Introduction
Christmas is a favorite holiday for people all over the world, and almost all Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus.
In this WebQuest, you will learn what people in various countries do on Christmas, what they eat, and how they spend the holidays, and you will reflect these and create a Santa of each country.
First, let’s watch a video showing Christmas in Korea.
https://youtu.be/QECI-91wfmY?si=MPUok8Oa40vAe3h9
Task
You need to work with in teams of four people. Your group will read the script and learn how Korean people view Christmas.
The script is:
|
Announcer: Streets are being adorned with beautiful lights and decoration, a reminder that Christmas is right around the corner just in time. A very special festival is held at Chung-gye Plaza. The reporter takes us there. Reporter: Chung-gye Plaza in central Seoul served on Friday as the venue of a 55 special event. It was the opening ceremony of the 2019 Seoul Christmas festival. Performers sing Carol songs to warm up the atmosphere, and despite the bitter cold weather, many make their way to the event. The highlight of the ceremony was the Christmas tree lighting ceremony with public officials including the mayor of Seoul, delivering messages of hope and peace. Mayor of Seoul: In the new year, I hope our society is filled with peace rather than conflict and I hope peace comes to North Korea too, and may peace and happiness be with everyone in the new year. 1st Vice Minister: In this fifth edition of the festival, I hope those of us who are tired can find consolation, encouragement, and harmony. I also hope the lights of chung-gye-cheon streem brighten the city, making this into a winter celebration and a world landmark for sharing love and happiness. Reporter: The festival, which lasts until the first day of January next year, takes place along approximately 1.2 kilometers of the Chung-gye-cheon stream, from Chung-gye Plaza to the bridge near Jong-gak Station. Along the way, people can enjoy five zones with various LED light sculptures, including the santa zone where people can feel as if they are in Santa's Village. Citizen 1: I came here with my friends and I think the scenery is so pretty. It is a good place to make memories. Citizen 2: I came with my boyfriend. This is actually my first time here, and it is really good time. Reporter: This is not the only place where you can enjoy the holiday spirit. In Korea's southern port city of Busan, where the Asean-Korea commemorative submit recently took place, the Busan Christmas tree cultural festival in Seo-myeon tree festival, are two events that have already captivated residents and visitors alike, with lights, colors and all the joy of the season. |
Then, look for some information about Christmas traditions of other countries such as Japan, England, France, the USA, Australia, China, Norway, Taipei, and so on. You can choose any country you like.
Process
- Find out how Christmas is celebrated in a country
: Visit websites like Wikipedia (https://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/크리스마스)to find out which countries make Christmas a public holiday, when, and why.
- Search what a country eats and how the people spends on Christmas
: You can search on Youtube and utilize some videos like a Christmas vlog.
: You can also search on Google or Blog. The online sources you consult should give you a good idea of what people in each country do at Christmas.
- Compare with Korea
: Your group can compare what you have learned about Korea on Christmas from a script, with the country you selected.
- Make your group own Santa
: Let's draw a Santa that reflects the perception of Christmas, the food eaten, and customs in the country your group studied.
Evaluation
Your group will be required to present your group own Santa. Your group’s presentation will be made on what you have learned, and include :
- Korean people's perception of Christmas as judged by your group
- The country chosen by your group and how its people spend Christmas
- Your group’s Santa reflects that custom.
Conclusion
In this WebQuest, you present your findings of Christmas celebration around the world, and your group’s Santa. You can also get information about Christmas in other countries by listening to Santas and presentations from different groups. By doing so, you can ultimately become aware of the differences between cultures and ultimately improve your multicultural sensitivity by doing additional research on the related history and background.