Of Nightingales That Weep 2

Investigations by Erik
What is a samurai? The samurai were the members of the military class, the Japanese warriors. Samurai employed a range of weapons such as bows and arrows, spears and guns; but their most famous weapon and their symbol was the sword.

Connector Paragraph by Kat
Though New Year's is celebrated officially on January 1st, the celebration usually starts on December 31st and goes to January 3rd. New Year's is very important to the Japanese people. As the year's end draws near, people begin cleaning their homes and workplaces in preparation for the New Year. This is a time of major cleaning and even temples dust off their Buddhist images. climbing the images to clean them. Awakening before sunrise is also considered important, as viewing the first sunrise of the year is thought to be a good and brings good luck for the rest of the New Year.

A Nightingale's Dictionary by Kat
"...and a blouse of homespun." pg 22-1. made of the fabric that's rough and made of yarn. 2. made at home
"...get a wet nurse." pg 33-a woman who breastfeeds another mother's child
"...would you like a brazier?" pg 19-a metal container filled with hot coals and used to keep rooms warm
"...a protracted feast." pg 24-extended, bigger

Director's Questions by Noam

Summary by Laura
New Years came quickly and Takiko had the chance to show her musical talent to her friends and family by playing the koto. They are all amazed at her skill. That night Goro and Chieko also announce Chieko's pregnancy. Takiko's mother gives birth to a beautiful baby boy called Ichiro. Takiko is jealous of all the attention he gets from Chieko and turns to Goro, who pays little attention to Ichiro. That way, Takiko becomes more acceptive of Goro, her new father and starts to learn pottery from him.