PFI English

10/05/2023

Food fit for a king?

England has a new king! Perhaps you watched the coronation on TV? It was pretty confusing to watch, and the first coronation I've ever seen. Did you know that only 56% of British people support the monarchy?

Charles has some interesting ideas about food and has long championed organic farming. Let's look at the food that was served for the coronation, check out this interesting article:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/02/dining/king-charles-coronation-food-quiche.html

31/12/2022

PFI 12 Days of Christmas: Day 12

For the 12th day of Christmas at PFI, we thought you might like to know some interesting information specifically about Taiwan and Christmas.

After some research, we found that Taiwan was the largest exporter of Christmas lights in the world until the 1990s! Taiwan also supplied the majority of plastic Christmas trees, ornaments, and toys to Europe, Japan and the US for several decades.

Although production was moved overseas to factories in China from the 1990s and on, Taiwanese companies still remain in charge of research and development. Imagine, the millions of people that celebrate Christmas, and the huge role that Taiwan plays in that celebration! Even though it seems like Christmas is a new holiday to Taiwan, but actually, Taiwan has been playing a role in Christmas for decades upon decades. That's pretty special, don't you think?

We hoped you enjoyed the 12 days of Christmas event at PFI English. *Did you learn anything new? What was the most interesting fact you learned?*

第 12 天了，我們想分享一些針對台灣和聖誕節的有趣事實。

經過一番研究，我們發現直到1990年代，台灣既然是全球最大的聖誕燈飾出口國！幾十年來，台灣還向歐洲、日本和美國供應了大部分塑料聖誕樹、裝飾品和玩具。

儘管從 1990 年代生產開始轉移到中國大陸，台灣公司仍然負責研發。想像一下，慶祝聖誕節的數百萬人，以及台灣在慶祝活動中扮演的巨大角色！雖然聖誕節對台灣來說似乎是一個新的節日，但實際上，台灣幾十年來一直扮演著聖誕節的重要角色。這很特別，你不覺得嗎？

我們希望你喜歡 PFI English 12 天的聖誕節活動。 *你學到了什麼新東西嗎？你覺得最有趣的事情是什麼？*

照片來源（1960年代的台灣）： https://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?post=25879&unit=20,20,29,35,35,45

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To enter the contest to win a free 1-1 class, all you have to do is answer the question at the end of the post for each day of the 12 days of Christmas. Put your answers in the comments section. At the end of the 12 days of Christmas posts, we will select a winner.

如何參加抽獎活動（贏得一堂免費一對一課程）：12 Days of Christmas的po文最後都有一個問題；在留言裡用英文回答即可參加！（全部12天的都要回答喔！）

Christmas is becoming big business in Taiwan. The 1968 season broke all records in the sale of decorative lights, ornaments and a wide variety of handicraft items for Yuletide display or giving. This ...

29/12/2022

PFI 12 Days of Christmas: Day 11

Have you ever wondered when you should take down your Christmas tree? The traditional date is the "twelfth day of Christmas." If you read the last post, you know that the twelfth day of Christmas varies depending on whether you first start counting on December 24th or December 25th. Therefore, the twelfth day of Christmas would be either January 5th or January 6th.

Some people like to take their trees down even earlier, before December 31st, to avoid "dragging old baggage and bad luck" into the new year. However, some people follow the earlier tradition of taking the tree down on "Candlemas," which is February 2nd. And some people leave their trees up all year long!

It really depends on what your family's tradition is and how you want to celebrate. *On which day do you take your tree down?*

你有好奇想過該哪一天把聖誕樹撤掉嗎？傳統日期是「聖誕節的第十二天」。如果你讀過上一篇文章，你就會知道聖誕節的 12 天會有所不同，取決於你是從 12 月 24 日還是 12 月 25 日開始計算聖誕節的第一天。因此，聖誕節的第十二天有可能是 1 月 5 日，也有可能是 1 月 6 日。

有些人甚至喜歡更早在 12 月 31 日之前就撤掉，以避免拖著舊包袱進入新的一年。然而，有些人遵循更早的傳統，在 2 月 2 日被稱為「Candlemas」的那一天撤掉聖誕樹。還有人則是整年都擺飾著聖誕樹呢！

這真的取決於你家的傳統是什麼以及你想如何慶祝聖誕節。 *你在哪一天把你的樹撤掉呢？*

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To enter the contest to win a free 1-1 class, all you have to do is answer the question at the end of the post for each day of the 12 days of Christmas. Put your answers in the comments section. At the end of the 12 days of Christmas posts, we will select a winner.

如何參加抽獎活動（贏得一堂免費一對一課程）：12 Days of Christmas的po文最後都有一個問題；在留言裡用英文回答即可參加！（全部12天的都要回答喔！）

26/12/2022

PFI 12 Days of Christmas: Day 10

When exactly is Christmas? Is it December 24th or 25th?

In certain Christian Churches, the 12 days of Christmas refers to the period of "Christmastide" from December 25th to January 5th. However, not everyone celebrates for the entire 12 days. For the most part, these are the dates that are celebrated across many countries:

December 24th: Christmas Eve
December 25th: Christmas Day
December 26th: Boxing Day

"Boxing Day" originated in the Middle Ages as a tradition of giving gifts to the poor on the day after Christmas. Today it has become a major shopping holiday. As for Christmas dinner, the main celebratory feast, some people celebrate it on Christmas Eve, whereas some people celebrate it on Christmas day. It really just depends on your family's traditions. *What day do you have Christmas dinner?*

聖誕節究竟是 12 月 24 日還是 12月 25 日呢？

在某些基督教會中，聖誕節的 12 天指的是從 12 月 24 日到 1 月 5 日的「Christmastide」時期。然而，並不是每個人都慶祝整整 12 天。在大多數情況下，這些是許多國家/地區慶祝的日期：

12 月 24 日：平安夜
12 月 25 日：聖誕節
12 月 26 日：節禮日

「節禮日」起源於中世紀，是聖誕節隔天贈送禮物給貧民的傳統。當今它已成為一個主要的購物節日。至於主要的聖誕大餐，有的人在平安夜吃，有的人在聖誕節那天吃。這方面就看每個家庭的傳統了。
*你哪天吃聖誕大餐呢？*

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To enter the contest to win a free 1-1 class, all you have to do is answer the question at the end of the post for each day of the 12 days of Christmas. Put your answers in the comments section. At the end of the 12 days of Christmas posts, we will select a winner.

如何參加抽獎活動（贏得一堂免費一對一課程）：12 Days of Christmas的po文最後都有一個問題；在留言裡用英文回答即可參加！（全部12天的都要回答喔！）

25/12/2022

PFI 12 Days of Christmas: Day 9

Have you seen this plant before? This is called “Holly,” and it is used as a decoration at Christmas. The thorny leaves are said to represent the crown of thorns Jesus wore when he was crucified, and the red berries symbolize his blood. However, long before the celebration of Christmas, ancient cultures such as the Celts and Romans also used Holly in their winter festivals. The evergreen leaves and bright red berries were symbolic of eternal life and thought to ward off evil spirits. *Have you ever used Holly decorations?*

你有見過這個植物嗎？這叫做「冬青」，在聖誕節用作裝飾。據說帶刺的葉子代表耶穌被釘在十字架上時戴的荊棘冠冕，紅色漿果象徵著他的血。但是早在慶祝聖誕節之前，古代的凱爾特人和羅馬人等也在他們的冬季節日中使用冬青。常綠的葉子和鮮紅的漿果象徵著永生，並被認為可以驅邪。 *你有用過冬青來裝飾嗎？*

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To enter the contest to win a free 1-1 class, all you have to do is answer the question at the end of the post for each day of the 12 days of Christmas. Put your answers in the comments section. At the end of the 12 days of Christmas posts, we will select a winner. 如何參加抽獎活動（贏得一堂免費一對一課程）：12 Days of Christmas的po文最後都有一個問題；在留言裡用英文回答即可參加！（全部12天的都要回答喔！）

23/12/2022

PFI 12 Days of Christmas: Day 8

Let’s talk about lights! Christmas lights can be seen not only on trees, but also on homes and buildings. Originally, people used candles to decorate their Christmas trees. This symbolized the stars that led the Three Wise Men to find the infant Jesus. However, candles were obviously dangerous, as it easily caused fires.

With the invention of lightbulbs and then affordable electricity, using electric strand lights to decorate became a widespread and dominant practice at Christmas. *Where is your favorite Christmas light display?*

今天來聊聖誕燈吧！聖誕燈不僅可以在樹上看到，還可以在房屋和建築物上看到。最初，人們用蠟燭來裝飾他們的聖誕樹。這象徵著帶領三位智者找到嬰兒耶穌的星星。但是，蠟燭顯然是危險的，因為它很容易引起火災。 隨著燈泡的發明和廉價的電力，使用串燈來裝飾成為聖誕節普遍的習俗。 *你最喜歡的聖誕燈飾在哪裡？*

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To enter the contest to win a free 1-1 class, all you have to do is answer the question at the end of the post for each day of the 12 days of Christmas. Put your answers in the comments section. At the end of the 12 days of Christmas posts, we will select a winner.

如何參加抽獎活動（贏得一堂免費一對一課程）：12 Days of Christmas的po文最後都有一個問題；在留言裡用英文回答即可參加！（全部12天的都要回答喔！）

21/12/2022

PFI 12 Days of Christmas: Day 7

Since we shared about Santa yesterday, it seems fitting to discuss the practice of giving gifts. The custom is thought to be a representation of the Three Wise Men giving gifts to the infant Jesus. This tradition was probably merged with the tradition of St. Nicholas, a gift-giving bishop in the 4th century, and over time evolved to become the practice we know today.

Today, many people participate in gift exchanges. You may have played games like "Secret Santa" or "White Elephant Gift Exchange." They are fun ways to enjoy the gift-giving tradition without needing to spend too much money. (There is usually a maximum on how much money to spend on a present in a gift exchange.) *Have you ever done a gift exchange? How was it?*

由於昨天分享了聖誕老人的資訊，似乎今天討論送禮的來源很合適！這個習俗據說是象徵「三博士朝聖」（也就是三位智者贈送禮物給剛誕生的耶穌的故事）。這個傳統很可能與四世紀贈禮主教聖尼古拉斯的傳統融合在一起，隨著時間便演變成了我們今天所熟悉的習俗。

如今，許多人參與禮物交換活動。你可能玩過 「神秘聖誕老人」或 「白象禮物交換」等遊戲。這些遊戲的發明讓我們可以不用花太多錢來享受送禮的傳統。 （在禮物交換中，通常有一個最多可以花多少錢購買禮物的規定。） *你有沒有做過禮物交換？有何感受？*

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To enter the contest to win a free 1-1 class, all you have to do is answer the question at the end of the post for each day of the 12 days of Christmas. Put your answers in the comments section. At the end of the 12 days of Christmas posts, we will select a winner.

如何參加抽獎活動（贏得一堂免費一對一課程）：12 Days of Christmas的po文最後都有一個問題；在留言裡用英文回答即可參加！（全部12天的都要回答喔！）

20/12/2022

PFI 12 Days of Christmas: Day 6

You might know him as "Santa" or "Santa Claus," but he has many names in different parts of the world. In English alone there are several names for Santa. He is also called "Saint Nicholas" (or "St. Nick" for short) which comes from Dutch culture. He is also known as "Kris Kringle" or "Pelznickle." In the UK, he is commonly known as "Father Christmas." He is typically portrayed as a kind and plump elderly man who brings gifts for children and is dressed in a red suit. *What is your favorite name for Santa?*

我們稱他為「聖誕老人」或「聖誕老公公」，但他在世界不同地方有不同的名字。 連在英語當中「聖誕老人」就有好幾個名字！ 他也被稱為「聖尼古拉斯」（或簡稱「聖尼克」），源於荷蘭文化。 他也被稱為「Kris Kringle」或「Pelznickle」。 在英國，他通常被稱為「聖誕之父」。 聖誕老人通常被描繪成一位身著紅衣的胖胖的老人，面向和藹，帶著禮物給各地的小孩。*你最喜歡聖誕老人的哪個名字呢？*

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To enter the contest to win a free 1-1 class, all you have to do is answer the question at the end of the post for each day of the 12 days of Christmas. Put your answers in the comments section. At the end of the 12 days of Christmas posts, we will select a winner.

如何參加抽獎活動（贏得一堂免費一對一課程）：12 Days of Christmas的po文最後都有一個問題；在留言裡用英文回答即可參加！（全部12天的都要回答喔！）

19/12/2022

PFI 12 Days of Christmas: Day 5

The most known Christmas songs probably include “Jingle Bells” and “Silent Night.” However, there are dozens of other Christmas songs that are also classics! Our favorite one this year is “Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley. Others include “Let It Snow,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” and “O Holy Night.” *What is your favorite Christmas song?*

最普遍的聖誕歌曲應該就是「鈴兒響叮噹」跟「平安夜」了，但是其實還有很多其他經典的聖誕歌曲（傳統的、流行的都有）我們今年最喜歡聽的是貓王唱的「藍色聖誕節」，快來聽聽看吧！其他經典歌曲包含「下雪吧！」、「我會回家過聖誕節」、跟「聖善夜」。
*你最喜歡聽的聖誕歌曲有哪些呢？*

https://youtu.be/WwdI-gbm5kE

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To enter the contest to win a free 1-1 class, all you have to do is answer the question at the end of the post for each day of the 12 days of Christmas. Put your answers in the comments section. At the end of the 12 days of Christmas posts, we will select a winner.

如何參加抽獎活動（贏得一堂免費一對一課程）：12 Days of Christmas的po文最後都有一個問題；在留言裡用英文回答即可參加！（全部12天的都要回答喔！）

"Blue Christmas" 68 Comeback Special by Elvis PresleyListen to Elvis Presley: https://Elvis.lnk.to/_listenYDBuy the full ’68 Comeback Special (50th Anniversa...

18/12/2022

PFI 12 Days of Christmas: Day 4

Some of the traditional foods eaten at Christmas include roast Turkey, eggnog, and gingerbread cookies. A more traditional dessert is the Christmas Cake. This cake is baked and then “fed” with alcohol for several months before it is eaten! *What do you usually eat on Christmas?*

聖誕節會吃的食物通常包含火雞、蛋酒、薑餅等等。一個比較傳統的料理是所謂的「聖誕蛋糕」，它的作法很特別，做完會擺2至3個月後才會拿來吃！有時也會用酒精去「養」蛋糕。*你在聖誕節通常吃什麼東西？*

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To enter the contest to win a free 1-1 class, all you have to do is answer the question at the end of the post for each day of the 12 days of Christmas. Put your answers in the comments section. At the end of the 12 days of Christmas posts, we will select a winner.

如何參加抽獎活動（贏得一堂免費一對一課程）：12 Days of Christmas的po文最後都有一個問題；在留言裡用英文回答即可參加！（全部12天的都要回答喔！）

17/12/2022

PFI English 12 Days of Christmas: Day 3

Mistletoe is a type of plant that is commonly used as a decoration during Christmas time. It is typically hung in a bunch from the ceiling, and people believe that it brings good luck and protection from evil. If you find yourself underneath the mistletoe with another person, you are supposed to kiss! *Have you ever encountered a plant like mistletoe?*

「槲寄生」是一種在聖誕節用的裝飾品，從天花板掛著，人們認為它可以帶來好運以及避邪。傳統上如果男女同時站在槲寄生下，他們必須親吻，否則會有不好的運氣！* 你有接觸過類似的植物嗎？*

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To enter the contest to win a free 1-1 class, all you have to do is answer the question at the end of the post for each day of the 12 days of Christmas. Put your answers in the comments section. At the end of the 12 days of Christmas posts, we will select a winner.

如何參加抽獎活動（贏得一堂免費一對一課程）：12 Days of Christmas的po文最後都有一個問題；在留言裡用英文回答即可參加！（全部12天的都要回答喔！）

16/12/2022

PFI 12 Days of Christmas: Day 2

Eggnog is a traditional Christmas drink whose origins date back to before the 17th century. It was traditionally mixed with alcohol like brandy, rum or whiskey, and used to toast to success and good health. It is a sweet drink that contains milk, eggs, and spices. Watch the video to learn how to make it yourself. *Have you ever had eggnog? If not, would you drink it?*

「蛋酒」是一種冬季的飲料，它在17世紀就已經流傳英國跟美國。傳統上會與酒精混合（例如白蘭地或威士忌），用來慶祝並祝福健康順利。蛋酒含有牛奶、雞蛋、及各種香料。看看這個影片，學會自己做蛋酒！*你喝過蛋酒嗎？如果沒有，你敢喝嗎？*

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4g9yoPVlhjI

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To enter the contest to win a free 1-1 class, all you have to do is answer the question at the end of the post for each day of the 12 days of Christmas. Put your answers in the comments section. At the end of the 12 days of Christmas posts, we will select a winner. 如何參加抽獎活動（贏得一堂免費一對一課程）：12 Days of Christmas的po文最後都有一個問題；在留言裡用英文回答即可參加！（全部12天的都要回答喔！）

This homemade eggnog is thick, creamy, rich, delicious and pretty easy to make! Tastes much better then store bought. Perfect drunk for Christmas and holiday...