Fall is Here! [B]
Fall is here! The air becomes cooler, and the leaves change to red, orange, and yellow. It is a season for spending time with family and enjoying traditions.
In Japan, people celebrate Shūbun no Hi (Autumn Equinox Day). It is a national holiday in September. On this day, daytime and nighttime are the same length. Many families go to the cemetery to visit the graves of their ancestors. They clean the graves, bring flowers, and pray. People also enjoy eating seasonal foods, like chestnuts and sweet potatoes, which remind them of autumn.
In the United States, people celebrate two very popular holidays in the fall: Halloween and Thanksgiving. Halloween is on October 31st. Children wear costumes, go from house to house, and say “Trick or Treat!” to get candy. Families decorate their houses with pumpkins, ghosts, and black cats.
Thanksgiving is in November. Families gather for a special meal, and the traditional food is turkey. Other common dishes are mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and stuffing. During this holiday, people talk about the things they are thankful for, such as family, health, and friends. It is a time for connection and sharing.
Vocabulary Practice:
Equinox – the day when daytime and nighttime are the same length
Ancestor – a family member from a long time ago
Seasonal – food or activities special to one season
Costume – clothes for dressing up as a character
Thankful – happy and grateful for something
Comprehension Questions:
What do Japanese families do on Shūbun no Hi?
What colors do the leaves change to in fall?
What do children say to get candy on Halloween?
What foods do American families eat on Thanksgiving?
Suggested Reading:
“Simple Guide to Japanese Holidays” (beginner-friendly)
