【大学受験対策】英語長文問題65（祭り）321語＋和訳・解答解説

Festivals and holidays are more than just occasions for rest or celebration—they are windows into the beliefs, histories, and values of a society. From national independence days to religious observances and seasonal festivals, the way people celebrate varies widely across cultures, revealing what different communities consider important.

In Japan, for example, Obon is a summer event during which families honor the spirits of their ancestors. People return to their hometowns, clean family graves, and participate in traditional dances called Bon Odori. This reflects the Japanese emphasis on familial bonds and respect for heritage. Similarly, Mexico’s Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) blends indigenous traditions with Catholicism to celebrate and remember deceased loved ones. Colorful altars, offerings of food and drink, and cheerful gatherings demonstrate how death is not feared but embraced as a natural part of life.

In contrast, holidays in Western cultures often highlight individual freedom and national identity. The Fourth of July in the United States commemorates the country’s independence, with fireworks, parades, and patriotic speeches. Bastille Day in France celebrates the French Revolution’s ideals of liberty and equality. These holidays reflect societies that prioritize civic pride, political freedom, and historical consciousness.

Some festivals celebrate nature and seasonal change. India’s Holi, known as the festival of colors, marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. It involves throwing colored powder, dancing, and forgiving past conflicts. In Sweden, Midsummer is celebrated with dancing around maypoles and enjoying nature, reflecting the country’s deep connection with the natural world.

While the forms of celebration differ, all of these events serve a common purpose: they reinforce social bonds and remind people of shared values. Whether it is through honoring ancestors, celebrating independence, or embracing nature, festivals help communities preserve identity and pass down beliefs across generations. By understanding how and why people celebrate, we gain insight not only into their culture—but into what they hold most dear.

Q1. What common theme links the celebrations described in the passage?

1. They focus primarily on competitive games and communal athletic events.
2. They center on honoring ancestors and maintaining enduring family connections.
3. They celebrate national independence through fireworks, speeches, and civic parades.
4. They promote active environmental conservation through large-scale public tree planting.

Q2. According to the passage, what unites Holi and Midsummer celebrations?

1. Both commemorate historic revolutions that established modern democratic governments.
2. Both mark seasonal change and celebrate humanity’s relationship with nature.
3. Both involve somber religious rituals conducted exclusively inside sacred temples.
4. Both last for an entire month under strict legal regulations.

Q3. Which of the following statements is NOT mentioned in the passage?

1. Holidays can reveal a society’s underlying beliefs and historical narratives.
2. Global tourism statistics indicate festival attendance decreases overall social cohesion worldwide.
3. Western national holidays often emphasize ideals of freedom, equality, and civic pride.
4. Festivals strengthen communal bonds and transmit shared values between generations.