Level B2 General English
Lesson 66
Paranormal Beliefs
超常信仰

1
TOPIC QUESTION
今日のトピック

Do you believe that certain items such as goodluck charms can protect you from evil?
幸運のお守りといったようなアイテムは本当にあなたを悪いものから守ってくれると思いますか?

2
ARTICLE
記事

Directions: Read the following article aloud.
課題: 以下の記事をはっきりとした声で音読しましょう。
Mirrors are a Spiritual Item in Japan

Many people all over the world believe in good luck charms and symbols. These objects could be anything from rabbits feet to jewelry, stones and crystals. They believe that if you carry these objects with you, they will bring you good luck or protect you from evil influences. Every country has its own superstitions.

One of the most common spiritual items in Japan is the mirror. A round mirror is often a symbol of the sun. The rounded mirror reflects sun light and it looks like the sun itself. The sun god is the major deity of Shinto religion, and it is said that the emperor of Japan is a direct descendant of this deity. However, some people cover their mirrors at night as they think an evil spirit might pass through it. In the UK if you break a mirror, it is said to cause seven years of bad luck.

Some people have lucky or unlucky numbers. For example, in Japan the number four is considered unlucky as the word also means death. In the UK the number 13 is thought to be unlucky but nobody really knows why. There is even a horror film called “Friday the 13th”. Is it luck or is it chance? Who knows?

3
VOCABULARY
語い

Directions: First repeat after your tutor and then read aloud by yourself.
課題: 先生の後に続いてくり返した後、今度はひとりで発音してみましょう。

charm
魔よけ、お守り
symbol
象徴
crystal
水晶
superstition
迷信
deity
神、神格
descendant
子孫

4
QUESTIONS
質問

Directions: Read the questions aloud and answer them.
課題: 質問を声に出して読んだ後、答えてみましょう。

1. Why do people carry good luck charms?
2. What is a common spiritual item in Japan?
3. Which numbers are unlucky and why?
4. Do you believe in good luck charms? Explain why or why not.