Most people have forgotten the meaning behind traditional or religious festivals; during festival periods, people nowadays only want to enjoy themselves. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Sample 1:

Some argue that the original meaning of festivals is no longer remembered, and for most of us they are just opportunities to have fun. While enjoyment seems to be the priority during festival times, it might not be because people have forgotten what these festivals mean.

Festivals have certainly become times for celebration. Christmas is a good example of a festival where people are most concerned with shopping, giving and receiving presents, decorating their homes and enjoying traditional meals with their families. Most people look forward to Christmas as a holiday period, rather than a time to practice religion. Similar behaviour can be seen during many other festivals. The Indian festival of lights, Deepawali, is associated with firework displays. In other words, enjoyment is people’s primary goal.

However, the idea that the underlying meaning of such festivals has been forgotten might not always be true. In schools, children learn in detail about the religious reasons for celebrating a variety of festivals. Most schools have plays which allow children to understand the religious and cultural significance of festivals. Families also pass on the knowledge of festivals’ deeper significance on to children.

Though people want to enjoy themselves during festivals, there is no reason to believe the religious, cultural, or other significance is lost. In a world that is increasingly becoming borderless, the shift towards enjoying a festival irrespective of the religion it belongs to might be a welcome sign.

Sample 2:

Some people argue that we no longer remember the original meaning of festivals, and that most of us treat them as opportunities to have fun. While I agree that enjoyment seems to be the priority during festival times, I do not agree that people have forgotten what these festivals mean.

On the one hand, religious and traditional festivals have certainly become times for celebration. In the UK, Christmas is a good example of a festival period when people are most concerned with shopping, giving and receiving presents, decorating their homes and enjoying traditional meals with their families. Most people look forward to Christmas as a holiday period, rather than a time to practise religion. Similar behaviour can be seen during non-religious festivals, such as Bonfire Night. People associate this occasion with making fires, watching firework displays, and perhaps going to large events in local parks, in other words, enjoyment is people's primary goal.

However, I disagree with the idea that the underlying meaning of such festivals has been forgotten. In UK primary schools, children learn in detail about the religious reasons for celebrating Christmas, Easter and a variety of festivals on other religions. For example, in late December, children sing Christmas songs which have a religious content, and they may even perform nativity plays telling the story of Jesus' birth. Families also play a role in passing knowledge of religious festivals' deeper significance on to the next generation. The same is true for festivals that have a historical background, such as Bonfire Night or Halloween, in the sense that people generally learn the stories behind these occasions at an early age.

In conclusion, although people mainly want to enjoy themselves during festivals, I believe that they are still aware of the reasons for these celebrations.

Sample 3:

In recent years, the fast pace of modern life and the convenience brought by technology have made people less engaged in activities around them. Many people now don't value traditional and religious festivals as important as people did in the past, viewing that it's not necessary to participate in those events. I strongly disagree with this outlook.

First, traditional and religious festivals help build up cohesion in our society. In today's fast-paced world, where connections between people loosen day by day, a cultural event in the region might bring its citizens closer to each other. Taking part in scheduling, preparing and then celebrating a festival might be the chance for strengthening old bonds and creating new relationships.

Second, participating in traditional and religious regions can be deemed as a revision and reflection on traditional values and heritages. Many cultural practices are held to show honor to holy figures named as "gods" the real persons in national history or legendary persons, who contributed a lot for the country. Spending time in traditional festivals reminds people of their nation's values and history, hence developing a sense of gratitude and appreciation in the soul of their participants. These constant messages about values and lessons in the past can direct people to good thoughts and behavior in the present and future.

Third, participation in cultural and religious celebrations plays a crucial role in the protection and preservation of national traditions and customs. These celebrations represent national identity and spirit, which are people's interpretation of the world, their habits that have become customs and their beliefs that have been formed after generations. Therefore, cultural and religious activities connect people and communities to their roots of heritage, hence strengthening a sense of cultural identity.

In conclusion, traditional and religious festivals are a valuable resource to every country and its people. Considering the benefits it offers to each person and the community as a whole, which are strengthening bonds between individuals in society, providing better understanding about the past and acting as a straightforward method for cultural preservation, it's clear that more effort should be made to protect these precious traditions and customs of a country from degradation and erosion.

Sample 4:

The view that most people have forgotten the meaning behind traditional or religious festivals in favor of mere enjoyment is a nuanced topic that invites a range of perspectives. While it’s true that contemporary celebrations often emphasize entertainment and leisure, it is essential to consider several factors that contribute to this shift in focus.

First and foremost, the commercialization of festivals has played a significant role in transforming the nature of traditional and religious observances. In many societies, festivals that were once profound expressions of cultural or spiritual significance have been somewhat commodified. For instance, what was once a solemn holiday dedicated to reflection or reverence may now include parades, concerts, and extensive marketing, all aimed at attracting consumers. This shift towards commercialization can lead to a superficial understanding of the original significance of these festivals, as the emphasis is placed on consumerism rather than on cultural or spiritual values.

Moreover, the rapid pace of modernization and urbanization has contributed to a disconnection from traditional practices. Many people living in urban environments are far removed from the cultural practices and communal activities that characterized these festivals in their origins. As individuals are increasingly absorbed in their fast-paced lives, the focus tends to shift toward convenience and immediate gratification. This is particularly evident in the trend of celebrating festivals with parties and entertaining events, which can overshadow the traditional rituals intended to foster community and connection.

On the other hand, it should be acknowledged that the shift towards a more entertainment-centric view of festivals does not necessarily equate to a complete disregard for their meanings. For many, festivals remain an opportunity for family and friends to gather, celebrate shared values, and create meaningful memories. While the rituals may have evolved, personal and communal connections still play a significant role in these gatherings. Additionally, younger generations often reinterpret the meanings of these festivals, integrating them into their lifestyles in ways that resonate with their own beliefs and experiences.

Furthermore, many individuals and communities are actively working to revive and preserve the deeper meanings of festivals. This can be seen in initiatives that promote awareness of cultural heritage, intergenerational dialogue, and educational programs that highlight the historical and spiritual contexts of these celebrations. Social media and digital platforms also play a crucial role in this education by allowing information about traditional customs and practices to spread, encouraging a renewed interest in the meanings behind festivals.

In conclusion, while there is a valid concern that many people may prioritize enjoyment over the traditional or religious significance of festivals, it is essential to recognize that this trend is not universally applicable. The evolution of these celebrations reflects broader societal changes, and many individuals and communities continue to engage with the historical and spiritual aspects of festivals in their own meaningful ways. Balancing enjoyment with a deeper understanding of cultural heritage may indeed be the key to preserving the essence of these important celebrations in modern society.

Sample 5:

It is undeniable that many traditions and religious activities, which were once widely practiced and celebrated, are being replaced by fun-inducing activities, begging the question of negligence and ignorance to the present generations. However, I believe that the symbolic values behind festivals still persist despite a popularization of self-indulgent activities. 

First of all, it should be noted that the choice of having fun over following the long-standing traditions should not be condemned as a selfish act but rather a transformation of celebratory methods. Zooming in on the customs of Tet Holiday in Vietnam, a general trend can be observed that while older generations honour the holiday by visiting relatives’ houses and organizing social gatherings, the younger generations spend quality time with their family by travelling together. Even though the latter cohort minimizes some traditional customs such as exchanging lucky money or hitting places for luck, they still find a way to strengthen their bonds with family. In essence, the purpose of their action is not different to that of the older generations and in line with the spirit of Tet Holiday, which is to build stronger connections with loved ones. 

With the development and diversification of festive activities, it would be injudicious to attribute entertainment with the dismissal of traditional and religious values without considering the environmental factors. Through time, many age-old rituals and customs have become obsolete, hence, inapplicable in the modern era. A few decades ago, when the majority of the world were suffering from hunger and poverty, an abundance in food served during festive periods was emphasized and regarded as a symbol of a productive harvest and prosperity. Fast forward to the present time, the lack of food is no longer a concern thanks to world peace and advanced technology; therefore, people no longer focus on preparing overflowing feasts but rather place more resources on other essential aspects of human needs, such as enjoyment and relaxation. 

A prominent shift in terms of how people celebrate traditional festivals can be derived from the examples and reasonings given above. I believe that such change should not equate to the loss of the festive significance, but it should be understood as an adaptation of an archaic custom to a more contemporary and relevant one. 

Sample 6:

Due to their propensity to have fun while festivals are in season, many people disregard the true meaning of traditional or religious festivals. I wholeheartedly concur with the point of view presented, as the customs of the elder generations are vanishing.

Families often gather together for festivals. As a result, individuals in society feel happier, more appreciative, and cosier. At this time of year, people are out and about interacting with one another and mingling. There are customs to uphold for every holiday, including Christmas, New Year's, Diwali, and Ramadan. Hindus would take a bath in the morning before going to the temple to wish their fellow men a happy Diwali, for instance.

A kid is raised with certain ideals since traditions are an essential component of existence. Today's laws, however, are no longer the same. No one likes to wait for things to happen since people live fast-paced lives. For instance, families where mothers and daughters would connect would first make the sweets prepared for Christmas. Despite this, individuals do not want to spend hours cooking a dish that they can have in a matter of minutes when ready-made sweets are readily available. In addition, Cadbury, a chocolate company, dominated the market with its advertising campaigns to switch out sweets for candies.

In the beginning, people are more interested in having fun, buying presents for their loved ones, and enjoying rich, tasty foods during festival seasons than in practising their faith. They believe it is merely a time for fun. For illustration purposes, Christmas Day might serve as a suitable case study. People in the UK eagerly anticipate the Christmas festivity. This is due to the fact that they usually enjoy time with their personal relatives around those significant holidays.

Young people take advantage of festivals by filling their phone libraries with photos in order to capture the event and live in the here and now. The same trend that thrills youngsters also fascinates adults, so there is no difference between the two. Traditions used to be dictated by elderly parents, but nowadays the laws are flexible.

In conclusion, change is important, but not to the point where it replaces how people interact with one another in society.

Sample 7:

Religious celebrations, in the opinion of some, have lost their significance since most people just want to have fun. This viewpoint is not mine. I think it's important to enjoy festivals. I don't believe that anyone has lost sight of what they imply either.

Each and every one of the customary holidays instructs and honours moral and ethical principles. For instance, people in my nation celebrate Diwali in a great way by donning new attire. Further, exchanging gifts, setting off fireworks, and cooking traditional meals that increase their happiness. Additionally, by using clay lights to decorate their houses, they are conveying the idea that we should banish the darkness from our surroundings.

During non-religious holidays like Bogi, similar behaviour might be observed. People congregate for cultural activities conducted in nearby parks as well as to build bonfires. Moreover, to watch fireworks, and participate in displays of fireworks.

Despite the lack of degrees from prestigious colleges in their families, the knowledge and ideals of these traditional celebrations are passed down through the years. The explanation is that they continue to rely on agriculture as their primary means of subsistence. Even the men and women of their most recent generations are aware of their celebrations. For instance, they are aware of the customs surrounding the greeting of the spring season. Also, with the giving of thanks to the ground before planting paddy for a larger yield.

I think it is nonsensical to claim that people no longer understand the significance of holidays. The rationale behind festivals like Diwali, Navratri, Pongal, Easter, Id, and Holi is something that students in schools learn from their textbooks. To further entice the pupils to learn more about the holy festivals, devotional singing and writing contests are also offered. To keep their kids entrenched in their culture, parents also share amusing experiences about other holidays with them.

In summary, people continue to celebrate their religious holidays with a lot of excitement and joy even in today's fast-paced modern society. Just because people are having a good time doesn't imply that they have forgotten the principles and lessons of these holidays.

Sample 8:

I agree that many people, particularly in urban settings, seem to have shifted their focus from the traditional meanings of festivals to a more secular celebration of enjoyment. A prime example of this is Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India and in various parts of the world. Traditionally, Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, marked by rituals such as the lighting of oil lamps, prayers to deities, and family gatherings.

However, in modern times, many people engage in the festival primarily as a time for parties, fireworks, and extravagant spending rather than reflecting on its spiritual significance. The focus often shifts to the commercial aspects, such as buying new clothes, sweets, and gifts, rather than the deeper themes of community and personal growth that Diwali represents.

This trend reflects a broader phenomenon where the essence of festivals can be overshadowed by consumerism and a desire for entertainment. While there's nothing wrong with celebrating and enjoying oneself, it is essential to preserve the cultural and spiritual teachings that these festivals embody. By re-emphasizing the traditional aspects, communities can foster a deeper understanding and connection to their heritage, ensuring that future generations appreciate the rich meanings behind these celebrations.