Unit 6 课外拓展阅读小页- 2025-2026学年人教版八年级英语下册

八年级下册时文阅读 Unit6时文阅读全能训练三 拓展阅读 建议作答时间：10分钟 姓名： 评价： Festivals of Light—Celebrations Across Cultures Adapted from National Geographic Light is a powerful symbol in cultures around the world. It represents hope, goodness, and the victory of light over darkness. Many festivals celebrate this idea—and they're as diverse as the people who celebrate them. Diwali is India's most important festival, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains around the world. Known as the "Festival of Lights," it usually falls in October or November. People light small oil lamps called "diyas" and place them around their homes. Fireworks light up the sky, and families share sweets and gifts. Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish festival, usually in December. Each night, families light another candle on a special candleholder called a "menorah." The festival remembers a miracle long ago when a small amount of oil burned for eight days instead of one. Children play with spinning tops called "dreidels," and families eat foods fried in oil, like potato pancakes. Lantern Festival marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations. On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, people release floating lanterns into the sky or on rivers. The lanterns carry people's wishes and hopes for the new year. Some lanterns are simple, while others are elaborate works of art shaped like dragons, flowers, or animals. St. Lucia's Day is celebrated in Sweden on December 13th. On this day, girls dress in white robes with red sashes. One girl is chosen to be "Lucia"—she wears a crown of candles on her head. The family sings songs and eats special saffron buns. This festival brings light to the darkest time of the year in Scandinavia. These festivals remind us that no matter where we come from, we all share the same hope—that light will always overcome darkness. Core Vocabulary 1. festival (n.) 节日 2. symbol (n.) 象征 3. victory (n.) 胜利 4. miracle (n.) 奇迹 5.elaborate (adj.) 精致的；复杂的 Comprehension Questions 1. What do all the festivals in this passage have in common? A. They are all celebrated in December B. They all involve lighting or celebrating light C. They are all religious festivals D. They all last for eight days 2. What do people light during Diwali in India? A. Candles on a menorah B. Small oil lamps called "diyas" C. Floating lanterns D. A crown of candles 3. What miracle does Hanukkah celebrate? A. A great victory in battle B. Oil that burned for eight days instead of one C. The first sunrise of the year D. The birth of a important leader 4. When is the Chinese Lantern Festival celebrated? A. On December 13th B. On the first day of Chinese New Year C. On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month D. In October or November 5. In St. Lucia's Day, what does the girl chosen as "Lucia" wear? A. A crown of candles on her head B. A traditional Indian sari C. A simple white dress with no decoration D. A mask shaped like an animal Stella原创资料 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 $八年级下册时文阅读 Unit6时文阅读全能训练四 拓展阅读 建议作答时间：10分钟 姓名： 评价： Gift Giving—What's Appropriate in Different Cultures Adapted from The Culture Trip Giving gifts is a wonderful way to show appreciation and build relationships. But did you know that a gift that's perfect in one culture might cause offense in another? Understanding these differences can help you avoid awkward situations. In China, gifts are an important part of building relationships. However, there are several things to avoid. Never give clocks—the phrase "giving a clock" sounds like "attending a funeral" in Chinese. Sharp objects like knives or scissors suggest cutting off the relationship. And always avoid giving four of anything, because the word for "four" sounds like "death." When giving a gift, use both hands—this shows respect. The receiver may refuse at first, but this is just politeness; gently offer again. In Japan, presentation matters as much as the gift itself. Gifts should be beautifully wrapped. Avoid white wrapping paper—it's associated with funerals. Don't give four or nine of anything for the same reasons as in China. When receiving a gift, it's polite to wait until later to open it, as opening it immediately might seem greedy. In Arab cultures, gifts show friendship and hospitality. However, never give alcohol—it's against Islamic beliefs. Also avoid giving anything made from pigskin. When giving a gift, use your right hand or both hands, never just the left hand. If you're invited to a home, it's nice to bring sweets or small items for the children. But don't give flowers to someone who is ill—flowers are for celebrations, not sickness. In Germany, gifts are usually opened immediately when received. Good gift choices include flowers (but remove the wrapping first), quality chocolates, or small souvenirs from your home country. Avoid red roses—they're romantic. And don't give lilies or chrysanthemums—they're for funerals. In Brazil, gifts are expected when visiting someone's home. Avoid purple or black wrapping paper—these colors are associated with mourning. Good choices include wine, good-quality whiskey, or small gifts for the children. Brazilians are warm and expressive, so expect big thanks and maybe even a hug! The key takeaway? When in doubt, ask. Most people appreciate your effort to understand their culture, even if you make a small mistake. Comprehension Questions 1. Why should you never give a clock as a gift in China? A. Because clocks are too expensive B. Because "giving a clock" sounds like "attending a funeral" C. Because Chinese people don't use clocks D. Because clocks are considered unlucky at any time 2. In Japan, when is it polite to open a gift? A. Immediately when receiving it B. In front of everyone to show appreciation C. Later, after the giver has left D. Only on special occasions 3. What should you avoid giving in Arab cultures? A. Sweets and chocolates B. Alcohol and pigskin products C. Flowers and small toys D. Souvenirs from your home country 4. In Germany, what should you do with flowers before giving them? A. Keep them in water B. Remove the wrapping C. Choose only red roses D. Give an even number 5. What colors should you avoid in gift wrapping in Brazil? A. Red and green B. Blue and white C. Purple and black D. Yellow and gold Core Vocabulary appreciation (n.) 感激；欣赏 offense (n.) 冒犯；不悦 associate (v.) 关联；联系 hospitality (n.) 好客；款待 mourning (n.) 哀悼；服丧 Stella原创资料 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 $八年级下册时文阅读 Unit6时文阅读全能训练二 拓展阅读 建议作答时间：10分钟 姓名： 评价： Table Manners—Don't Make These Mistakes! Adapted from BBC Culture You're sitting at a dinner table in another country. The food looks delicious, but suddenly you realize—you have no idea what to do. Should you eat with your hands? Is it okay to slurp your noodles? Every culture has its own rules about eating, and making a mistake can be embarrassing. In Japan, slurping your noodles is actually a compliment! It shows that you're enjoying your meal. But don't pass food with your chopsticks—this reminds people of a funeral ritual where bones are passed between chopsticks. Also, never stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice; it's another symbol of death. In Thailand, using a fork is interesting. The fork is used to push food onto your spoon, but it never goes into your mouth. Only the spoon touches your lips. And in many Thai homes, people eat with a spoon and fork, not chopsticks. In India, eating with your hands is common in many regions. But there's an important rule: use only your right hand. The left hand is considered unclean because it's used for personal hygiene. Before eating, everyone washes their hands thoroughly—so it's perfectly clean. In Italy, there are rules about pasta. Never cut your spaghetti with a knife! Italians twirl it on their spoon or fork. And don't ask for extra cheese unless it's offered—putting cheese on some seafood pasta dishes is considered wrong. In Mexico, keeping your hands on the table is polite. In the United States, it's the opposite—hands in your lap are proper, except when you're using them to eat. The golden rule? When in doubt, watch what locals do and follow their lead. Most people will appreciate your effort to respect their customs, even if you make small mistakes. Core Vocabulary 1. manners (n.) 礼仪；规矩 2. embarrassing (adj.) 令人尴尬的 3. compliment (n.) 称赞；恭维 4. ritual (n.) 仪式；惯例 5. thoroughly (adv.) 彻底地 Comprehension Questions 1. Why is slurping noodles in Japan considered a good thing? A. Because it's the fastest way to eat B. Because it shows you're enjoying your meal C. Because it cools down the noodles D. Because it's a traditional ritual 2. What should you NEVER do with chopsticks in Japan? A. Pick up food B. Slurp your noodles C. Pass food or stick them upright in rice D. Hold them with your right hand 3. How do people eat in many parts of India? A. Only with a spoon and fork B. With their hands, using only the right hand C. With chopsticks D. With a knife and fork 4. In Italy, how should you eat spaghetti? A. Cut it with a knife B. Ask for extra cheese immediately C. Twirl it on a spoon or fork D. Eat it with your hands 5. What is the "golden rule" suggested at the end? A. Always use a knife and fork B. Follow what local people do C. Ask the host before eating D. Eat quickly and quietly Stella原创资料 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 $Gift giving, what's appropriate in different cultures adapted from the culture trip. Giving gifts is a wonderful way to show appreciation and build relationships. But did you know that a gift that's perfect in one culture might cause offence in another? Understanding these differences can help you avoid awkward situations. In china, gifts are an important part of building relationships. However, there are several things to avoid. Never give clock. The phrase giving a clock sounds like attending a funeral. In chinese, sharp objects like knives or scissors suggest cutting off the relationship and always avoid giving for of anything, because the word for four sounds like death. When giving a gift, use both hands. This shows respect. The receiver may refuse at first, but this is just pollito ess gently offer again. In japan, presentation matters as much as the gift itself. Gifts should be beautifully wrapped, avoid White rapping, paper is associated with funerals. Don't give four, nine of anything for the same reasons as in china. When receiving a gift, it's polite to wait until later to open IT, as opening IT immediately might seem greedy. In arab cultures, gift show friendship and hospitality, however, never give alcohol, its against islamic beliefs, also avoided giving anything made from pig skin. When giving a gift, use your right hand or both hands, never just the left hand. If you're invited to a home, it's nice to bring sweets or small items for the children, but don't give flowers to someone who is ill. Flowers are for celebrations, not sickness. In germany, gifts are usually opened immediately when received. Good gift choices include flowers, but remove the wrapping first, quality chocolates or small souvenir from your home country, avoid red roses, their romantic, and don't give lillies or crying. Thems there for funerals. In brazil, gifts are expected when visiting someone's home. Avoid purple or black wrapping paper. These colors are associated with morning. Good choices include wine, good quality whisky or small gifts for the children. Brazilians are warm and expressive, so expect big thanks and maybe even a hug the key take away when in doubt, ask. Most people appreciate your effort to understand their culture, even if you make a small mistake. 八年级下册时文阅读 Unit6时文阅读全能训练一 拓展阅读 建议作答时间：10分钟 姓名： 评价： Greetings Around the World—More Than Just Hello Adapted from National Geographic Kids When you meet someone for the first time, what do you do? In many countries, a simple handshake is enough. But around the world, people greet each other in many different ways. Understanding these customs can help you avoid awkward moments and show respect for other cultures. In Japan, bowing is the traditional greeting. The deeper you bow, the more respect you show. A small bow is casual, while a deep, slow bow is formal and shows great respect. Handshakes are also common in business, but Japanese people often combine them with a slight bow. In New Zealand, the Māori people have a special greeting called the "hongi." Two people press their noses and foreheads together. This action represents the sharing of breath—the breath of life. It shows that the two people are now connected as one. In France, close friends and family often greet each other with "la bise"—light cheek kisses. The number of kisses varies by region; in Paris, it's usually two, but in other parts of France, it can be three or four. However, this greeting is only for people you know well. With strangers, a handshake is more appropriate. In India, many people greet others with "Namaste." They press their palms together near their heart and bow slightly. This gesture means "I bow to the divine in you." It's a beautiful way of showing respect without physical touch. Learning these customs teaches us an important lesson: there's no single "right" way to greet someone. What's polite in one culture might seem strange in another. So next time you meet someone from a different country, take a moment to learn their greeting. A small effort can make a big difference. Core Vocabulary 1. custom (n.) 习俗；风俗 2. traditional (adj.) 传统的 3. formal (adj.) 正式的 4. appropriate (adj.) 合适的；恰当的 5. gesture (n.) 手势；姿态 Comprehension Questions 1. What does the passage mainly discuss? A. Why people shake hands B. Different greeting customs around the world C. The history of bowing in Japan D. How to travel to different countries 2. In Japan, what does a deep, slow bow show? A. That you are in a hurry B. Great respect C. That you don't know the person D. That you are casual and relaxed 3. What is the "hongi" greeting in New Zealand? A. Shaking hands firmly B. Pressing noses and foreheads together C. Kissing on both cheeks D. Bowing with palms together 4. In France, when is "la bise" appropriate? A. When meeting someone for the first time B. Only in business meetings C. Between close friends and family D. When greeting strangers 5. What does the writer suggest at the end of the passage? A. Everyone should use the same greeting B. Handshake is the best greeting C. Learn about other cultures' greetings to show respect D. Don't worry if you make greeting mistakes Stella原创资料 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 $ 第六单元拓展阅读合集：翻译与答案解析 阅读一： 世界各地的问候——不止是说"你好" 改编自《国家地理儿童版》 当你第一次见到某人时，你会怎么做？在许多国家，简单的握手就足够了。但在世界各地，人们用许多不同的方式互相问候。了解这些习俗可以帮助你避免尴尬的时刻，并表达对其他文化的尊重。 在日本，鞠躬是传统的问候方式。你鞠躬越深，表示你越尊重对方。轻微的鞠躬是随意的，而深而缓慢的鞠躬则是正式的，表示极大的尊重。在商务场合握手也很常见，但日本人常常会同时微微鞠躬。 在新西兰，毛利人有一种特殊的问候方式叫"洪吉"。两人互相按压鼻子和额头。这个动作代表着呼吸的分享——生命的气息。它表明两个人现在连接为一体。 在法国，亲密的朋友和家人常常用"拉比兹"——轻轻的贴面吻——来问候对方。亲吻的次数因地区而异；在巴黎，通常是两次，但在法国其他地区，可能是三次或四次。然而，这种问候只适用于你很熟悉的人。对于陌生人，握手更为合适。 在印度，许多人用"那摩斯戴"问候他人。他们在心口附近合掌，并微微鞠躬。这个手势的意思是"我向你内在的神性鞠躬"。这是一种在不进行身体接触的情况下表达尊重的美好方式。 学习这些习俗给我们上了一堂重要的课：没有单一的"正确"问候方式。在一个文化中礼貌的做法，在另一个文化中可能显得奇怪。所以下次你遇到来自不同国家的人时，花点时间了解他们的问候方式。一个小小的努力可以带来很大的不同。 答案解析 第1题：这篇文章主要讨论什么？ 正确答案：B 依据：全文围绕各国不同的问候方式展开，首段点明主题"people greet each other in many different ways" 技巧：主旨题关注首段引入和全文结构，本文按国家分别介绍问候习俗 第2题：在日本，深而缓慢的鞠躬表示什么？ 正确答案：B 依据：第二段"The deeper you bow, the more respect you show. A deep, slow bow is formal and shows great respect" 技巧：细节题注意"the more...the more"结构表示的递进关系 第3题：新西兰的"洪吉"问候是什么？ 正确答案：B 依据：第三段"Two people press their noses and foreheads together" 技巧：定义题关注"called"后的术语和具体动作描述 第4题：在法国，"拉比兹"在什么情况下合适？ 正确答案：C 依据：第四段"close friends and family often greet each other with 'la bise'"和"this greeting is only for people you know well" 技巧：条件题关注"only for"表示的限制范围 第5题：作者在文章结尾建议什么？ 正确答案：C 依据：末段"take a moment to learn their greeting. A small effort can make a big difference" 技巧：建议题关注祈使句和总结性语句 阅读二： 餐桌礼仪——别犯这些错误！ 改编自BBC文化频道 你坐在另一个国家的餐桌旁。食物看起来很美味，但突然你意识到——你不知道该怎么做。应该用手吃吗？可以吸溜面条吗？每种文化都有自己的用餐规则，犯错误可能会很尴尬。 在日本，吸溜面条其实是一种赞美！这表明你正在享受美食。但不要用筷子传递食物——这会让人想起用筷子传递骨灰的葬礼仪式。此外，千万不要把筷子直立插在饭碗里；这也是死亡的象征。 在泰国，叉子的使用很有趣。叉子是用来把食物推到勺子上的，但它从不进入嘴里。只有勺子接触嘴唇。在许多泰国家庭，人们用勺子和叉子吃饭，而不是筷子。 在印度，用手吃饭在许多地区很常见。但有一条重要规则：只用右手。左手被认为是不洁净的，因为它用于个人卫生。饭前每个人都会彻底洗手——所以是完全干净的。 在意大利，吃意大利面有规矩。千万不要用刀切意大利面！意大利人用勺子或叉子把它卷起来。除非主人提供，否则不要要求额外加奶酪——在某些海鲜意大利面菜肴上放奶酪被认为是不合适的。 在墨西哥，把手放在桌上是礼貌的。在美国，则相反——除了用餐时，手放在腿上才是得体的。 黄金法则是什么？不确定时，观察当地人的做法并效仿他们。大多数人会欣赏你尊重他们习俗的努力，即使你犯了小错误。 答案解析 第1题：为什么在日本吸溜面条被认为是好事？ 正确答案：B 依据：第二段"slurping your noodles is actually a compliment! It shows that you're enjoying your meal" 技巧：因果题注意"actually"后的解释和感叹号强调 第2题：在日本，绝对不能用筷子做什么？ 正确答案：C 依据：第二段"don't pass food with your chopsticks"和"never stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice" 技巧：列举题关注"don't"和"never"表示的禁止事项 第3题：在印度许多地方，人们如何用餐？ 正确答案：B 依据：第四段"eating with your hands is common"和"use only your right hand" 技巧：细节题注意并列的两个要点：用手吃＋只用右手 第4题：在意大利，应该如何吃意大利面？ 正确答案：C 依据：第五段"Italians twirl it on their spoon or fork" 技巧：动作题关注具体动词"twirl"表示的方式 第5题：文章结尾建议的"黄金法则"是什么？ 正确答案：B 依据：末段"watch what locals do and follow their lead" 技巧：总结题关注引号内的核心建议 阅读三： 光明节庆——跨文化的光明庆典 改编自《国家地理》 光是世界各地文化中一个强大的象征。它代表着希望、善良，以及光明战胜黑暗。许多节日都庆祝这一理念——而且它们和庆祝这些节日的人们一样多姿多彩。 排灯节是印度最重要的节日，由世界各地的印度教徒、锡克教徒和耆那教徒庆祝。被称为"光明节"，通常在十月或十一月举行。人们点燃称为"迪亚"的小油灯，摆放在家中各处。烟花照亮夜空，家人分享糖果和礼物。排灯节庆祝善良战胜邪恶、光明战胜黑暗。 光明节是一个为期八天的犹太节日，通常在十二月。每个晚上，家人在一个叫做"烛台"的特殊烛台上点燃另一支蜡烛。这个节日纪念很久以前的一个奇迹：一小罐油燃烧了八天而不是一天。孩子们玩叫做"陀螺"的旋转玩具，家人吃油炸食品，比如土豆饼。 元宵节标志着中国新年庆祝活动的结束。在农历正月十五，人们将漂浮的灯笼放飞到天空或河流上。灯笼承载着人们对新年的愿望和希望。有些灯笼很简单，而另一些则是精致的艺术品，形状像龙、花或动物。 圣露西亚节在瑞典于12月13日庆祝。这一天，女孩们穿着白色长袍，系着红色腰带。选出一名女孩作为"露西亚"——她头上戴着蜡烛做的花冠。家人一起唱歌，吃特别的藏红花小面包。这个节日为斯堪的纳维亚一年中最黑暗的时候带来光明。 这些节日提醒我们，无论我们来自哪里，我们都共享着同一个希望——光明终将战胜黑暗。 答案解析 第1题：文中所有节日有什么共同点？ 正确答案：B 依据：全文四个节日都涉及"light"——点灯、蜡烛、灯笼等 技巧：归纳题需找出四个例子的共同特征，首段点明"light is a powerful symbol...many festivals celebrate this idea" 第2题：在印度的排灯节，人们点燃什么？ 正确答案：B 依据：第二段"People light small oil lamps called 'diyas'" 技巧：细节题注意引号内的专有名词"diyas" 第3题：光明节庆祝什么奇迹？ 正确答案：B 依据：第三段"a small amount of oil burned for eight days instead of one" 技巧：定义题关注"remembers"后的具体内容 第4题：中国元宵节在什么时候庆祝？ 正确答案：C 依据：第四段"On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month" 技巧：时间题注意农历日期的准确表达 第5题：在圣露西亚节，被选为"露西亚"的女孩戴着什么？ 正确答案：A 依据：第五段"she wears a crown of candles on her head" 技巧：细节题关注具体穿戴描述 阅读四：赠礼——不同文化中什么合适 赠送礼物是表达感激和建立关系的美妙方式。但你知道吗？在一种文化中完美的礼物，在另一种文化中可能会引起冒犯。了解这些差异可以帮助你避免尴尬的情况。 在中国，礼物是建立关系的重要组成部分。然而，有几件事要避免。永远不要送钟——"送钟"听起来像"送终"。尖锐物品如刀或剪刀暗示切断关系。永远避免送任何东西的四个，因为"四"听起来像"死"。送礼时，要用双手——这表示尊重。收礼人可能会先拒绝，但这只是礼貌；温和地再次递上。 在日本，礼物的包装和礼物本身一样重要。礼物应该包装精美。避免白色包装纸——它与葬礼有关。和中国一样，不要送任何东西的四或九件。收礼时，礼貌的做法是等到以后再打开，因为立即打开可能显得贪婪。 在阿拉伯文化中，礼物表达友谊和好客。然而，千万不要送酒——这违反伊斯兰教信仰。也避免送任何猪皮制品。送礼时，用右手或双手，绝不要只用左手。如果你被邀请到家中，带糖果或给小孩子的礼物是很好的。但不要送花给生病的人——花是用于庆祝的，不是用于病痛的。 在德国，礼物通常在收到时立即打开。好的礼物选择包括鲜花（但先去掉包装）、优质巧克力，或来自你祖国的小纪念品。避免红玫瑰——它们是浪漫的。也不要送百合或菊花——它们是用于葬礼的。 在巴西，拜访别人家时通常要带礼物。避免紫色或黑色的包装纸——这些颜色与哀悼有关。好的选择包括葡萄酒、优质威士忌，或给小孩子的礼物。巴西人热情奔放，所以期待大大的感谢，甚至可能是一个拥抱！ 关键要点是什么？不确定时，就问一问。大多数人会欣赏你理解他们文化的努力，即使你犯了小错误。 答案解析 第1题：为什么在中国绝不要送钟作为礼物？ 正确答案：B 依据：第二段"the phrase 'giving a clock' sounds like 'attending a funeral' in Chinese" 技巧：因果题关注"sounds like"表示的语言谐音禁忌 第2题：在日本，什么时候打开礼物是礼貌的？ 正确答案：C 依据：第三段"it's polite to wait until later to open it" 技巧：时间题关注"wait until later"表示的时间延迟 第3题：在阿拉伯文化中，应该避免送什么？ 正确答案：B 依据：第四段"never give alcohol"和"avoid giving anything made from pigskin" 技巧：列举题关注"never"和"avoid"表示的禁忌事项 第4题：在德国，送花之前应该怎么做？ 正确答案：B 依据：第五段"flowers (but remove the wrapping first)" 技巧：步骤题关注括号内的补充说明 第5题：在巴西，应该避免什么颜色的包装纸？ 正确答案：C 依据：第六段"Avoid purple or black wrapping paper—these colors are associated with mourning" 技巧：细节题关注破折号后的原因解释 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 $Greeting around the world more than just hello, adapted from national geographic kids. When you meet someone for the first time, what do you do? In many countries, a simple handshake is enough, but around the world, people greet each other in many different ways. Understanding these customs can help you avoid awkward moments and show respect for other cultures. In japan, bowing is the traditional greeting. The deeper you bew, the more respect you show. A small bell is casual, while a deep, slow bell is formal and shows great respect. Handshakes are also common in business, but japanese people often combine them with a slight bow. In new zealand, the murry people have a special greeting called the honey. Two people press their noses and foreheads together. This action represents the sharing of breath, the breath of life. IT shows that the two people are now connected as one in friends. Close friends and family greet each other with law bice light cheek kisses. The number of kisses varies by region. In paris is usually too, but in other parts of france, IT can be three or four. However, this greeting is only for people you know well with strangers. A handshake is more appropriate. In india, many people greet others with nora stay. They press their palms together near their heart and about slightly. This gesture means I bow to the divine in you. It's a beautiful way of showing respect without physical touch. Learning these customs teaches us an important lesson. There is no single right way to greece. Someone what's polite in one culture might seem strange in another. So next time you meet someone from a different country, take a moment to learn their greeting. A small effort can make a big difference. Festivals of light celebrations across culture adapted from national geographic light is a powerful symbol in cultures around the world. IT represents hope, goodness and the Victory of light over darkness. Many festivals celebrate this idea, and there is diverse as the people who celebrate them. Diwali is india's most important festival celebrated by hindus, seeks and giants around the world, known as the festival of lights. IT usually falls in october or november. People light small oil lamps called dear and place them around their homes. Fireworks light up the sky and family share sweets and gifts. Diwali celebrates the Victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Honorem is an eighty jewish festival, usually in december. Each night, families lied another candle on a special candle holder code minora the festival war members. A miracle long ago when a small amount of oil burned for a day instead of one, children play with spinning tops called dreads, and families eat foods fried and oil like potato pancakes. Lantern festival Marks the end of chinese new year celebrations. On the fifteen day of the first lunar months, people release floating lanterns into the sky or on rivers. The lanterns Carry people's wishes and hopes for the new year. Some lanterns are simple, while others are a labor works of art shaped like dragons, flowers or animals. Same luchese day is celebrated in sweden on december thirteen eight. On this day, girls dressed in White robes with red sashes. One girl is chosen to be Lucia SHE wears a crowd of candles on her head. The family sing songs and deeds special suffern bands. This festival brings light to the darkest time of the year in scandinavia. These festivals remind us that no matter where we come from, we all share the same hope that light will always overcome darkness. Table manners don't make these mistakes. Adapted from BBC culture. You're sitting at a dinner table in another country, the food looks delicious, but suddenly you realize you have no idea what to do. Should you eat with your hands? Is IT OK to slip your noodles? Every culture has its own rules about eating, and making a mistake can be embarrassing. In japan, sloping your noodles is actually a compliment. IT shows that you are enjoying your meal, but don't pass food with your chopsticks. This reminds people of a funeral ritual where bones are past between chopsticks. Also, never stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. It's another symbol of death. In thailand, using a fork is interesting. The fork is used to push food onto your spoon, but IT never goes into your mouth, only the spoon touches your lips. And in many thai homes, people eat with a spoon and fork or chopsticks. In india, eating with your hands is common in many regions, but there's an important rule, use only your right hand. The left hand is considered unclean because it's used for personal. Before eating, everyone washes their hands thrilly. So it's perfectly clean. In italy, there are rules about pasta. Never cut your spaetzle a knife, italians toilet on their spoon or fork, and don't ask for extra cheese unless it's offered. Putting cheese on some seafood pasta dishes is considered wrong. In mexico, keeping your hands on the table is polite. In the united states is the opposite, hands in your lap or proper, except when you're using them to eat the golden rule. When in doubt, watch what locals do and follow their lead. Most people will appreciate your effort to respect their customs, even if you make small mistakes.