Flowers in Russian Culture

Reading II

A. Find out the single words for the following meanings.

a. a strong, usually pleasant smell rarr; aroma

b. different colours of paint, especially as used by an artist to a great degree → palette

c. lasting only a short time → immensely

d. the act or process of producing children or baby animals → procreation

e. enclose (something) in or as if in a capsule → encapsulate

f. a type of treatment which involves massaging the body with special fragrant oils → aromatherapy

g. causing to be kept away → deter

h. to be a sign of something that will happen in the future → foreshadow

B. Words like gift-giving, heartwarming, cardboard, etc., are compound words. Make a list of such compound words from the text.

List of compound words are:

1. gift-giving
2. heartwarming
3. cardboard
4. flower-gifting
5. flower etiquette
6. break-up
7. fortune-telling
8. newly-wed

C. Complete the sentences below with the correct information from the text.

a. People do not care which flowers they are receiving as long as the flowers are beautiful and they give a pleasant aroma.

b. Flowers are gifted worldwide to express affection.

c. Following the strict flower etiquette while gifting flowers in Russia saves you from offending people.

d. Red carnations symbolise a deep sense of patriotism produced by the Russian Social Democratic Workers' Party of Bolsheviks.

e. Russian people believe that the white carnation strips holders off good luck, so we should not gift them to performers.

f. Russian people do not gift red poppy flowers to their beloved ones because they think if they do so their love becomes weak.

g. When Russians want a break-up from their beloved ones, they gift yellow flowers.

h. Chamomiles have medical values so they can be used for the treatment of fatal diseases.

i. We should not gift a white lily bouquet in a Russian wedding as it symbolises death and foreshadows the split of the newly-wed couple..

D. Answer these questions.

a. Mention any two reasons for which people gift flowers to others.

People gift flowers to others to express goodwill and affection.

b. How do people feel when they are gifted flowers?

People feel heartwarming when they are gifted flowers.

c. What determines the selection of flowers for gifting in Russia?

The flower etiquette in Russia determines the selection of flowers for gifting, based on different occasions and settings.

d. Which event in Russian history is reflected by the red carnation?

The red carnation reflects the 1917 February Revolution in Russian history, as it was produced by the Russian Social Democratic Workers' Party of Bolsheviks.

e. Does a Russian like to keep a white carnation under his/ her pillow?Why?

Yes, a Russian believes that placing a white carnation under their pillow while sleeping leaves them inspired upon waking the next morning.

f. What's the reason for connecting the red puppy with fragile love?

The reason for connecting the red poppy with fragile love is that red poppy flowers symbolize weakness and fleeting love.

g. What makes the Russian people eat red puppy seeds in their wedding?

Russian people eat red poppy seeds in their wedding as a symbol of happiness for the married couple, and sometimes, the seeds are placed in the bride and groom's shoes as a symbol of procreation.

h. Do you prefer to grow chamomile in your garden? Why?

Yes, I would love to grow chamomile in my garden. Chamomile is a beautiful flower, and it has many health benefits. Chamomile is often used to make tea, and it is believed to have calming and relaxing properties.

i. What colour is chamomile?

Chamomile is a white flower with a yellow center.

j. Write the names of two flowers used for fortune telling.

Russian people eat red poppy seeds in their wedding as a symbol of happiness for the married couple, and sometimes, the seeds are placed in the bride and groom's shoes as a symbol of procreation.

k. Which flower is mostly used in Russian weddings?

Chamomile is the national flower of Russia and is often used in Russian weddings.

E. Do you know other flowers that are commonly used for gifting? Write the names of those flowers and the occasions on which they are gifted.

Yes, I know some other flowers that are commonly used for gifting and the occasions on which they are gifted:

• Roses: Roses are a popular flower for gifting on many occasions, including Valentine's Day, birthdays, and anniversaries. Red roses are often given as a romantic gesture, while yellow roses symbolize friendship.
• Lilies: Lilies are a beautiful and elegant flower that is often given as a sign of respect or admiration. White lilies are often given at funerals, while Easter lilies are a popular choice for springtime gifts.
• Orchids: Orchids are a rare and exotic flower that is often given as a gift to show someone that they are special. Orchids can be found in a variety of colors, making them a versatile choice for any occasion.
• Tulips: Tulips are a cheerful and colorful flower that is often given as a springtime gift. Tulips come in a variety of colors, making them a fun and festive choice for any occasion.
• Sunflowers: Sunflowers are a bright and cheerful flower that is often given as a symbol of happiness and optimism. Sunflowers are a popular choice for birthday gifts or as a way to brighten someone's day.
• Daffodils: Daffodils are a beautiful and cheerful flower that is often given as a sign of hope or new beginnings. Daffodils are a popular choice for springtime gifts or as a way to celebrate a new arrival.

Grammar II

A. Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the verb in the brackets.

a. The children arrived five minutes ago.

b. Ramchandra bought the ticket before he went to the cinema.

c. Alexander conquered one-fourth of the world before he was thirty.

d. When she came out of the airport, nobody was waiting for her.

f. I found a thousand rupee note in my pants pocket while I washed it.

g. Somebody knocked at my door while I was taking a rest.

h. Every year, he saves some money which he spent to buy a new house.

i. I had my breakfast before I went to work.

j. The train left before we reached the station.

B. Complete the story below with the correct form of the verbs given in the brackets.

A young lady entered a shop in Birendranagar, Surkhet. She put a few items of food in a bag. She chose a time when not many people were there in the street. She waited for the moment when no one else would see her running away. When the shopkeeper checked the goods, she gave him a thousand-rupee note. As soon as the shopkeeper opened the box, she snatched all the money from it. Meanwhile, she ran out of the shop before the shopkeeper realized what had happened. When the shopkeeper checked the amount in the box, he found that the thief had taken only Rs. 450. As the thief had left a thousand-rupee note behind, the operation had cost her Rs. 550.

Writing II

A. Write a story using the outlines given below.

The Bat, the Birds, and the Beasts

a great conflict between the birds and the beasts ....... two armies collected together ...... the bat refuses to join . says he is a beast .......... beasts request ...... says he is a bird ..... peace made, no battle ..... rejoicing ........ bat wishes to join ........... both turn against him ..... threaten to tear into pieces ...... bat flies away ......... moral

The Bat, the Birds, and the Beasts

Once upon a time, there was a big problem between the birds and the beasts. They were ready to fight with their armies all gathered. But there was a bat who didn't want to join either side. When asked why, the bat said it was a beast to the birds and a bird to the beasts.

Both sides were confused by the bat's answer. They thought the bat was trying to trick them. But the bat just wanted to avoid the fight. Surprisingly, the confusion made both the birds and the beasts realize how silly the fight was. They decided to make peace instead of fighting.

However, when the bat tried to join in the celebration, the birds and beasts turned on it. They got angry because of the bat's tricky answer. They threatened to hurt the bat. Scared and sad, the bat flew away. The story teaches us that it's important to be honest and true to ourselves, or we might end up in trouble.

B. Write a story that begins with the sentence 'One warm summer afternoon an old owl was dozing when a grasshopper disturbed it with a very raspy song.'

The Joyful Song of Summer

One warm summer afternoon, an old owl was dozing peacefully on a branch. The sun was shining, and the breeze gently rustled the leaves. The owl was lost in its dreams when suddenly, a loud and raspy song broke the silence. It was a grasshopper, hopping around and singing its heart out.

The owl opened its eyes and blinked in surprise. It was not pleased to be woken up from its nap. The raspy song of the grasshopper was not exactly soothing to its ears. Annoyed, the owl hooted softly, "What's all this noise about?"

The grasshopper, still excited about its song, replied, "Oh wise owl, I'm singing to celebrate the beautiful day and the golden sun!"

The owl, though grumpy from being disturbed, smiled at the grasshopper's enthusiasm. "Well, young one, your song might not be melodious to me, but I can see that you're joyful. Sing away!"

And so, the grasshopper continued its raspy song, hopping around with its heart full of happiness. The owl closed its eyes again, this time listening to the grasshopper's song with a sense of understanding. Sometimes, even the most unusual sounds can bring joy to others, and the old owl learned to appreciate the different tunes of the forest on that warm summer afternoon.