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