New Year Superstitions

Drinking and kissing your spouse or life partner at the stroke of midnight is a very popular New Year superstition. 

Most superstitions, traditions and customs related to beginning of a year stems from the belief that whatever you do on the first day of the year will set the pattern for the whole coming year. 

Other superstitions are to ward off evil spirits and invite Lady Luck in our house. January 1st is supposed to be the most important day of the year as everything we do on this day is supposed to become a part of our life for the next 364 days. Some popular New Year superstitions are:

1. Avoid breaking things, crying and wailing on the first day of the year, if you don't want to continue the pattern for the entire year.
2. Babies born on 1st January is said to be the luckiest of all throughout their lives.
3. Do not let money, jewelry, precious items or other invaluable things leave your home on New Year Day. Do not pay loans and bills or lend things to anybody, if you do not want to show just-entered fortune the way to leave during the year. People go to the extent of not taking out garbage or even not dusting their carpets on this day to ensure that nothing goes out of home during the year.
4. Dress well throughout the year by wearing new clothes on January 1.
5. Evil One and his attendants and servants hate din and loud noise. So, scare them away by being as loud in New Year celebrations as possible. Church bells are rung at midnight for the purpose too.
6. Full larders, cupboards stocked up with food and wallets and purses full of money bring prosperity in New Year.
7. If you have to deliver presents on New Year morning, leave them in the car since New Year Eve on December 31st.
8. If you must take something out from the home, let someone come with the present inside the home first.
9. Never leave the home before someone comes in first. First footer in the house should be ushered in with a warm welcome and should not have flat feet, cross-eyes or eyebrows stretching out to meet in the middle.
10. Pay your bills and loans before New Year Eve, so you don't have any debt left for New Year.
11. People do not wash hair on New Year and wear festive red clothing for happiness all the year round.
12. The direction of wind during sunrise on New Year morning prophesizes about the coming year. Wind from south foretells fine weather and prosperous times ahead, wind from north foretells bad weather, wind from east foretells famine and natural calamities and wind from west foretells plenty of milk and fish for all but death of a person of great national importance. No wind means joy and prosperity throughout the year.
13. Token amount of work on first day of the year means advancements in career but starting out a serious work project is unlucky on New Year Day.
14. Washing dishes and doing laundry on this day is said to lead to a death in the family during the year.

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10 Unusual Traditions for Ringing in the New Year around the World

Did you know that in Switzerland people ring in the new year by dropping a dollop of cream on the floor? Or how about how Armenians bake special bread with “good luck” and “best wishes” stamped into it? We thought you didn’t. So in honor of 2010, here are 10 unusual traditions observed by different countries around the world.

1. Romania

In Romania, some believe that if you toss coins into the river, you’ll have good luck throughout the coming year. Even more impressive: some peasants use December 31st to predict the coming year’s weather by systematically peeling, salting and reading the skins of 12 onions. According to this source, “On St. Vasile’s Day or New Year’s Day, a person who is efficient in witchcraft and spells checks the level of the liquid left by the melted salt in each of the onions peels.” The level helps them determine the climate conditions in the new year.

2. Spain

In Spain, as the clock strikes 12, people eat twelve grapes—one for each month of the year, and for each toll of the bell. The tradition, which is believed to bring good luck, can be traced back to the year 1909 when there was a bountiful harvest in the town of Alicante and Alfonso XIII, the Spanish King, gave grapes to his peeps on New Year’s Eve.

3. Switzerland

Ever hear of dropping a dollop of cream on the floor to ring in the new year with good luck, wealth and peace? Well that’s what some do in Switzerland — it’s thought to bring a year of abundance. (Hey, don’t laugh… provided everyone cleans up his or her dollop, it’s a lot more civilized than screaming along with a trillion other people in Times Square.) Some Swiss also observe the tradition of dressing up in costumes to invoke good spirits and chase evil energies.

4. Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico, they blast car horns and boat whistles, ring church bells and beat drums to drive away evil spirits and demons. In some parts of the country they also throw pails of water from their windows at midnight in a bid to chase away the evil eye. Puerto Ricans also have an unusual tradition for bringing good luck in the coming year: they drop backwards into the breaking waves as the clock strikes 12.

5. Belgium

Belgium might be the only country where farmers wish their livestock happy new year to ensure 365 days of good health and well-being. Well, outside of India, where they bless cows frequently, and, of course, Sesame Street, where Bert and Ernie are always wishing the animals a happy this or that. Belgians are also known to exchange gifts on New Year’s, which they celebrate as Sint Sylvester Vooranvond (St. Sylvester Eve).

6. France

The French mix health and wealth and usher in the new beginning with a stack of pancakes. (Note to self: get rich quick scheme no. 145: open an iHop in Paris) Another unique custom in France is kissing under the mistletoe as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, sorta like Christmas traditions elsewhere.

7. Armenia

In Armenia, a special kind of bread is baked with good luck and best wishes stamped on it. Traditionally, people conduct a ‘Ritual of Fire’ on New Year’s Eve where all troubles pertaining to the old year are symbolically burnt. This is not to be confused with the “Ring of Fire’ in the fish tank on Finding Nemo.

8. Bolivia

In Bolivia, dolls made of straw and wood are hung outside homes for good luck. Coins are also baked into sweets. Whoever finds the coins will be prosperous in the New Year. It is also considered auspicious to leave 3 stones outside the door for health, prosperity and love. Other Bolivians elect to wear yellow-colored undies to bring themselves a new year full of money. Red undies, on the other hand, supposedly bring love.

9. Portugal

In the northern parts of Portugal, children traditionally sing carols as they visit houses where they are given coins and treats. The songs they sing are called janeiros and are said to bring good luck. As in Spain, eating 12 grapes at midnight ensures 12 months of happiness in the coming year.

10. Japan

Not unlike what happens in Chicago after every Cub’s season, the Japanese have ‘forget-the-year’ parties and generally consider it a time to forgive and forget. They hang straw ropes across their homes’ façades to ward away evil spirits and welcome good luck and happiness.

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New Year's Lesson

New Year's Day is the first day of a new year. In 2012, it is on a Sunday. New Year's is a national holiday, so schools, banks, post offices, and government buildings are closed. People celebrate New Year's by attending parties and staying awake until midnight on New Year's Eve. New Year's Eve is the night before New Year's. At midnight on New Year's Eve, party goers blow noisemakers, throw confetti, and kiss their partner. Some cities have firework displays. Times Square in New York City has a famous New Year's countdown just before midnight. At exactly midnight a large ball covered with lights slides down a pole. 

What is New Year's? It is the first day of a new year, and is always on January 1. In 2011, it is on a Saturday. New Year's Day is also a national holiday. Schools, banks, post offices, government buildings, and many stores are closed on New Year's.

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What is a New Year's resolution? A New Year's resolution is a promise you make to yourself. January 1st is a good time to think about changes you want to make in your life.

Christmasキャンペーン終了いたしました

みなさん、こんばんは。
12/25までのChristmasキャンペーンでは、たくさんの方にご入会いただき、
スタッフ、講師一同感謝しております。どうもありがとうございました！

ここ最近は、ネイティブ講師が面白いトピックや役立ちそうなトピックを
がんがん投稿してくれていますので、
英語が好きな方も苦手な方も是非チェックしてみてください。

早いものでもう2011年もあと3日。
大掃除やら何やらいろいろと今年やり残したことがある方は、
きれいさっぱり片付けて気持ちよく2012年を迎えてくださいね。
また来年多くの方とお話できることを楽しみにしています！

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Why do people sing "Auld Lang Syne" on New Year's Eve?

It is a mystery, even to most Western, native speakers of English. Why do people sing "Auld Lang Syne" on New Year's Eve?

Singing the song on Hogmanay or New Year’s Day very quickly became a Scots custom, which soon spread to other parts of the British Isles. As Scots (not to mention other Britons) emigrated around the world, they took the song with them.
Bandleader Guy Lombardo is often credited with popularizing the use of the song at New Year’s celebrations in America, through his annual broadcasts on radio and TV, beginning in 1929. However, he most certainly did not invent or first introduce the custom, even there.

BACKGROUND


"Auld Lang Syne" is a Scottish poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song (Roud # 6294). It is well known in many English-speaking countries and is often sung to celebrate the start of the new year at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Day.


The song's (Scots) title may be translated into English literally as "old long since", or more idiomatically, "long long ago" or "days gone by".


Auld Lang Syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne? 

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp,
And surely I'll be mine,
And we'll tak a cup o kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou'd the gowans fine,
But we've wander'd monie a weary fit,
Sin auld lang syne. 

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn
Frae morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin auld lang syne. 

And there's a hand my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o thine,
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang syne

Meanings

auld lang syne - times gone by
be - pay for
braes - hills
braid - broad
burn - stream
dine - dinner time
fiere - friend
fit - foot
gowans - daisies
guid-willie waught - goodwill drink
monie - many
morning sun - noon
paidl't - paddled
pint-stowp - pint tankard
pou'd - pulled
twa - two




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Learning English - New Year Resolutions

Welcome to another new year! Do you have any new year resolutions?
'New year's' resolutions or 'New year' resolutions.
Both can be used. 'New year's' is possessive.
From the Telegraph

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Learning English - ''A Christmas Carol''

In this festive lesson we listen to a story by Charles Dickens. 'A Christmas Carol' tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge. The story is set in 1843 and takes place in London. It is a ghost story with a moral message.

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CHRISTMAS VOCABULARY

Christmas is the annual celebration, by Christians, of the birth  on  25 December  of Jesus Christ,  hence the name Christmas. It is an occasion for most people to spend time with their family and friends,  send greeting cards  and  exchanges  presents.
Bethlehem	The town thought to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
Boxing Day	In the UK, December 26 is called Boxing Day.  It was traditionally a day to give presents   to the poor.
Candle	A round stick of wax with a central wick which is lit to give light as it burns.
Chimney	A vertical structure which extends through the roof of a house and allows smoke to   escape from the fireplace.   Santa Claus (Father Christmas) traditionally enters a house through the chimney.
Christmas	The annual celebration by Christians of the birth of Jesus Christ on 25 December.
Christmas cake	A rich fruit cake covered with marzipan and icing, eaten at Christmas
Christmas card	A greetings card sent to friends and family at Christmas
Christmas carol	A joyful traditional song or hymn sung at Christmas.   Singers visit people's houses at Christmas to sing carols and collect money, usually   for charity.
Christmas Day	25 December, the birthday of Jesus Christ.
Christmas Eve	24 December, the evening or day before Christmas Day.
Christmas tree	An evergreen tree which people decorate with lights, tinsel, etc. at Christmas
Cracker	A decorated cardboard tube wrapped in paper, that makes a sharp explosive noise   ("crack!") and releases a small gift when two people pull it apart.
Egg-nog	A traditional Christmas drink in the US made of beaten eggs, milk or cream, sugar   and alcohol.
Frankincense	Sweet-smelling gum from a tree, burnt as incense : one of the gifts that the three wise   men gave to Jesus.
Holly	Evergreen shrub with red berries used for decoration at Christmas.
Joseph	Husband of Mary (mother of Jesus)
Mary	The mother of Jesus
Mistletoe	A parasitic plant with evergreen leaves and white berries, traditionally used as a   Christmas decoration. When 2 people walk under the plant, they are supposed to kiss.
Myrrh	Gum from a tree, used for perfume or incense :  one of the gifts given to Jesus by the   three wise men.
Ornament	A decoration which, at Christmas, is hung on a Christmas tree.
Reindeer	A large deer with branching antlers found in some cold climates, and thought to pull   Santa's sleigh.
Santa Claus	An imaginary bearded old man, wearing a red suit, who lives at the North Pole and   brings presents for children at Christmas.  Traditionally Santa Claus travels in a sleigh   pulled by reindeers and enters the house through the chimney on Christmas Eve.
Sleigh	A sledge or light cart pulled by horses or reindeer over snow and ice.
Tinsel	A glittering material produced in strips and used for decoration at Christmas.
Turkey	Large bird very often eaten at Christmas.
Wreath	Circular band of flowers or leaves used to decorate the front door of homes at   Christmas.
Xmas	Abbreviation for 'Christmas'.

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Ten Words You Need To Stop Misspelling

Click on the image below to get a better look at some of the most common English mistakes made by Native Speakers. 

Look Carefully! 

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Some & Any

The words some and any are used for countable and uncountable nouns. In general, we could say that some means a few / a little and any means none in negative clauses or a few / a little in questions.

Positive Clauses

In positive clauses, we usually use some.

Example:

I have bought some bread.

I have bought some apples.

Negative Clauses

In negative clauses, we use any. Note, however, that any alone is not a negative - it must be not ... any

Example:

I have not bought any bread.

I have not bought any apples.

Questions

In questions, we usually use any.

Example:

Have you bought any bread?

Have you bought any apples?

Compound Words with some & any

Some & any can also be part of compound words such as:

• something / anything
• someone / anyone
• somewhere / anywhere

Note that some & any have to be used with a noun while compound words with some & any can stand on their own.

Example:

I have bought some bread.

I have bought something.

However, some and any need not stand directly before the noun. Sometimes, the noun appears somewhere before some or any and is not repeated. So if you are not sure whether to use some or something for example, check if there is a noun in the sentence that you can place after some.

Example:

I do not have to buy bread. Rachel has already bought some [bread].

Exceptions

Positive Clauses with Any

We usually use some in positive clauses. But after never, without, hardly, we use any.

Example:

We never go anywhere.

She did her homework without any help.

There’s hardly anyone here.

Also in

The Figure »0«

nought	-	in general (British English)
zero	-	in general (American English)
	-	in measurements of temperature (British and American English)
	-	in count-downs (British and American English)
	-	score in team games, e.g. football (American English)
oh	-	when each figure is said separately (e.g. in phone numbers, account numbers etc.)
nil	-	score in team games, e.g. football (British English)
love	-	in tennis and similar games                                  www.japolish.com

Japolish Quick Tips on learning English

Speak without Fear


The biggest problem most people face in learning a new language is their own fear.  They worry that they won’t say things correctly or that they will look stupid so they don’t talk at all.  


Don’t do this. The fastest way to learn anything is to do it – again and again until you get it right.  Like anything,learning English requires practice.  Don’t let a little fear stop you from getting what you want. 

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Japolish Quick Tips on learning English

While doing exercises and alone at home or in your room, speak English aloud.

Connect the muscles of your face to the information in your head. Just as understanding the basics of tennis does not make you a great tennis player, understanding grammar rules does not mean you can automatically speak English well. 

You need to practice the act of speaking often. Speaking by yourself at home and reading the exercises you are doing will help connect your brain to your facial muscles and improve pronunciation and make your knowledge active.

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Japolish Quick Tips on learning English

Ask yourself weekly: What do I want to learn today/ this week?

Asking yourself this question every day/week will help you stop and think for a moment about what is most important to you. It is easy to focus only on the current unit, grammar exercise, etc. If you take a moment to stop and set a goal for yourself every week, you will notice the progress you are making and, in turn, become more inspired by how quickly you are learning English!

You will be surprised at how this feeling of success will motivate you to learn even more English.

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Japolish Tips: Common Mistakes by Japanese Speakers of English

Over use of transition words: 

On the one hand, you have mistakes of omission and on the other hand, you have mistakes of overuse. 

Words and phrases like consequently, on the one hand, and on the other hand help writers communicate the flow of thought. These words highlight the connection between two consecutive sentences or paragraphs.

English texts written by Japanese speakers tend to have too many of these words. Native English writers also use these words, but sparingly.

•  Incorrect: We should establish an online system for registering new users. On the other hand, we should make the system simple and user-friendly.
• Correct: We should establish an online system for registering new users. We should make the system simple and user-friendly.

Another problem with the use of transition words is that they are used incorrectly, as in the above example. A phrase such as on the other hand is used to indicate contrast or opposition. However, establishing a system and making it user-friendly are not opposing ideas. So the use of the phrase is incorrect.

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Japolish Tips: Common Mistakes by Japanese Speakers of English

Written English

Omission of articles: Missing articles are the most easily recognizable mistakes in English texts written by Japanese speakers. Most of the mistakes pertain to the use of definite articles.

There are two main problems that make it difficult for Japanese speakers to master the use of definite articles:

1.       the Japanese language lacks an article system; therefore, the speakers lack a point of reference and the rules for using the definite article are not concretely defined.

2.       In fact, the use of definite articles seems to be one of those skills that native speakers acquire almost unconsciously.

Nonnative: We interviewed 15 children with brown for our study. Children were divided into two groups on the basis of weight and height.

Native: We interviewed 15 children with brown eyes for our study. The children were divided into two groups on the basis of weight and height.

Because this skill is acquired almost unconsciously by native speakers, it requires the non-native to really think about this skill.

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