Reading

Reading

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

In the Netherlands, New Year's Day is always on January 1*. It’s very cold, so Dutch people stay home and clean their houses. They have a party and eat sweet bread and donuts. In the evening, they watch a funny TV show and then there are fireworks.

In Iran, New Year's Day is called Nowruz, and it's in March. The festival begins on the first day of spring and continues for almost two weeks. Nowruz is one of the most important holidays in Iran. Before the holiday, people clean their houses and buy new clothes. People put seven special things, including apples, coins, garlic, and grass, on their tables. Iranians visit everyone in their families and eat special meals. Adults give presents, such as money or gold, to children.

The Vietnamese Lunar New Year, or Tét Holiday, is celebrated in January or February. The date is different every year. It’s a big festival that lasts for several days. People don't go to work. They clean their houses and decorate their doors for good luck. People give each other presents and “lucky” money in red envelopes. They eat big dinners with their families. At night, they watch fireworks.

In the Philippines, the New Year starts on January 1*. People begin to celebrate the night before. They decorate the table with round foods such as apples and grapes. People also wear clothes with polka dots. They think that round things, like fruit, polka dots, and coins, bring good luck for the new year. Itis a fun and noisy holiday with fireworks at midnight.