| People in the United States honor their
parents with two special days: Mother's Day, on the second Sunday in May, and
Father's Day on the third Sunday in June. These days are set aside to show love
and respect for parents. They raise their children and educate them to be
responsible citizens. They give love and care. These two special days are celebrated in many different ways. On Mother's Day people wear carnations (康乃馨). A red one symbolizes a living mother. A white one shows that the mother is dead. Many people attend religious services to honor parents. It is also a day when people whose parents are dead visit the cemetery (墓地). These days families get together at home, as well as in restaurants. They often have outdoor barbecues for Father's Day. These are days of fun and good feelings and memories. Another tradition is to give cards and gifts. Children make them in school. Many people make their own presents. These are valued more than the ones bought in stores. It is not the value of the gift that is important, but it is" the thought that counts". Greeting card stores, florists, candy makers, bakeries, telephone companies, and other stores do a lot of business during these holidays. |