13 Moments 70 Life moments 1 1 What is the origin of gender reveal parties? 2 What is the primary purpose of a baby shower? 3 What distinguishes a hen party from other types of celebrations? 4 What is the purpose of a funeral brunch? Each country has its own way to live and enjoy the top moments of one9s life& here are some examples of particular trends typical of Anglo-Saxon countries. Gender reveal parties : The term was coined in 2008 by a blogger to indicate a celebration in which soon-to-be parents reveal the sex of their baby to friends and family or find out themselves. Some couples opt for the classic cutting of the cake to reveal pink or blue cream inside; others opt for balloons filled with pink or blue confetti , but if you go online you can see many different options which have been filmed and posted. Lately, however, these parties are falling out of favour because of the emphasis they put on biological sex rather than gender identity. READING Answer the questions. 2 SPEAKING CLASS WORK Discuss the following questions. " Which of the events in the text take place in Italy? " What are your feelings about gender reveal parties? " Will you plan a hen or stag do if you get married? " Do you think a funeral brunch is a good idea to honour a person? 3 READING WRITING SPEAKING CIVIC EDUCATION GROUP WORK Choose one of the other life moments listed below and prepare a short presentation to compare how it is lived in the UK (or the US) and in Italy. Then present it to the class. " Wedding " Retirement " Baptism " 16th/18th birthday " Graduation Funeral brunches : This light meal is shared by the family and friends of a deceased person after a funeral service. It is another way to celebrate and honour a person after the formal services are over while altogether providing a sense of community and comfort for those who suffer. Baby showers : A baby shower is typically held before the baby is born. It is a party where friends gather to give the new parents the things they will need to care for their baby such as blankets, clothes, and toys. It is common to open gifts during the party while people also enjoy some food and play fun games. Hen and stag do s : A hen party is a party for a woman who is going to get married soon to which only her female friends are invited. A stag party is a man9s counterpart. The terms originated in the mid-19th century, although they simply referred to forms of entertainment attended only by men or women at the time. These parties are a sort of rite of passage for brides and grooms in the days before their wedding. 86 Topic 4 " SOCIETY glossary bride: sposa confetti: coriandoli do: festa to gather: riunirsi groom: sposo