A World Tour
Sobriquets
Countries and cities get nicknames too! One comes from a dragon, one from a Sun that won't set, and one from a coat of pink paint.
Did you know?
Bhutan calls itself Druk Yul, the 'Land of the Thunder Dragon'. Long ago, people believed thunder was the roar of dragons. That is why a white dragon appears on Bhutan's flag!
Northern Norway is called the 'Land of the Midnight Sun'. North of the Arctic Circle, the Sun stays up even at midnight for weeks in summer. Imagine going to bed in bright daylight!
Jaipur, the 'Pink City', was painted pink around 1876 to welcome a royal visitor, the Prince of Wales. Pink stands for welcome. Since 1877, a rule has said buildings in the old city must stay pink!
Try this: Nickname Maker
Think about what makes your street, school or town special. Is it famous for mango trees, a big lake, tasty food or loud festivals? Invent a sobriquet for it, like 'The Land of a Hundred Kites'. Then make up a nickname for each family member based on what they do best. Keep it kind!
Go further: Hyderabad, the City of Pearls
Indian cities have sobriquets too. Hyderabad, founded in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, is called the 'City of Pearls'. Until the 19th century, it was famous for its pearl industry. It was also the world's only trading centre for the famous Golconda diamonds! Ask an elder at home: do they know any nickname for your own city, town or village?