By Joy
Tet nguyen Dan (Tet holiday) is the most important and popular holiday and festival in Viet Nam. Tết is celebrated on the same day as Chinese New Year . There are a lot of customs practiced during Tết. Tết starts when the first day of spring and the festival is often called Hội xuân (spring festival).
Before the Tet holiday, almost Vietnamese repairs for shopping, decorating the home, cooking traditional Tết food. Parents buy new clothes for themselves and their children so that the children can wear during Tet. Vietnamese families buy of five fruits on their altar called "Ngũ Quả", including Coconut, Papaya, Mango and Pineapple, Custard-apple. Each fruit has different meaning which are mentioned a lucky and sweet year.
Traditionally, each family has cây nêu (New year tree) consisting of a bamboo pole 5 to 6 meters long. The top of the tree is usually decorated. At Tết every house is usually decorated by hoa mai – Ochna integerrima or hoa đào – peach flower.
Traditional foods are Bánh chưng and bánh dầy which are made from sticky rice with meat or bean fillings wrapped in banana leaves and cooking them overnight.
The first day of Tết (the day for family), all the members in family get together. Children receive a red envelope with money inside from their elders. This tradition is called mừng tuổi or lì xì (happy new age) and the children give their elders the traditional Tết greetings before receiving the red envelope. Vietnamese think that if good things come to the family on the first day of Tet, it is a lucky year and conversely if the bad things come to, it is a unlucky year. the second day of Tết is usually reserved for friends, third day is for teachers.
Conclusion, Tết holiday is a tradition holiday in Vietnam, this is a time for family, friends. And laso good time for travel.
Thursday, 3 December 2009
A woman's place is at Home
By Liu Yifei
I shall at tempt to convince you that the place of women is in the home. In days gone by this was not only a statement, but a fact. It was not meant that women should be illiterate. During those times women were well learned in the fine arts. Their hobbies included playing musical instruments and sewing. The family is the unit of society and the mother is the center of the family. How can the family keep together if the mother is out at work all day?
Children had their mothers to welcome them home after school and to share their experiences at school with them. The bonds between mothers and children were stronger than they are now. In those days mothers had strong influences in their children lives. Being at home women enjoyed the privileges of watching their children blossom and bloom into fine young men and women. They were able to cherish every moment they spent nurturing their children with whatever means they had.
Crimes were not so prevalent, because mothers had the time to teach their children values, and to maintain discipline in the homes. Respect for authority was emphasized and maintained. Girls were taught to honor their husbands and to model good moral standards in the community. Women were leaders in their own rights because they were the cornerstones upon which families were built. Societies were less violent and corrupt when 'A Woman's Place Is in the Home' was the norm. The government recognizes the need for women to be in the home by giving taxation concessions for the housewife. Every year, we also celebrate Mother~ s Day with gifts and with songs and poems praising motherhood.
It can be seen that with the accelerating deterioration evidence in family life today, the time is not far distant when, with the disappearance of the family, the human race will cease to exist.In any case, women prefer to be at home. No person really wants to work. To be able to sit at home and gossip or read is every woman's ambition.
It would be a kindness to forbid women to work outside the home. From these arguments, there can be no doubt that society is best served when women are compelled to stay at home and look after their children.
I shall at tempt to convince you that the place of women is in the home. In days gone by this was not only a statement, but a fact. It was not meant that women should be illiterate. During those times women were well learned in the fine arts. Their hobbies included playing musical instruments and sewing. The family is the unit of society and the mother is the center of the family. How can the family keep together if the mother is out at work all day?
Children had their mothers to welcome them home after school and to share their experiences at school with them. The bonds between mothers and children were stronger than they are now. In those days mothers had strong influences in their children lives. Being at home women enjoyed the privileges of watching their children blossom and bloom into fine young men and women. They were able to cherish every moment they spent nurturing their children with whatever means they had.
Crimes were not so prevalent, because mothers had the time to teach their children values, and to maintain discipline in the homes. Respect for authority was emphasized and maintained. Girls were taught to honor their husbands and to model good moral standards in the community. Women were leaders in their own rights because they were the cornerstones upon which families were built. Societies were less violent and corrupt when 'A Woman's Place Is in the Home' was the norm. The government recognizes the need for women to be in the home by giving taxation concessions for the housewife. Every year, we also celebrate Mother~ s Day with gifts and with songs and poems praising motherhood.
It can be seen that with the accelerating deterioration evidence in family life today, the time is not far distant when, with the disappearance of the family, the human race will cease to exist.In any case, women prefer to be at home. No person really wants to work. To be able to sit at home and gossip or read is every woman's ambition.
It would be a kindness to forbid women to work outside the home. From these arguments, there can be no doubt that society is best served when women are compelled to stay at home and look after their children.
Boun Pee Mai Lao is the most fun festival in Laos.
By Lae Keoluangta
Boun Pee Mai Lao or Lao New Year is the festival that Lao people you are Buddhists taking this time to go to temples to make merit such as make the food offering to monks and novices and clean the Buddha images.
The most important part of the festival is Baci1 ceremony, young people take this ritual to ask for wish and bless from the elderly people for example, grandparents, parents, venerable monks during this auspicious occasion. The Lao people from all walk of life conduct the festival by pouring water on each other to was the bad luck from the old year, that’s why this festival is called “Boun Lin Nam” or “Water Festival” in English which is the main activity to do during the event.
One thing that has to have in New Year is Nag Sang khan procession. It is important because people in the country believe that these particularly beautiful girls can indicate the life, good luck and bad luck in the year, it is the reason why the procession is held in almost part of Laos, especially in Luangprabang province, it is the fascinating and charming activity in this province when it has such a festival.
It comes around the middle of April, which starts from 12th or 13th. Lao people celebrate it throughout the country. Boun Pee Mai, If literally translate in English, it means Festival New Year. The original word is from Sanskrit word.
Local people and tourist also celebrate it by going to visit tourist attractions and natural places are more popular than other places, they go there for picnic with partners or family.
Some of teenagers sing and dance along the road then people pass by splashing to them, sometimes it is strong splash but nobody complains about that because they think that this is water festival, it is normal to get wet. If you don’t get wet, it means you are not lucky for the year.
Apart from these activities, releasing birds to the forest and letting turtles, fish and eels to the river is good thing that is prevalent phenomenon thing during this enjoyable festival. Pee Mai is full of fun and merit.
Baci = tie people’s wrist with white cotton thread to wish and bless them for good luck and welcome upcoming year
Nang Sang Khan = Miss Beauty of Boun Pee Mai
Boun Pee Mai Lao or Lao New Year is the festival that Lao people you are Buddhists taking this time to go to temples to make merit such as make the food offering to monks and novices and clean the Buddha images.
The most important part of the festival is Baci1 ceremony, young people take this ritual to ask for wish and bless from the elderly people for example, grandparents, parents, venerable monks during this auspicious occasion. The Lao people from all walk of life conduct the festival by pouring water on each other to was the bad luck from the old year, that’s why this festival is called “Boun Lin Nam” or “Water Festival” in English which is the main activity to do during the event.
One thing that has to have in New Year is Nag Sang khan procession. It is important because people in the country believe that these particularly beautiful girls can indicate the life, good luck and bad luck in the year, it is the reason why the procession is held in almost part of Laos, especially in Luangprabang province, it is the fascinating and charming activity in this province when it has such a festival.
It comes around the middle of April, which starts from 12th or 13th. Lao people celebrate it throughout the country. Boun Pee Mai, If literally translate in English, it means Festival New Year. The original word is from Sanskrit word.
Local people and tourist also celebrate it by going to visit tourist attractions and natural places are more popular than other places, they go there for picnic with partners or family.
Some of teenagers sing and dance along the road then people pass by splashing to them, sometimes it is strong splash but nobody complains about that because they think that this is water festival, it is normal to get wet. If you don’t get wet, it means you are not lucky for the year.
Apart from these activities, releasing birds to the forest and letting turtles, fish and eels to the river is good thing that is prevalent phenomenon thing during this enjoyable festival. Pee Mai is full of fun and merit.
Baci = tie people’s wrist with white cotton thread to wish and bless them for good luck and welcome upcoming year
Nang Sang Khan = Miss Beauty of Boun Pee Mai
Should women stay at home after they get married or having children?
By Yang Yang
This is really a controversial problem. To a certain extent, I disagree with it. First, having a job could help women to improve their social status. I do not believe a person could have great life which is independent and full of self-esteem and self-confidence but without any income. Women are not just the housewife like before anymore. They need to do something to show their contributions to the society and to show their social values.
Moreover, nowadays, the costs of living are getting higher and higher, and most couple need to support an extremely big family, which may include their children, their parents and their parents in law (may even more). If in such a big family, all responsibilities were shouldered by only husband, how stressful that will be?
Furthermore, some skills that women take it as strengths, men may do not have. Nowadays, women could do their jobs as well as men even better than men. They are not just clean machines, doing domestic chores every day, they use their brightness and innate abilities to make their lives more wonderful.
But everything in this world could be the double-edged sword. Women still working after having family and children may not good for their children. For instance, when the children grow to a turbulent age, insufficient love and care from their parents could lead to certain delinquency such as violent behavior.
So, ether work or family, both them are the most important things in women’s life. Try to balance it and manage them both well are what really challenging for women and what should women do now.
This is really a controversial problem. To a certain extent, I disagree with it. First, having a job could help women to improve their social status. I do not believe a person could have great life which is independent and full of self-esteem and self-confidence but without any income. Women are not just the housewife like before anymore. They need to do something to show their contributions to the society and to show their social values.
Moreover, nowadays, the costs of living are getting higher and higher, and most couple need to support an extremely big family, which may include their children, their parents and their parents in law (may even more). If in such a big family, all responsibilities were shouldered by only husband, how stressful that will be?
Furthermore, some skills that women take it as strengths, men may do not have. Nowadays, women could do their jobs as well as men even better than men. They are not just clean machines, doing domestic chores every day, they use their brightness and innate abilities to make their lives more wonderful.
But everything in this world could be the double-edged sword. Women still working after having family and children may not good for their children. For instance, when the children grow to a turbulent age, insufficient love and care from their parents could lead to certain delinquency such as violent behavior.
So, ether work or family, both them are the most important things in women’s life. Try to balance it and manage them both well are what really challenging for women and what should women do now.
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
Trip that i want my friends go with me
Bali Island
By Fenddy (fernando)
Bali Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Bali for few years awarded as the world best island by The International Travel Magazine. However I believe there is still many people who do not know in depth about the uniqueness of Balinese culture. Life in Bali is always related to the spiritual relationship between human and God, and their environment. Bali also well known of its highly developed arts, including dance, sculpture, painting, leather, and music. This island is blessed with a lot of beaches surrounding it.
Galungan Festival
The “ Mother Temple”
For those visitors who are not interested at those festivals, Bali also provided several tours. One of the most attractive place that we can’t miss out is “the mother temple of besakih” .which is the most important temple in Bali. The “mother temple “in besakih is the most holy and Indonesia’s biggest Hindu temple. It was built in the 11th.
All about the beaches
Gitgit Waterfall
Gitgit is one of the nature places which is a river and lakes and It is truly scenic. Its head down the mountain, however its easily accessible. It might take a quite long walk to reach there but is definitely worth! From the waterfall, we could look into the cascades of water for a minute or so, and then look at one of the rocks which may sound mysterious.In conclusion, I would say Bali is famous for its culture and beautiful natural view as well. The culture is one of the most unique in the world. Moreover, the view is dominated by beautiful field and rain forest. Their life is also strongly related to spiritual relationship between human and god. This is the reason why Bali is called the Island of God.
A Woman’s Place is at Home
by Monica
A Woman’s Place is at Home (Argumentative)
The traditional belief is that a woman's place is at home and that a woman should not to go out to work after marriage. A group of people agree with this view, another group people are beginning to realize and argue that women also can do job as well as men in all fields should not only at home, different people have different view, I agree with later one.
Nowadays women are playing an increasingly important role in society today. Having repeatedly demonstrated ability in roles traditionally held by men, they are showing just how much they can contribute. No longer can it be said that women's place is only in the home raising children and keeping house. Throughout society, capable women are proving that they are valuable to their communities.
Moreover with the changes in their social role, women's position is the family has improved as well. As a provider for the family, the wife no longer is obedient to her husband but, instead, exerts an influence on the children and family affairs equal to that of her husband. Moreover, the husband must now assume some of the responsibilities of maintaining a household such as cooking, cleaning, and other such jobs around the house.
In conclusion, women should not return to at home, for we cannot afford to waste the wealth of their talent in their contribution to society and to risk losing the social status that they should have.
A Woman’s Place is at Home (Argumentative)
The traditional belief is that a woman's place is at home and that a woman should not to go out to work after marriage. A group of people agree with this view, another group people are beginning to realize and argue that women also can do job as well as men in all fields should not only at home, different people have different view, I agree with later one.
Nowadays women are playing an increasingly important role in society today. Having repeatedly demonstrated ability in roles traditionally held by men, they are showing just how much they can contribute. No longer can it be said that women's place is only in the home raising children and keeping house. Throughout society, capable women are proving that they are valuable to their communities.
Moreover with the changes in their social role, women's position is the family has improved as well. As a provider for the family, the wife no longer is obedient to her husband but, instead, exerts an influence on the children and family affairs equal to that of her husband. Moreover, the husband must now assume some of the responsibilities of maintaining a household such as cooking, cleaning, and other such jobs around the house.
In conclusion, women should not return to at home, for we cannot afford to waste the wealth of their talent in their contribution to society and to risk losing the social status that they should have.
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
Trip you are going to take
by Michelle
Trip you are going to take
In my heart, I have always wanted to go to Japan. Not just a few days, but two or three weeks at a stretch. This is so that I can enjoy myself fully in Japan, travelling as a free independent traveler and not as a backpacker. With this goal in mind, I am currently attending Japanese lessons and plan to work hard for about five years after graduation. Why five years after I start working? To have a successful trip without any translation mishaps and to bring my family along.
Firstly, I would love to attend the Seijin No Hi, the coming of age festival for young women. This festival is on the second Monday of January. It is for the young women who have reached the age of 20. It is to symbolize that the girls have become legal adults. On that day, the girls will wear their kimonos and visit a nearby shrine to pray for good health, success and money. Though by the time I have saved enough for the trip I would be overage, but it is still a dream of mine to dress in a beautiful black kimono and to visit the shrines to make my wishes.
I am a self confessed non-believer in shopping. Ask me to shop and I would tell you bluntly that I would rather stay in a bookstore for the entire duration. However I would definitely not miss out on the shopping belts in Tokyo, Ginza and Shinjuku area. There seems to be so many fun and exciting things to be seen and bought. My sister, who can be considered to be a fashionista can shop to her heart’s content. All my friends who have gone to Japan gush about the fantastic shopping which is guaranteed to turn any non-shopper to become a hard-core shopper in Japan with its leading fashion trend.
Besides shopping and festivals, food is also on my list! I love dango, which are a type of Japanese dessert made of rice flour. There are many varieties but the most popular ones are the Anko (red bean paste wrapped within the dango), Chadango (Green tea flavoured) and Bocchan Dango (three different coloured dango on a skewer). Secondly, I would really love to try the giant crabs in Hokkaido. Have you ever seen one of those crabs? They are really huge with long long legs!! The television shows have always said that the flesh is really sweet and yummy. I am so envious when the hosts gave out loud sighs of satisfaction. Other seafood specialties of Hokkaido are clams and scallops; of course, they are what I would like to try as well. Food is the best!
There are many attractions in Japan which I would love to experience too. For example: the ice hotel which can be found only during the winter, the capsule hotel and the family-run Ryokans in the sub urban areas. Japan is a traditional country with a rich culture. Personally, I feel that it is a must to stay at a Ryokan for a few days to get a taste of the life of a Japanese family. Otherwise, one cannot be considered to have gone to Japan at all.
Last but not least, Onsen! Onsen are hot springs which are prevalent in Japan. Japanese are known for their cleanliness and they love relaxing in the onsen as the hot water soothes away the stress of life. There are many different types of onsen in Japan. There are the newer types such as the wine onsen, tea onsen and also the more traditional kinds such as the outdoor onsen. I have tried one hot spring resort in China and till today, I have fond memories of the bubbling water on my skin and the excitement of frolicking in the different types of onsen.
Trip you are going to take
In my heart, I have always wanted to go to Japan. Not just a few days, but two or three weeks at a stretch. This is so that I can enjoy myself fully in Japan, travelling as a free independent traveler and not as a backpacker. With this goal in mind, I am currently attending Japanese lessons and plan to work hard for about five years after graduation. Why five years after I start working? To have a successful trip without any translation mishaps and to bring my family along.
Firstly, I would love to attend the Seijin No Hi, the coming of age festival for young women. This festival is on the second Monday of January. It is for the young women who have reached the age of 20. It is to symbolize that the girls have become legal adults. On that day, the girls will wear their kimonos and visit a nearby shrine to pray for good health, success and money. Though by the time I have saved enough for the trip I would be overage, but it is still a dream of mine to dress in a beautiful black kimono and to visit the shrines to make my wishes.
I am a self confessed non-believer in shopping. Ask me to shop and I would tell you bluntly that I would rather stay in a bookstore for the entire duration. However I would definitely not miss out on the shopping belts in Tokyo, Ginza and Shinjuku area. There seems to be so many fun and exciting things to be seen and bought. My sister, who can be considered to be a fashionista can shop to her heart’s content. All my friends who have gone to Japan gush about the fantastic shopping which is guaranteed to turn any non-shopper to become a hard-core shopper in Japan with its leading fashion trend.
Besides shopping and festivals, food is also on my list! I love dango, which are a type of Japanese dessert made of rice flour. There are many varieties but the most popular ones are the Anko (red bean paste wrapped within the dango), Chadango (Green tea flavoured) and Bocchan Dango (three different coloured dango on a skewer). Secondly, I would really love to try the giant crabs in Hokkaido. Have you ever seen one of those crabs? They are really huge with long long legs!! The television shows have always said that the flesh is really sweet and yummy. I am so envious when the hosts gave out loud sighs of satisfaction. Other seafood specialties of Hokkaido are clams and scallops; of course, they are what I would like to try as well. Food is the best!
There are many attractions in Japan which I would love to experience too. For example: the ice hotel which can be found only during the winter, the capsule hotel and the family-run Ryokans in the sub urban areas. Japan is a traditional country with a rich culture. Personally, I feel that it is a must to stay at a Ryokan for a few days to get a taste of the life of a Japanese family. Otherwise, one cannot be considered to have gone to Japan at all.
Last but not least, Onsen! Onsen are hot springs which are prevalent in Japan. Japanese are known for their cleanliness and they love relaxing in the onsen as the hot water soothes away the stress of life. There are many different types of onsen in Japan. There are the newer types such as the wine onsen, tea onsen and also the more traditional kinds such as the outdoor onsen. I have tried one hot spring resort in China and till today, I have fond memories of the bubbling water on my skin and the excitement of frolicking in the different types of onsen.
Ga A Woman’s Place is at Home (Argumentative)
by Moon
Ga A Woman’s Place is at Home (Argumentative)
It is acknowledged that Home position are playing a increasingly role in our contemporary life. But in the mean time, the home can not represent the whole components during the life. Different people have different opinions. A group of people argue that a woman’s place is at home while many other people think that women’s place is not at home. As far as I am concerned, I agree with the latter on.
From the 19th and 20th centuries women movements have bought about grate changes within our society. Feminists during the old wave and second wave periods were noted for their achievement in create women rights treated equally as a man in social, physiological, economical, and political endeavors.
Women in ancient barely had any rights by law, so they had very few opportunities to live independently. But following with the development of society, we need more and more human resource to increasing our social quality. It is include not only men but also women resources.
In today society, feminist groups seek to broaden women’s self-awareness and challenge the opposing forces of traditional types.
In today areas of work, women also play a more and more important role, like in management areas, academic areas and so on. They have a big self-awareness and challenge on their life.
In conclusion, compared with the women position from ancient time to today, woman’s place is not at home but on society areas and social development.
Ga A Woman’s Place is at Home (Argumentative)
It is acknowledged that Home position are playing a increasingly role in our contemporary life. But in the mean time, the home can not represent the whole components during the life. Different people have different opinions. A group of people argue that a woman’s place is at home while many other people think that women’s place is not at home. As far as I am concerned, I agree with the latter on.
From the 19th and 20th centuries women movements have bought about grate changes within our society. Feminists during the old wave and second wave periods were noted for their achievement in create women rights treated equally as a man in social, physiological, economical, and political endeavors.
Women in ancient barely had any rights by law, so they had very few opportunities to live independently. But following with the development of society, we need more and more human resource to increasing our social quality. It is include not only men but also women resources.
In today society, feminist groups seek to broaden women’s self-awareness and challenge the opposing forces of traditional types.
In today areas of work, women also play a more and more important role, like in management areas, academic areas and so on. They have a big self-awareness and challenge on their life.
In conclusion, compared with the women position from ancient time to today, woman’s place is not at home but on society areas and social development.
Monday, 30 November 2009
Welcome! (New Assignment)
Welcome Class of TS03!
If you have found it a journey to reach this blog, then I deeply congratulate you. You have finally explored what it takes to be IT-savvy in Singapore and you have discovered a critical tool in enhancing your English - writing on blogs. (Check new words: savvy, blogs and critical)
I understand that this is likely a first for many of you - learning to write a blog in English and to be seen not just by your class, but potentially, by the whole world on the web. Whoa! (Quick, tell your friends from your own country to read your work!)
More importantly, you have discovered what life in Singapore is like as an international student: grappling with English and learning the digital life of a Singaporean adolescent.I understand the changes you are going through, I was once an international student too way back eons. (Check new word: eons, digital life)
New Assignment
First off, we will focus on PARAGRAPH DEVELOPMENT. From my class today and last Tuesday, you will know I have emphasised on these two important points in writing:
One needs to be brave to face criticisms, but hey, that's part of growing up. Like my late teacher said, when I asked why all the results had to be pasted on the public notice board, "If you can't face 'embarrassment' of this sort, how else can you face embarrassment for you mistakes in life." That struck a chord, cos like all Asians, I hate public embarrassments. But the world is getting more transparent through globalisation, so I encourage you to 'face up to it', and be ready for all to share their comments on your work. Remember, we are all here to help one another. Make sure your comments are helpful too!!!
Lastly, I will give comments on every piece of work uploaded. Take heart. Enjoy this digital journey.
Your ACS tutor
Mrs Sandra Mun
If you have found it a journey to reach this blog, then I deeply congratulate you. You have finally explored what it takes to be IT-savvy in Singapore and you have discovered a critical tool in enhancing your English - writing on blogs. (Check new words: savvy, blogs and critical)
I understand that this is likely a first for many of you - learning to write a blog in English and to be seen not just by your class, but potentially, by the whole world on the web. Whoa! (Quick, tell your friends from your own country to read your work!)
More importantly, you have discovered what life in Singapore is like as an international student: grappling with English and learning the digital life of a Singaporean adolescent.I understand the changes you are going through, I was once an international student too way back eons. (Check new word: eons, digital life)
New Assignment
First off, we will focus on PARAGRAPH DEVELOPMENT. From my class today and last Tuesday, you will know I have emphasised on these two important points in writing:
- MAPS
- Structure: Introduction, Body & Conclusion
- Festive Season of your hometown (Narrative)
- Trip you are going to take or want your friend to go with you (Descriptive)
- A Woman’s Place is at Home (Argumentative)
One needs to be brave to face criticisms, but hey, that's part of growing up. Like my late teacher said, when I asked why all the results had to be pasted on the public notice board, "If you can't face 'embarrassment' of this sort, how else can you face embarrassment for you mistakes in life." That struck a chord, cos like all Asians, I hate public embarrassments. But the world is getting more transparent through globalisation, so I encourage you to 'face up to it', and be ready for all to share their comments on your work. Remember, we are all here to help one another. Make sure your comments are helpful too!!!
Lastly, I will give comments on every piece of work uploaded. Take heart. Enjoy this digital journey.
Your ACS tutor
Mrs Sandra Mun
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