Title: PROTOTYPE COLUMN

Different traditions

Traditional holidays in different countries

The traditional holiday is celebrated differently in various countries. Can you correctly match the traditions?

Traditional holidays in transition

Have a look at how traditions associated with the traditional holiday have changed over the course of several centuries.

Q: What important differences can you identify in the way the traditional holiday was celebrated in the past compared to today? Note them down.
A: The traditional holiday celebrations have evolved significantly over time. In 1700, John describes a communal celebration in a village square with fireworks and a large bonfire, emphasizing warding off evil spirits and bringing good fortune. By 1850, Sarah's description focuses on family gatherings at home, with festive decorations and a feast, reflecting on the past year and making resolutions. In 2023, Emily highlights a large public event in Times Square with the iconic ball drop, parties, music, and fireworks, showing a shift towards large-scale public celebrations and media coverage. These differences illustrate changes in social dynamics, technology, and cultural practices over time.

[Image: Worksheet Image]

A different side of the tradition

Now read the newspaper article on the following page. What problem is being addressed here?

New Year's Eve: The Hidden Cost of Fireworks

Every New Year's Eve, the skies over the Netherlands are lit with spectacular displays of fireworks. While these colorful explosions are a sight to behold, they come at a significant cost. The tradition of allowing ordinary citizens to ignite fireworks between 6 PM on December 31 and 2 AM on January 1 has led to increasing concerns over safety and environmental impact.

Fireworks in the Netherlands. Photo by Peter van der Sluijs [CC BY-SA 3.0]

In recent years, the Netherlands has seen a troubling rise in injuries and property damage related to New Year's Eve fireworks. In 2016/17, a staggering 61% of victims were innocent bystanders, while the rest were the igniters themselves. The air pollution caused by the smoke from fireworks exacerbates respiratory problems and has even led to fatal traffic accidents due to smog.

The Dutch government has taken steps to mitigate these issues, such as limiting the sale of fireworks to the last three days of the year and imposing stricter safety regulations. However, illegal fireworks continue to pose a major problem, with an estimated one million kilos entering the country annually. Efforts to harmonize European safety standards have been ongoing, but the road to a safer New Year's Eve is still fraught with challenges.

As discussions about stricter regulations or even a complete ban on consumer fireworks continue, the Netherlands faces a delicate balance between tradition and safety. While fireworks are a cherished part of New Year's Eve celebrations, the hidden costs of injuries, environmental damage, and public safety cannot be ignored.

Discussion - Partner Work

Now prepare a discussion with role cards in partner work. One of you will take the pro position, and the other person will take the contra position. In addition to the arguments on the role cards, try to find other arguments for your position.

Discussion

Now have a discussion with your partner and try to convince them of your opinion.

Q: Considering both the positive and negative aspects of New Year's Eve celebrations as highlighted by Jessica and Michael, how could society improve these celebrations to reduce environmental impact and consumerism while still maintaining the joy and sense of community?
A: To improve New Year's Eve celebrations and address the concerns raised by Michael, society could adopt several measures. First, promoting the use of eco-friendly fireworks or laser light shows could significantly reduce environmental damage. Encouraging people to celebrate with reusable decorations and minimizing single-use plastics at parties can also help. Additionally, shifting the focus from consumerism to meaningful experiences, such as spending quality time with loved ones or participating in community service, can preserve the essence of the holiday. Education and awareness campaigns about sustainable practices during the festive season could further foster a culture of responsibility and mindfulness.

Further questions

Choose one of the following three questions, and answer them in a short text.

Q: Evaluate the environmental impact of traditional New Year's Eve celebrations and propose alternative ways to celebrate that are more eco-friendly.
A: Traditional New Year's Eve celebrations often involve fireworks, which release harmful chemicals into the air and contribute to pollution. Additionally, parties generate a significant amount of waste, from single-use plastics to food scraps. To celebrate in a more eco-friendly manner, individuals can opt for light shows or laser displays instead of fireworks, host zero-waste parties by using biodegradable or reusable items, and encourage carpooling or public transportation to reduce carbon emissions.

Q: Discuss the societal implications of consumerism during New Year's Eve and how it affects the true meaning of the holiday.
A: Consumerism during New Year's Eve is evident in the purchase of party supplies, elaborate outfits, and expensive event tickets. This focus on spending can detract from the holiday's true meaning of reflection, togetherness, and new beginnings. The societal implications include increased financial pressure on individuals, wastefulness, and a shift in values towards materialism. A more meaningful celebration could involve spending quality time with loved ones, engaging in community service, or setting personal and communal goals for the new year.

Q: Give your opinion on how New Year's Eve traditions can be adapted to balance festive joy with environmental and social responsibility.
A: New Year's Eve traditions can be adapted by incorporating sustainability and social consciousness into celebrations. For instance, communities can organize public events that minimize waste and pollution, such as outdoor concerts with eco-friendly practices or neighborhood potlucks using locally-sourced ingredients. Individuals can also focus on giving back, such as through volunteering or donating to charitable causes. Balancing festive joy with responsibility involves being mindful of the impact of our celebrations and making choices that promote a healthier environment and society.