English 8 Unit 6 Lesson 6

Материалами для English 8 Unit 6 Lesson 6 делится наша коллега Сафонова Татьяна.

Read and answer the questions:

Superstitions

The number 13 is very unlucky. This is true in many countries. But why? One suggestion is that 12 was a lucky number in ancient times so 13 is unlucky. Another suggestion is that at the Last Supper there were 12 apostles and Jesus.

Friday 13 is a very unlucky day. This is because a lot of bad things such as the death of Jesus happened on a Friday. Some countries do not have a 13^th floor!

Breaking a mirror brings 7 years of bad luck. The Romans believed the reflection in a mirror was a picture of a person’s spirit. As a result it was very bad luck to break one.

Spilling salt is also very unlucky. This is because salt was very valuable in the past. At the time of the Roman Empire soldiers received salt instead of money. This is the origin of the word “salary”. Salt was also used as a medicine. If you spill salt, you must throw it over your left shoulder so that you don’t become ill.

In Britain, it is good luck if a black cat crosses in front of you. This is because in ancient Egypt the cat was sacred. Many people believe that cats have nine lives.

Horseshoes are also lucky. Witches are afraid of horses and a horseshoe on the door protects the people inside. A horseshoe is also the shape of the crescent moon which brings good luck. Today you often find small silver horseshoes on wedding cakes.

Finally, touching wood is good luck and comes from the time when the Celts believed that gods lived in trees.

1. Why is number 13 very unlucky?
2. Why is Friday 13^th a very unlucky day?
3. What does breaking a mirror bring?
4. What is the origin of the word “salary”?
5. What are the superstitions about cats?
6. What are witches afraid of?
7. What can you find on a wedding cake?
8. Why is touching wood good luck?
9. Which British superstitions are similar to those in your country? Which are different?

Exercise