April 25 is ANZAC day. It is a day to commemorate the Australians who died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations; a day of national remembrance.

April 25 was the day that Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed on the shores of Gallipoli (in Turkey) in 1915 during World War One. The first ANZAC day was held the following year in 1916 to remember those who died in that battle. In recent years, however, ANZAC day has become a day to remember all the Australians who died during all conflicts.

What does ANZAC mean?

ANZAC is an acronym for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The soldiers themselves were known as ANZACs

What happens on ANZAC day?

ANZAC day is a public holiday. The ‘dawn service’ is carried out in capital cities and towns. This is a military routine that is performed for the public especially on this day. Many people get up very early to go and watch.

In Canberra, the ANZAC day ceremony is carried out at 10:15am at the Australian War Memorial. The Prime Minister attends this ceremony. The ceremony includes prayers, a period of silence, the laying of wreaths and the singing of the national anthem.

In many cities there is also a parade. Former soldiers and others who have participated in war parade down the main street while members of the public stand and wave flags or just watch.

Vocabulary

Conflict                                                         紛争

Peace-keeping operations              平和維持活動

National remembrance                            国会的記念

World War One                                                第一次世界大戦

Acronym                                              頭文字

Wreath                                                花輪

National anthem                             国歌

Parade                                                  パレード

Flag                                                        国旗

Welcome to the first post in a series of blog posts written in easy English about what’s happening at ARET. This series is aimed at providing easy English language reading material for our followers, including the many Japanese students or travellers who have used our services in the past or who wish to travel with us in the future. Enjoy!

Easter.

In Australia, when people think of Easter they think of chocolate. Shops sell chocolates in the shape of eggs or bunny rabbits and people buy them to give to their friends or family. These chocolates are called Easter eggs. Children love Easter because they can eat a lot of chocolate. Children believe that the Easter Bunny delivers chocolates to them in the middle of the night (like Santa Claus delivers presents in the middle of the night). So Easter is exciting for children.

The date of Easter is different every year, but it is always on a Sunday in April or sometimes late March. The origins of Easter or course have nothing to do with chocolate. Easter is the most important festival of the year for Christians. Easter Sunday is the day that Christians believe Jesus Christ was resurrected. The Friday before Easter Sunday is called Good Friday and is believed to be the day that Jesus Christ was crucified.

Good Friday and the Monday following Easter Sunday are public holidays so Australians enjoy a 4-day long weekend over Easter. Most Australians spend this time with family and loved ones (eating too much chocolate!).

Vocabulary

Easter: 復活祭

Origin: 由来

Is resurrected:　復活する

Crucify: （人を）十字架に張り付ける

Public holiday:　祝日

Long weekend:　連休

Loved ones:　家族や友人、愛する人たち