Issue — March 2026

Spring Around the World: Flowers, Festivals, and Fresh Starts

A2 News Article 36 sentences

Spring Around the World: Flowers, Festivals, and Fresh Starts 0 / 36

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How people in different countries welcome the first warm days of the year.

Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Every spring, people in Japan celebrate the arrival of cherry blossoms. The tradition is called Hanami. Friends and families sit under the pink blossom trees and eat special food. They take photos and enjoy the beautiful flowers. This ancient custom brings joy to millions of people.

Spring Around the World: Flowers, Festivals, and Fresh Starts — image 2

Nowruz, the Persian New Year

In Iran and other countries, people welcome spring with Nowruz. It means "new day" and marks the first day of the year. Families clean their homes and set a table with seven special things. These items are a symbol of health, love, and nature. People visit friends and wish them a happy new year.

Holi, the Festival of Colors

In India, Holi is a fun festival in March. People throw colored powder at each other in the streets. The colors are a symbol of spring and new life. Families share sweets and greet their neighbors with big smiles. After the rain washes the colors away, everyone feels happy and fresh.

Songkran in Thailand

In Thailand, the new year is called Songkran. It happens in April when the weather is very hot. People pour water on each other to cool down and to welcome the new year. There are big parades in the streets with music and dancing. It is one of the most cheerful times of the year.

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May Day in Europe

On May 1st, many European countries celebrate spring with May Day. People decorate their homes with flowers and leaves. In some towns, there is a community dance around a tall pole with ribbons. It is a time to feel cheerful and enjoy the end of cold winter.

Easter Around the World

Easter is a special spring festival for many people. Children look for eggs hidden in gardens or parks. Families eat a big meal together and greet relatives. In some places, people carry lanterns at night. Easter is a symbol of hope, fresh starts, and the harvest of new life.

Quiz

0/5

1What is the Japanese tradition of viewing cherry blossoms called?

The article says the tradition of viewing cherry blossoms in Japan is called Hanami.
2What do people throw during Holi in India?

The article explains that during Holi, people throw colored powder at each other.
3In which month does Songkran take place in Thailand?

The article states that Songkran happens in April.
4What does the word "Nowruz" mean?

The article says Nowruz means "new day".
5What do children often search for at Easter?

The article mentions that at Easter, children look for eggs hidden in gardens or parks.

Must Know 15

ancient Adjective Very old; having existed for a very long time, often referring to historical periods thousands of years ago.
arrival Noun The act of reaching a place or coming to a person, especially at the end of a journey.
blossom Noun The flowers that appear on a tree or plant before the fruit develops; also used to refer to a period of flowering or flourishing.
celebrate Verb To do something special or enjoyable in order to mark a happy or important occasion, such as a birthday, holiday, or achievement.
cheerful Adjective Feeling or showing happiness and positivity; in a good mood.
community Noun the people living in one particular area or people who are considered as a unit because of their common interests , social group , or nationality : a group of animals or plants that live or grow together the general public : on social media , a group of people who have similar interests or who want to achieve something together:
decorate Verb To make something look more attractive by adding nice things to it, or to add decoration to something.
festival Noun A day or period of religious or cultural celebration, typically with public events, performances, or activities enjoyed by many people.
greet Verb To say hello to someone or to welcome someone in a friendly way.
harvest Noun The process or period of gathering ripe crops from the fields, or the crops themselves that are gathered.
lantern Noun A lantern is a portable lamp with a protective case, typically with a handle, used to carry light.
parade Noun A public procession of people and vehicles marching together in a formal way, usually to celebrate an event, holiday, or achievement.
symbol Noun A sign, shape, or object that is used to represent something else, especially an abstract idea, quality, or concept.
tradition Noun A belief, custom, or way of doing something that has existed for a long time among a particular group of people, passed down from one generation to the next.
welcome Verb to be pleased about and encourage or support something: to meet and speak to someone in a friendly way when they arrive :