE: CULTURAL AND TRADITIONAL CATALAN SYMBOL
You are going to read about the festivity of Saint George celebrated in
England and in Catalonia, talk about your routine on Saint George Day,
and compare both traditions. You are also going to create a bookmark for
one of your classmates.
-When do we celebrate the festivity of Saint George in Catalonia?
-Does any other country celebrate it this day?
http://projectbritain.com/stgeorge3.html Write down some information you found.
READING – Saint George in England
-Pre-activity: Do you know the meaning of these words? In groups, try to
translate them.
Emblem
wore
brave
belief
stem
-Read the text and answer the questions. You can work in groups.
St. George is the patron saint of England. His emblem, a red cross on a white
background, is the flag of England, and part of the British flag. St George’s
emblem was adopted by Richard The Lion Heart and brought to England in the
12th century. The king’s soldiers wore it on their tunics to avoid confusion in
battle.
St George was a brave Roman soldier who protested against the Romans’ torture
of Christians and died for his beliefs. The popularity of St George in England
stems from the time of the early Crusades when it is said that the Normans saw
him in a vision and were victorious.
By tradition, 23 April is the day for a red rose in the button hole, the national
flower. However, unlike other countries, England does not celebrate it like
Americans celebrate 4th July with fireworks. In fact, you are more likely to see big
St Patrick parades in England celebrating Ireland’s National Day, more than you
would see any sign of St George’s Day being celebrated.
What is the flag of England?_________________________________________________________________
Why was the emblem used for the soldiers? _____________________________________________
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CULTURE AND TRADITIONS
What did St George protest against Romans?____________________________________________
What is the national flower?________________________________________________________________
Do English people make a big celebration this day?____________________________________
-Post-activity: We are going to do some research!
Look for information in the net and try to answer the following question.
Why do English people wear a rose in the button hole on Saint George Day? What
does it symbolize?
SPEAKING – Different customs
-Ask your partner the following questions:
What do you normally do on Saint George’s day? What is
your routine?
She/He…
Remember that
we use PRESENT
SIMPLE for
routines!!!
Do you stay at home or you prefer to go for a walk? Why?
Yes /No
Do you celebrate the Lovers day? What do you do?
I…
WRITING – Description of my city/village on Saint
George’s Day.
On Saint George’s Day I…..
WORDS TO USED:
There is, there are,
on the street, on
the library, buy
presents, fair,
books, market…
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CULTURE AND TRADITIONS
LISTENING – Catalan Legend of Saint George
-Pre-activity: Explain briefly the legend of Saint George to your partner.
-Then, watch and listen to the Catalan Legend of Saint George, and complete the
questions: VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h-mOgCTjt8
1. What famous monuments from Barcelona have you seen? Write at least 5.
2. What animals have you seen in the video?
READING CULTURE - William Shakespeare
-Do you know William Shakespeare? Where and When was he born? Why was he
famous for? Give an example.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
-Read the following chart about Shakespeare’s life and match the paragraphs.
Where was he born?
Why is he famous?
What plays did he write?
Who was William Shakespeare?
Shakespeare plays are performed all over the
world. Students study Shakespeare in school and
at university. People write books about
Shakespeare. There are Shakespeare theatres
and Shakespeare festivals.
William Shakespeare is one of the world’s
greatest writers. He wrote plays for the theatre.
He wrote poetry too.
Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, in
England. Later he went to London, to be an actor.
But he became famous for writing plays. His
friends said he was the best writer of his time.
He wrote plays such as; Romeo and Juliet,
Hamlet, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, etc.
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CULTURE AND TRADITIONS
FINAL TASK:
You are going to design and create a bookmark for one of your partners. In this
bookmark you have to include one of the following quotes from Shakespeare. But
before starting, try to translate these quotes in groups of 4.
1. It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.
2. There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes
it so.
3. Words without thoughts never to heaven go.
4. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some
have greatness thrust upon them
5. It's not enough to speak, but to speak true.
HAPPY
SAINT
GEORGE’S
DAY!
[QUOTE]
Gemma Saladrigues Roselló
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