15. 中国文化： 中国人送礼物的禁忌 Taboos on Giving Presents in China

?15. 中国文化： 中国人送礼物的禁忌 Taboos on Giving Presents in China：
　　中华民族自古以来就十分注重”礼”，《礼记》上说：”礼尚往来。往而不来，非礼也；来而不往，亦非礼也。”意思是说，如果别人送礼给你，你也要回送给别人一份，这才是礼貌的。

　　正因为注重”礼”，在中国，逢年过节，亲朋好友之间都会互相登门拜访，并馈赠礼品。馈赠礼品也有很多禁忌，送礼物本来是为了传递美好情谊，加深人们感情的，但如果因为不懂而触犯了某些禁忌，就会适得其反，造成误会。

　　那么，中国人送礼物都有哪些禁忌呢？

　　一般来说，钟是不能作为礼物送人的，因为”送钟”和”送终”谐音，被认为是很不吉利的。

　　绿颜色的帽子也不能作为礼物送给男性，”绿帽子”这个词在中国有特殊的含义，即妻子出轨。

　　菊花是葬礼用花，因而无论是什么颜色的菊花，都不宜作为礼物赠送。

　　很多地方还忌讳送”梨”和”伞”，因为”梨”暗示着”离”，”伞”寓意着”散”，离和散都是人们厌恶的。

　　鞋子也一般不宜当做礼物，因为如果送的鞋子比较小不合脚，就是给人”穿小鞋”，”穿小鞋”有打击报复、使人难堪的意思。

　　此外，中国是一个多民族国家，很多少数民族也会有特殊的禁忌，比如给回族朋友送跟猪有关的礼物，一定会惹得他们恼怒等等。

　　Taboos on Giving Presents in China

　　Chinese people have long paid much attention to the etiquette since ancient times. It is said in Book of Rites that “Propriety suggests reciprocity. It is not propriety not to give but to receive, or vice versa”. It suggests that courtesy on one side only does not last long. If somebody gives you a present, it is polite for you to give him one in return.

　　Courtesy is highly suggested in China. On holidays, relatives and friends visit each other and exchange presents. Giving presents is a way to convey friendly sentiments and deepen intimacy, but there are many taboos about giving presents. Ignorance of etiquettes will lead to violation of taboos and arouse misunderstandings. Let’s see some interesting cases in this regard.

　　Generally speaking, people don’t give a clock to each other. In Chinese, “送钟(sòngzhōng)” (to give clock as a gift) and “送终(sòngzhōng)” (to attend upon a dying parent or other senior member of one’s family) sound exactly the same. Therefore, it would be considered as ominous if you give a clock to people.

　　Green hats cannot be sent as gifts to men, because a green hat has a particular implication in China. “绿帽子”(a green hat) in China suggests a man is cheated by his wife.

　　The chrysanthemum is often used for funerals in China and therefore cannot be given as a gift, no matter what color it is.

　　In many places, pears and umbrellas should not be given to people. “梨(lí)”(pear) and “离(lí)” (to depart) are homophones, and “伞(sǎn)”(umbrella) sounds similar to “散(sàn)”(to separate). Since the Chinese hate the departure and separation of family members, they would avoid giving pears and umbrellas as gifts.

　　Generally, shoes are not used as gifts either. If you give somebody a pair of shoes which turn out to be too small for his feet, you would be suspected to try to make things hard for him. In Chinese this is described with the colloquial saying “穿小鞋(chuāng xiǎoxié)”, which means taking revenge on somebody by bringing troubles to him.

　　China is a multi-ethnic country with 56 nationalities altogether, and many nationalities have their own taboos on giving presents. For example, you will surely annoy a friend who is a Muslim of the Hui nationality by giving him a present related to the pig, because the Hui people hate pigs and consider them to be foul and impure.

　　芒种

　　芒种是二十四节气中的第九个节气，每年的6月5日左右为芒种。太阳到达黄经75°，这是一个反映农业物候现象的节气。

　　”芒”字是指大麦、小麦等有芒作物的种子已经成熟，需要及时抢收。”种”是指农作物需要播种。芒种节气是最适合播种有芒的谷类植物，比如晚谷、黍、稷等。芒种也是种植农作物时机的分界点，由于天气炎热，已经进入典型的夏季，农事种作都以这一时节为界，过了这一节气，农作物的成活率就越来越低。农谚”芒种忙忙种”、”芒种芒种，连收带种”说的就是这个道理。人们还用”芒种”的谐音”忙种”来形容这个农民朋友播种、下地最为繁忙的时节。

　　另外，我国的端午节多在芒种日的前后，民间有”未食端午粽，破裘不可送”的说法。此话告诉人们，端午节没过，御寒的衣服不要脱去，以免受寒。

　　Grain in Ear

　　Grain in Ear is the ninth in the 24 Solar Terms and falls around the June 5th each year, when the sun reaches 75°celestial longitude. This is a term reflecting agricultural phenological phenomenon.

　　”芒(mang)” refers to the maturity of the seeds of such awned crops as barley and wheat, which need to be harvested in time. “种(zhong)” refers to the crops that need to be planted. The day of Grain in Ear is the high time to sow awned grains, such as broomcorn millet, millet and the like. It is also a dividing point for the time of sowing. Because of the hot weather, it is already summer at this moment and the day is the deadline for the sowing activities. After this day, there is little chance for crops to survive. The agricultural proverbs like “awned crops planted in a rush on the day of Grain in Ear” and “Grain in Ear means both harvest and plant” tell the same reason. People always use the homonym of “芒种(mang zhong) (Grain in Ear)” and “忙种(mang zhong) (planting in a rush)” in Chinese to tell that the days around Grain in Earth is the busiest time for farmers to sow and work in the fields.

　　In addition, the Dragon Boat Festival is always around the day of Grain in Ear. There is a popular saying goes like this, “Before the Dragon Boat Festival when you eat your Zongzi, you should never send away your winter clothes”, which asks people not to take off their heavy clothes to avoid getting cold until the day of Dragon Boat Festival.

　　小满

　　2009年5月21日，太阳位于黄径60°，时为小满。小满这名称和农作物的成长有关，”斗指甲为小满，万物长于此少得盈满，麦至此方小满而未全熟，故名也”。就是说从小满开始，北方大麦、冬小麦等夏收作物已经结果，籽粒渐见饱满，但尚未成熟，所以叫小满。

　　在南方一些地区，”小满”这一名称还关系到雨水与灌溉。”小满不满，干断思坎”；”小满不满，芒种不管”。用”满”来形容雨水的盈缺，指出小满时田里如果蓄不满水，就可能造成田坎干裂，甚至芒种时也无法栽插水稻。

　　在小满节气，人们有吃苦菜的习俗。小满虽然寓意丰收即将到来，但其时却恰是青黄不接的时候，在过去，很多百姓不得不用苦菜充饥，由此吃苦菜也就成了小满节气的独特食俗。

　　Grain Fills

　　On 21st, May 2009, the sun reaches the celestial longitude of 60°. It is the day of Grain Fills. The name of “Grain Fills” also has something to do with the growth of grains and crops. From the day of Grain Fills, barley and wheat begin to get ripe. The grains become fuller and fuller every day, but are not totally full yet.

　　In some areas in the south of China, the name of Grain Fills has something to do with rainwater and irrigation. “If there is no enough water during Grain Fills, the ridges in the grain field will break of dryness. ” ” If there is not enough water during Grain Fills, you cannot expect to grow rice when the day of Grain in Ear is coming.” In these sayings, “xiao man”, the Chinese name of Grain Fills, is used to describe the amount of rainwater.

　　On the day of Grain Fills, people have the tradition of eating wild vegetables. Although Grain Fills means that the harvest will come soon, it is a time when the new crop is still in the blade and the old one is all consumed. In the past, many people had to eat wild vegetables to get stuffed. Therefore, to eat wild vegetables slowly becomes a special dietary tradition on the day of Grain Fills.

　　”福如东海，寿比南山”，是中国人用来给长辈祝寿的祝福语，希望长辈能够生活得幸福，并能像南山一样长寿。

　　这里南山代表的就是五岳之一——”南岳衡山”。南岳衡山，不仅风景秀丽，而且有着浓厚的寿文化韵味。”寿文化”源远流长，从古代开始，帝王们就来此祝寿、祈福了。宋代的宋徽宗（公元1105年）还在南岳衡山的石崖上题写了”寿岳”两字。在中华文化中，南岳即是”长寿”的象征。

　　南岳山上与”寿”有关的题刻、建筑数不胜数，堪称天下一绝，最有代表性的就是耸立在万寿广场上的”万寿大鼎”。除此之外，用”寿”字命名的建筑还有延寿亭、寿涧、寿涧桥、百寿亭、福寿庵、万寿宫、万寿禅寺等等，可谓”寿”的大观。

　　南岳衡山举办的寿文化节也极具南岳地方特色，令很多游客心驰神往。

　　The Symbol of Longevity Culture in China- Mount Hengshan

　　”福如东海，寿比南山” is often quoted by Chinese people when they offer birthday wishes for the elders. By saying this, they are actually wishing the olders’ happiness be as boundless as the eastern seas and life as long as the lasting southern mountains.

　　Here, “南山” (the southern mountains) refers to the Mount Hengshan, the southern sacred mountain in China in real life. The Mount Hengshan is not only famous for its picturesque scenery, but also for the strong longevity culture it carries. The longevity culture can be traced back to the ancient age in China. Long ago, emperors and kings began to come to Mount Hengshan to pray for longevity and happiness. The calligraphy “寿岳” (Longevity Mountain) written by Emperor Hui-tsung in Song Dynasty, was engraved on a cliff here in 1105. In Chinese traditional culture, the sacred mountain Hengshan is a symbol for longevity.

　　There are numerous inscriptions and buildings related to “longevity” in Hengshan mountain. The most famous landmark is the Longevity Quadripod on the Square of Longevity. Apart from that, many buildings are named with “寿”(longevity), such as the “延寿亭”(Longevity Pavilion), “寿涧” (the Longevity Creek), “寿涧桥” (the Longevity Bridge), “百寿亭”(a pavilion carved with one hundred characters “寿” in various forms), “福寿庵”(the Nunnery of Happiness and Longevity), “万寿宫” (the Longevity Palace), and “万寿禅寺” (the Longevity Temple), etc. It is really a grand sight of longevity culture.

　　The festival featured with longevity culture held here is also full of local characteristics and have enchanted many tourists.

　　立夏

　　2009年5月5日，太阳到达黄经45度，中国进入了”立夏”节气。这个节气在战国末年（公元前239年）就已经确立了，它标志着季节的转换，是农历夏季开始的日子。

　　此时，我国大部分地区气温明显升高，农作物进入生长旺季，冬小麦扬花灌浆，油菜接近成熟，夏收作物年景基本定局，故农谚有”立夏看夏”之说，并以立夏日的天气阴晴来占卜一年的丰歉。所以，我国历来很重视立夏节气，旧俗中立夏日又称”夏节”、”夏至节”。

　　立夏这天，古代天子率百官迎夏于南郊，并举行祭祀炎帝、祝融的仪式。清代更有祭神、烹新茶等习俗。

　　现在中国大部分城市居民已经没有过立夏的习俗，但部分少数民族还保留着一些独特习俗，云南宣威地区至今仍有大门插皂荚枝、红花来压崇的风俗。

　　Summer Begins

　　On 5th, May 2009, the sun reaches the celestial longitude of 45°. It is the day of Summer Begins in China. This Solar Term was established in the end of the Warring States period (239 B.C.). It marks the transition of seasons and is the day when summer starts in lunar calendar.

　　During that time, the temperature in most places in China has an obvious increase. It is the best time for grains and crops to grow. Wheat grain begins to grow full and rapeseed is nearly ripe. The result of summer harvest can be roughly estimated. Therefore, there is an old saying in agriculture, “You can see the outcome of summer at Summer Begins.” People used to use the weather on the day of Summer Begins to predict the harvest of the year. In China, people have always paid much attention to Summer Begins. In old customs, the day of Summer Begins is also called “the Festival of Summer”, or “the Festival of Summer Begins”.

　　In ancient times, on the day of Summer Begins, the emperor would lead hundreds of officials and welcome summer in the southern suburbs of Beijing. A ceremony of sacrifice to Emperor Yan and Emperor Zhu Rong would be carried out. In Qing Dynasty, people had the traditions of praying to gods, cooking new tea, and etc.

　　Nowadays, most people in most cities of China do not have the tradition of celebrating the day of Summer Begins. However, some ethnic minorities still keep some special customs. For example, in Xuanwei county, Yunnan Province, people still keep the tradition of placing the twigs of honey locust trees on the door and using red flowers to scare off the evil spirits.

　　谷雨

　　2009年4月20日是农历二十四节气的”谷雨”。和”雨水”相比，这个时候的雨量增大了，这对农作物的生长有着极其重要的意义。农谚说：”雨生百谷”，意思就是雨量充足而及时，谷类作物就能够茁壮生长。

　　谷雨也是采摘、炮制上好茶叶的日子。”谷雨茶”是谷雨时节采制的春茶，又叫”二春茶”。茶叶有一芽一嫩叶的，泡在水里像古代展开旌旗的枪，被称为”旗枪”；还有一芽两嫩叶的，像一个雀儿的舌头，被称为”雀舌”。谷雨茶茶香浓郁浑厚，久泡仍余味悠长，是茶中的佳品。

　　”谷雨”这一天，还被中国茶叶学会等组织倡议设为”全民饮茶日”，以举行各种弘扬中华茶文化、倡导健康饮茶的活动。

　　”谷雨”节气一般在公历的4月20日前后。

　　Grain Rain

　　April 20, 2009 is the day of grain rain in the 24 solar terms in Chinese Lunar Calendar. The amount of rainfall increases much than the day of rain water. It is very important for the growth of crops. There is a saying among farmers, “rain can help all kinds of crops to grow”. The right and timely rain will help the growth of grains.

　　The day of grain rain is also a great day to pick and cook tea leaves. “Grain Rain Tea” is the name for tea which is made around the time of grain rain. In water, the one with one sprout and one tender leaf looks like an ancient spear with a flag. Therefore, it is called “flag spear”. The one with one sprout and two leaves looks like the tongue of a sparrow. Therefore, it is called “the tongue of sparrow”. Grain rain tea has a strong and fragrant taste and can last for a long time in water. Grain rain tea is one of the best kinds of tea.

　　The day of grain rain is also suggested to be the day of drinking tea by the China Tea Science Society and other organizations. Many activities to promote Chinese tea culture and the healthy way of drinking tea are held on this day.

　　The day of grain rain normally arrives around April 20 in the Georgian Calendar.

　　清明

　　2009年4月4日是”清明”，既是中国农历二十四节气之一，也是我国的传统节日之一。时间约在每年的阳历４月５日前后。

　　清明一到，气温升高，是春耕春种的大好时节，所以民间谚语有”清明前后，种瓜点豆”的说法。从现今还流传的一些习俗中，不难看出人们对于清明这个节气的重视：这一天，人们会去踏青郊游、放风筝、荡秋千，参加拔河、插柳等活动。”插柳”实际就是古代的”植树造林”，因为柳树生命力极强，插在土里就能活，插到哪里，活到哪里，年年插柳，处处成荫。

　　清明还有一项重要的活动，就是扫墓。这个习俗实际上是由清明前一天的”寒食节”而来的。”寒食节”相传是春秋时期的晋文公（BC671—BC628）为悼念被他放火烧山烧死的重臣介子推而设立的节日。这个节日的主要节俗就是禁火，不许生火煮食，只能吃备好的熟食、冷食，所以得名”寒食”。到了宋代以后，两节合一，”清明”就成了祭奠祖先、亲人，扫墓的日子。

　　Clear and Bright(清明, Qing Ming)

　　April 4, 2009 is the Qingming festival, which is one of the 24 solar terms in the Lunar Calendar, and also one of the Chinese traditional festivals. It comes around April 5 in the Georgian calendar each year.

　　When the day of clear and bright comes, the temperature continues to increase. It is a great time for farming. There is an old saying, “people plant melon seeds and beans around the day of clear and bright.” From some still popular customs, we can see the importance of this day. On this day, people will go picnicking, hiking, play kites or tug of war, or plant willows and so on. To plant willows is an ancient way of afforestation, because willows are very easy to plant. If you just put one twig into the soil, it will grow, no matter where you put it. People plant willow twigs every year and willow trees will grow everywhere.

　　There is also another important activity of this day, which is to tend graves. This custom derives from the festival of “the Cold Food Day” one day earlier than the day of clear and bright. In the Spring and Autumn period , Jing Wengong (671 BC—628 BC), the king in Jing country established this festival to mourn his official Jie Zitui who was burnt to death in the mountain. On this day, it is forbidden to use fire or cook food with fire. People can only eat cold food or cooked food which was prepared one day ago. Therefore, it is called “the Cold Food Day.” After the Song Dynasty, the two festivals came into one. The Qingming festival became a day to honor ancestors, dead relatives and tend graveyards.

　　春分

　　2009年3月20日是农历节气”春分”。这一天太阳直射在赤道，整天时间由白天黑夜平分，各为12小时。

　　”春分”是反映四季变化的节气之一。中国古代习惯以”立春”、”立夏”、”立秋”、”立冬”表示四季的开始，而”春分”、”夏至”、”秋分”、”冬至”则正好处于各个季节的中间。”春分”正在春季三个月时长的中间，平分了春季。

　　春分之后，太阳在地球上的直射点继续往北半球移动，北半球气温进一步升高。除了高寒的山区和北纬45°以北的地区外，中国各地的日平均气温均稳定在摄氏0℃以上，尤其是华北地区和黄淮平原，几乎与多雨的江南地区同时升到10℃以上，进入了明媚的春季。

　　”春分到，蛋儿俏”。在每年的春分那一天，世界各地都会有人们参加”竖蛋”游戏：选择光滑匀称、刚生下四五天的新鲜鸡蛋，轻手轻脚地把它竖立在桌子上。能让圆圆滑滑的鸡蛋竖立起来，成功者好不风光。

　　Vernal Equinox(春分, Chun Fen)

　　March 20, 2009 is the day of vernal equinox in the Lunar Calendar. On the day, the sun is vertically above a point on the equator, and the night and day are approximately equally long.

　　The day of vernal equinox is one of the solar terms which reflect the changes in the four seasons. In ancient China, people used to mark the beginning of each season by “start of spring”, “start of summer”, “start of autumn” and “start of winter”. The day of vernal equinox, the day of summer solstice, the day of autumnal equinox and the day of winter solstice are in the middle of each season. The day of vernal equinox is right in the middle of the three months of spring time and equally divides spring.

　　After the day of vernal equinox, the point of the sun above the earth continues to move to the north hemisphere. The temperature continues to rise in the north hemisphere. Except high mountain areas and districts in the north of 45°north latitude, the daily average temperature in many places in China is steady above 0℃. The temperature in the North China and Huang-Huai Plain reaches more than 10℃ nearly at the same time as the temperature in the rainy area in the south of Yangtze River.

　　”The day of vernal equinox is a good day to balance eggs.” Every year on the day of vernal equinox, people all over the world will take part in the game of balancing an egg on its point. People will choose fresh eggs which were laid only 4 or 5 days ago and gently place them on the table. The one who can balance an egg on its point will completely steal the glamour.

　　2009年3月5日是惊蛰。惊蛰是春季的第三个节气，日期一般在每年公历的3月4日至7日。

　　”惊蛰始雷”，自惊蛰开始，中国各地从南到北陆续响起春雷。”蛰”是藏的意思。春雷惊醒了藏在泥土中冬眠的各种昆虫，过冬的虫卵也开始孵化。实际上，真正使冬眠动物苏醒出土的，并不是隆隆的雷声，而是回升到一定程度的地温。

　　惊蛰时节，中国有些地区已是桃花红、李花白，黄莺鸣叫、燕飞来的景象，大部分地区都已进入春耕季节。由此可见，惊蛰生动反映了当时的自然物候现象。

　　Awakening Insects(惊蛰: Jing Zhe)

　　March 5, 2009 is the day of awakening insects. The day of awakening insects is the third solar term in spring. It usually comes between March 4 and March 7.

　　Thunder begins to appear after the day of awakening insects all over China. Zhe (蛰) means to hide. The sound of thunder awakens all kinds of hibernating insects which are hiding in the soil. Their eggs also begin to hatch. In fact, what really makes insects wake up is not the loud sound of thunder, but the increasing temperature in the soil.

　　During the time around the day of awakening insects, red peach flowers and white plum flowers are blooming, yellow warblers are singing and swallows are coming back. It is time for spring farming in most places in China. Therefore, the day of awakening insects vividly reflects the natural phenomena of that time.

　　thunder [′θ?nd?] n.雷 vi.打雷 vt.吼出 (初中英语单词)therefore [′ee?f?:] ad.&conj.因此；所以 (初中英语单词)blooming [′blu:mi?] a.正开花的；妙龄的 (英语四级单词)awakening [?′weik?ni?] n.&a.觉醒(中的) (英语六级单词)vividly [′vividli] ad.活泼地；生动地 (英语六级单词)phenomena [fi′n?min?] phenomenon的复数 (英语六级单词)

　　2009年2月18日是二十四节气中的雨水。一般来说，每年公历2月18日前后为雨水节气。雨水节气有两层含意：一是天气回暖，降水量将逐渐增多；二是降水形式的变化，雪将渐渐变少，雨水要多起来了。

　　雨水之后，天气常常变化不定，这是全年寒潮过程出现最多的时节之一，忽冷忽热，乍暖还寒的天气对已萌动和返青生长的作物、林、果等的生长以及人体的健康危害很大，保暖、祛湿就显得格外重要了。

　　Rain Water

　　February 18, 2009 is the day of rain water in 24 solar terms. Generally speaking, it comes around February 18 each year in the Gregorian calendar. There are two meanings associated with the day of rain water. First, the temperature becomes warmer and the amount of rainfall gradually increases.

　　After the day of rain water, the weather is often quite unpredictable. Cold wave appears more often in this season than in any other seasons. It is sometimes warm and sometimes cold. The unpredictable weather is harmful for the growing plants, trees and fruits and even human body. Therefore, it is very important to keep warm and decrease humidity.

　　amount [?′maunt] n.总数；数量 v.合计 (初中英语单词)rainfall [′reinf?:l] n.雨量 (初中英语单词)harmful [′hɑ:mful] a.有害的 (初中英语单词)therefore [′ee?f?:] ad.&conj.因此；所以 (初中英语单词)decrease [di′kri:s, ′di:kri:s] v.&n.减少；减退 (初中英语单词)calendar [′k?lind?] n.日历；月历；历法 (高中英语单词)speaking [′spi:ki?] n.说话 a.发言的 (英语六级单词)humidity [hju:′miditi] n.湿气；湿度 (英语六级单词)

　　风筝，是一种中国传统的民间工艺品，至今已有二千多年的历史了。

　　古代，南方的风筝被称为”鹞”，北方的则被称为”鸢”。早在春秋时代，东周的墨翟就用木头制造了第一只风筝。相传墨翟 “斫木为鹞，三年而成，飞一日而败”，也就是说他用了三年时间，最终用木板制成了一只木鸟，并飞升到天空中，但这只木鸟飞了一天就坏了。墨翟制造的这只”木鹞”是世界上最早的风筝。后来他的弟子鲁班根据墨翟的设计理念，用竹子代替了木板，并将风筝做成了喜鹊的样子，称为”木鹊”。唐宋时期，随着造纸业的发达，民间开始用纸做风筝，称为”纸鸢”。

　　木鹞

　　风筝发明之后，最初被作为一种侦察的军事工具。鲁班 “制木鸢以窥宋城”，就是利用风筝来窥探敌城信息。后来随着民间纸制风筝的流行，风筝渐渐成为民间深受欢迎的娱乐工具。尤其到了宋代，放风筝成为人们非常喜爱的户外活动。宋人周密的《武林旧事》中写道”清明时节，人们到郊外放风鸢，日暮方归。”

　　当然，风筝在二千多年的发展历史中，逐渐融合了中国的传统文化。传统的中国风筝上，到处可见寓意吉祥的图案，如”福寿双全”、”龙凤呈祥”、”百蝶闹春”、”鲤鱼跳龙门”、”百鸟朝凤”、”连年有鱼”、”四季平安”等等。人们通过这样图案形象，传达了喜庆、吉祥如意和祝福之意，又寄托了对美好生活的向往和憧憬。它反映了群众的欣赏习惯，渗透了人们善良健康的思想感情，融入了我国民族传统和民间习俗，因而在民间广泛流传，为人们喜闻乐见。

　　The Kite

　　The kite is one of China’s traditional folk crafts, with a history of over 2000 years.

　　In ancient times, kites were called “鹞(yáo)” in the south and “鸢(yuān)” in the north. As early as the Spring and Autumn period, Mo Ti of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty constructed the first kite out of wood. Legend has it that Mo Ti “cut wood into a sparrow hawk, three years in the making, flew one day and failed.”. In other words, he spent three years to finally construct a bird out of wooden planks. The wooden bird flew up into the sky but it was ruined in just one day. This “wooden sparrow hawk” that Mo Ti built was the world’s earliest kite. Based on Mo Ti’s design concept, his disciple Lu Ban later replaced the wooden planks with bamboo and built the kite into the shape of a magpie, calling it a “wooden magpie”. With the advances in paper-making during the Tang and Song periods, people started to build them out of paper, calling them “kites”.

　　After the kite was invented, it was first used as a military reconnaissance tool. Lu Ban “built a wooden kite to spy on the city of Song”, meaning that he used the kite to spy out information from an enemy city. Later, with folk paper kites becoming more widespread, kites became a popular entertainment tool among the common people. Kite flying became a beloved outdoor activity especially during the Song Dynasty. Song scholar Chou Mi wrote in Old Affairs of Martial Arts World:”During the Tomb Sweeping Festival, people go to the countryside to fly kites and come back at sunset.”

　　Of course, over the course of its 2000 years’ development, kites gradually became a part of Chinese traditional culture. A traditional Chinese kite is covered with metaphorical and propitious patterns such as “enjoying both happiness and longevity”, “prosperity brought by the dragon and the phoenix”, “hundred butterflies celebrating spring”, “a carp leaping over the dragon gate”, “all birds paying homage to the phoenix”, “having a surplus every year”, “being well through the four seasons”, etc. Through these patterns and images, people express jubilation, good luck, and blessings; in them they entrust their hopes and yearnings for a good life. The kite reflected the people’s appreciation of beauty, and is infiltrated with their positive consciousness. Kites have blended into China’s folk traditions and customs, and are spread among the people, bringing them much delight.

　　sparrow [′sp?r?u] n.麻雀 (初中英语单词)construct [k?n′str?kt] vt.建造；构(词)；造句 (初中英语单词)wooden [′wudn] a.木制的；呆板的 (初中英语单词)concept [′k?nsept] n.概念；观念；思想 (初中英语单词)entertainment [,ent?′teinm?nt] n.招(款)待；联欢会 (初中英语单词)beloved [bi′l?vd] a.为….所爱的 n.爱人 (初中英语单词)scholar [′sk?l?, ′skɑ-] n.学者；奖学金获得者 (初中英语单词)culture [′k?lt] n.修养；文化；饲养 (初中英语单词)dragon [′dr?g?n] n.龙 (初中英语单词)bamboo [,b?m′bu:] n.竹 (高中英语单词)sweeping [′swi:pi?] a.掠过的 n.扫除；清除 (高中英语单词)festival [′festiv?l] n.节日；庆祝；欢庆 (高中英语单词)homage [′h?mid?] n.敬意，尊敬 (高中英语单词)surplus [′s?:pl?s] n.&a.剩余(的) (高中英语单词)appreciation [?,pri:?i′ein] n.评价；感激 (高中英语单词)positive [′p?z?tiv] a.确定的 (高中英语单词)traditional [tr?′din?l] a.传统的，习惯的 (英语四级单词)dynasty [′din?sti] n.王朝；朝代 (英语四级单词)disciple [di′saip?l] n.门徒，弟子 (英语四级单词)widespread [′waidspred] a.广布的；普遍的 (英语四级单词)martial [′mɑ:l] a.战争的；象军人的 (英语四级单词)countryside [′k?ntrisaid] n.乡下，农村 (英语四级单词)entrust [in′tr?st] vt.委托；信托 (英语四级单词)calling [′k?:li?] n.点名；职业；欲望 (英语六级单词)

　　”中秋节”是中国的农历八月十五日。这一天的月亮又圆又大，是一年中月色最好的日子。

　　从古至今，中国人对月亮都有深沉、浓厚的情感，形成一种独特的月亮情结。每当人们看到圆月时，就会不由得唤起他们对自己亲近的人与事的回忆，牵动他们的思亲、思乡之情。因此中秋节是人们合家团圆的时候，分散在各地的儿女们都在这一夜回家团聚，看望老人和亲友。全家围坐在一起，赏月、吃月饼。不能赶回家的也要打电话回家问候。

　　月饼最早是祭月典礼中的一种供品，后来渐渐演变成了民间过中秋节必不可少的象征性食品。它和中秋夜圆圆的月亮一样，代表着和谐与团圆。

　　Mid-Autumn Festival is on August 15th in the Chinese lunar calendar. The moon on that day is the fullest and brightest of the year.

　　Chinese people have always had a moon complex. A round moon can always remind them of their home and beloved ones. Mid-Autumn Festival, therefore, is a festival for family reunions. Children living in different places will go back to their hometowns to visit parents and relatives. The whole family gather around, eating moon cakes and enjoying the moonlight. Those who fail to go back that day will try to make phone calls to extend their regards.

　　Moon cakes used to be tributes in moon fete rituals and later it becomes an indispensable symbolic food for the Mid-Autumn Festival, which stands for unity and harmony.

　　complex [′k?mpleks] a.复杂的 n.综合企业 (初中英语单词)remind [ri′maind] vt.提醒；使记(想)起 (初中英语单词)beloved [bi′l?vd] a.为….所爱的 n.爱人 (初中英语单词)therefore [′ee?f?:] ad.&conj.因此；所以 (初中英语单词)moonlight [′mu:nlait] n.&a.月光(的) (初中英语单词)harmony [′hɑ:m?ni] n.调合，协调，和谐 (初中英语单词)festival [′festiv?l] n.节日；庆祝；欢庆 (高中英语单词)calendar [′k?lind?] n.日历；月历；历法 (高中英语单词)indispensable [,indi′spens?b?l] a.绝对必要的 (高中英语单词)august [?:′g?st] a.尊严的；威严的 (英语六级单词)

　　京城七月荷花盛开，圆明园、莲花池等公园纷纷推出一年一度的荷花展，吸引了大批游客，很多摄影爱好者入园寻找艺术灵感，外国朋友也三五成群地来体验中国百姓的赏荷情怀。

　　In July, lotus flowers are blossoming in Beijing. The Annual Lotus Exhibitions in Yuanmingyuan Park and Lotus Pond Park attract many tourists. Many photograph lovers come to find inspiration. Foreign friends also come here to experience Chinese people’s love for lotus flowers.

　　刚进莲花池公园，令人心旷神怡的清新香气就扑面而来。放眼望去，湖中荷叶连绵一望无际，有几只飞鸟从上面偶尔掠过，几只野鸭在荷叶间穿梭嬉戏。沿着湖边小路漫步，只见娇柔的荷花亭亭玉立在碧绿的荷叶中间；阵阵微风吹过，荷叶婆娑起舞，令人心醉……

　　When you enter Lotus Pond Park, you will feel the fresh air immediately. When you look around, you will see boundless lotus leaves in the lake. Sometimes a few birds fly over them. Several wild ducks are playing among them. When you stroll along the path around the lake, you will see the lovely lotus flowers standing out of the green lotus leaves and they are dancing with the summer breezes from time to time. What an enchanting scene!

　　荷花也叫”莲花”。在中国，赏荷的习俗已经绵延两千余年，从古至今，描写荷花、以荷抒情咏志的诗词歌赋可以信手拈来。宋代周敦颐（1017~1073）的《爱莲说》几乎成了流传最广的关于荷花的赞歌：”出淤泥而不染，濯清涟而不妖，中通外直，不蔓不枝，香远益清，亭亭净植，可远观而不可亵玩焉。”也因为荷花的这些特质，中国知识分子们将荷花当做了洁身自好、不同流合污、志向清高的象征。

　　In China, the history of appreciating lotus flowers in summer is as long as 2000 years. From ancient times to today, many poems were devoted to describe lotus flowers and many poets used lotus flowers to express their feelings. Ode to Lotus Flowers by Zhou Dunyi （1017~1073A.D.） in Song Dynasty nearly became the most popular tribute to lotus flowers: I just love lotus because it grows in mud, yet never get contaminated by it. It stands erect in water and is fair and graceful. Its stem is hollow inside but straight outside and is branchless. Its light fragrance reaches far. It can only be appreciated afar and cannot be played arbitrarily. Because of the special features of lotus flowers, it has nearly become a symbol of purity, self-control and high moral standards in Chinese intellectuals’ eyes.

　　但是，赏荷、咏荷、画荷，并不仅仅是文人雅士们的所爱，在平民百姓中，荷花也同样寄托着人们的美好愿望：民间工艺品里肥胖婴儿手持莲叶手舞足蹈，是在祝福”连”生贵子；莲叶下藏着的大鲤鱼，是在希望”连”年有余……民间还将六月十四日定为荷花的生日，这一天，各地会举办各种活动来庆祝”荷花节”，尤其是在江南水乡。

　　However, to appreciate lotus flowers, to write about lotus flowers and to paint lotus flowers are not only beloved by intellectuals. Lotus flowers are also symbols of good wishes for Chinese people. In folk handicrafts, the image of fat babies dancing with lotus leaves in their hands is a good wish to have more children. A big carp hidden under lotus leaves is a good wish to have surplus every year… In folk tradition, June14 in lunar calendar is thought to be the birthday of lotus flowers. On this day, all kinds of activities throughout the country will be held to celebrate “the Lotus Festival”, especially in the riverside towns in South China.

　　中国人爱荷（莲），莲花文化已经深深植根于中华文化之中，甚至莲花被很多人推举为中国的国花。在世界上，除了印度将莲花作为佛的圣物受到崇拜之外，不知道还有哪一个国家能像中国这样，对莲花怀有如此深厚的情感？

　　Chinese people love lotus flowers. The lotus culture has long rooted in Chinese culture. Lotus even was recommended by many people to be the national flower of China. Except in Indian, where lotus flowers are worshipped as holy objects of the Buddha, I don’t know which country else can have so deep feelings for lotus flowers like China.

　　（一）立春

　　2009年2月4日是立春。立春是一年中的第一个节气，一般在公历2月3日—5日之间。

　　”立”是”开始”的意思，立春就是春季的开始。立春以后，气温回升，人们明显地感觉到白昼长了，太阳暖了。春耕大忙季节在全国大部分地区陆续开始。所以在中国传统习俗中，立春这一天既是一个节气，也是一个迎春的节日，会有很多庆贺、祭典的活动，至今民间仍保留着一些。例如有些村镇立春日举办”迎春会”，常由十多岁的少年扮成一个官老爷，身穿纸官服，头戴纸帽，脚蹬纸靴，骑着牛，前往祭祀坛，带领百姓祈祷，保佑风调雨顺，五谷丰登，沿途敲锣打鼓，放鞭炮以迎接春天的到来。有的地方则由一人手敲小锣鼓，唱着迎春的赞词，挨家挨户送上一张春牛图。送春牛图，意在催促提醒人们，一年之计在于春，要抓紧农时，莫误大好春光。

　　立春的食俗突出一个”咬”字，叫”咬春”。讲究吃春饼、吃春卷、嚼萝卜等。”春饼”比吃烤鸭的薄饼要大一些、有韧劲一些，里面卷有很多菜，如：各色酱肉、熏肉或者盐腌肉；多种炒菜，如菠菜、韭菜、豆芽菜、粉丝、鸡蛋等。”春卷”以薄饼为皮，多以猪肉、豆芽、韭菜、韭黄、粉丝等为馅，卷好了炸着来吃。”嚼萝卜”则是北京的风俗，尤其是被北京人称作”心里美”的萝卜，生嚼起来又脆又甜又有点辣，口感水灵，妇孺老幼都喜欢。从药理上讲，常食萝卜有助于软化血管，降血脂稳血压，还可解酒、理气，具有营养、健身、祛病等功效。中国人讲究”药食同源”、”按时令进补”，立春时节嚼萝卜的习俗，就具体地体现了这种思想。

　　Start of Spring

　　February 4, 2009, is the day of start of spring. Start of spring is the first solar term. Normally it comes between February 3 and February 5 in the Gregorian calendar.

　　Li (立) means “to start” in Chinese. Li Chun is the start of spring. After Start of Spring, the temperature obviously increases. People can feel the daytime become longer and the sunshine become warmer. The busy spring farming begins in most areas in China. Therefore, in Chinese tradition, the day of start of spring is a solar term, and a festival of welcoming spring. There will be many activities of celebration and sacrifice. Till today, you can still see some traces of this tradition in Chinese folk customs. For example, on the day of start of spring, some towns and villages will hold a fair to welcome the spring. A teenage boy will play the role of an old official. He will wear paper official uniforms, a paper hat, and paper boots. He will ride an ox and go to the temple of sacrifice and lead people to pray for a favorable weather and a big harvest. People will play gongs and drums and fire fireworks on the way to welcome the coming of spring. In some places, one person will play a small gong and sing songs to praise the coming of spring. This person will give a picture of an ox to every household. To give a picture of ox is to remind people that the whole year’s result depends on a good start in spring and people should grasp the precious spring time to do farm work.

　　The dietary custom on the day of start of spring is focused on “bite” or “bite spring”. People will eat spring pancakes, spring rolls and radish. Spring pancakes are bigger and stringier than pancakes for Peking duck. You can have many choices in the fillings in the spring pancakes, such as all kinds of braised meat, smoked meat or persevered meat, different stir fries including spinach, leek, bean sprouts, vermicelli, eggs, etc. To eat radish is another custom in Beijing. There is a special type of radish which is called “beauty inside” by Beijingers. When eaten in raw, this “beauty inside” is crispy, sweet, juicy and a little bit spicy and beloved by everyone. From the medical point of view, radish is good for intenerating blood vessels, reducing blood fat and stabilizing blood pressure. It can help people to sober up and breathe smoothly. It is nutritious, healthy and beneficial. Chinese people think medicine and food are the same and one should eat the right food according to the season. To eat radish in the time around the day of start of spring is a good example.

　　obviously [′?bvi?sli] ad.明显地；显而易见地 (初中英语单词)sunshine [′s?n?ain] n.日光，阳光 (初中英语单词)therefore [′ee?f?:] ad.&conj.因此；所以 (初中英语单词)tradition [tr?′din] n.传统；惯例；传说 (初中英语单词)welcome [′welk?m] a.受欢迎的；可喜的 (初中英语单词)temple [′temp?l] n.庙宇；寺院；太阳穴 (初中英语单词)favorable [′feiv?r?b?l] a.赞成的；顺利的 (初中英语单词)harvest [′hɑ:vist] n.&v.收获；收割 (初中英语单词)remind [ri′maind] vt.提醒；使记(想)起 (初中英语单词)beloved [bi′l?vd] a.为….所爱的 n.爱人 (初中英语单词)everyone [′evriw?n] pron.=everybody 每人 (初中英语单词)medical [′medik?l] a.医学的；医疗的 (初中英语单词)pressure [′pre] n.压榨 vt.对…施压力 (初中英语单词)healthy [′helθi] a.健康的 (初中英语单词)daytime [′deitaim] n.白天 (高中英语单词)festival [′festiv?l] n.节日；庆祝；欢庆 (高中英语单词)celebration [,seli′brein] n.庆祝(会)；庆典 (高中英语单词)smoothly [′smu:eli] ad.光滑地；顺利地 (高中英语单词)beneficial [,beni′fil] a.有利的，有益的 (英语四级单词)normally [′n?:m?li] ad.正常情况下；通常 (英语六级单词)fireworks [′fai?w?:ks] n.爆竹，焰火 (英语六级单词)

　　中国传统的历法现在叫”农历”。农历实际上是阴阳历，阴历是以月亮围绕地球公转的周期来计算、划分的，平年全年354天或355天，有十二个月，大月三十天，小月二十九天，不过一年中哪个月大，哪个月小，年年不同。由于其天数比太阳年约差十一天，所以在每十九年内设置七个闰月，有闰月的年份全年就是383天或384天。2009年就有一个闰月，多出来的是闰五月。

　　农历中还有一个非常重要部分是”二十四节气”。二十四节气是根据太阳在地球绕太阳公转的轨道上的位置来划分的，实际上是农历中阳历的部分。每个月有两个节气。由于节气的划分充分考虑了季节、气候、物候等自然现象的变化，从古至今，人们在安排农业生产的时候多是参照二十四节气。

　　关于二十四节气，有一首歌谣把二十四节气的名称和特点很精炼地描述了出来：

　　春雨惊春清谷天，夏满芒夏暑相连

　　秋处露秋寒霜降，冬雪雪冬小大寒

　　每月两节不变更，最多相差一两天

　　上半年来六廿一，下半年是八廿三。

　　下面，我们就按照这首歌谣的顺序，逐一介绍二十四节气。

　　24 Solar Terms in China

　　Traditional Chinese Calendar is also called the Lunar Calendar. The Lunar Calendar is actually lunisolar, incorporating some elements of a lunar calendar with those of a solar calendar. The lunar calendar is calculated by the circles of the moon revolving the sun. A standard year has 354 or 355 days, and 12 months. A longer month has 30 days and a shorter month has 29 days. However, every year the number of the days in each month is different. Since a year in the Lunar Calendar has 11 days fewer than a solar year, 7 intercalary months (simplified Chinese: 闰月; pinyin: rùn yuè) will appear every 19 years. A year with an intercalary month has 383 or 384 days. The year 2009 has an intercalary month, which came after May.

　　Another important part in the Lunar Calendar is the 24 solar terms. They are called jiéqì (节气) in Chinese.24 solar terms are divided by the position of the sun on the track of the earth revolving the sun. In fact, it is the solar element in the Lunar Calendar. Each month has two solar terms. Since the division of the solar terms has taken the seasons, the climate and the changes in the natural environment into consideration, solar terms have been used as important references for people to plan agricultural production.

　　As to the 24 solar terms, there is a song which precisely describes their names and characteristics.

　　Start of spring, rain water, awakening of insects, vernal equinox, clear and bright, grain rain are all in Spring.

　　Start of summer, grain full, grain in ear, summer solstice, minor heat, major heat, are all in summer.

　　Start of autumn, limit of heat, white dew, autumnal equinox, cold dew, descent of frost are in autumn.

　　Start of winter, minor snow, major snow, winter solstice, minor cold, major cold are all in winter.

　　There are two solar terms in each month. The date of each solar term only comes with the difference of one day or two.

　　Solar terms come around the 6th and 21st in the Gregorian calendar in the first half of the year and around the 8th, and 23rd in the Gregorian calendar in the second half of the year.

　　In the following, we will introduce the 24 solar terms according to their sequences in the song.

　　actually [′?kt?u?li] ad.事实上；实际上 (初中英语单词)climate [′klaimit] n.气候；特殊气候地带 (初中英语单词)consideration [k?n,sid?′rein] n.考虑；原因；体谅 (初中英语单词)agricultural [?gri′k?ltr(?)l] a.农业的 (初中英语单词)calendar [′k?lind?] n.日历；月历；历法 (高中英语单词)environment [in′vai?r?nm?nt] n.郊区；周围；条件 (高中英语单词)precisely [pri′saisli] ad.精确地；刻板地 (高中英语单词)descent [di′sent] n.出身，家世 (高中英语单词)awakening [?′weik?ni?] n.&a.觉醒(中的) (英语六级单词)

　　如果问”一年中哪一天北方的理发店生意最兴隆?”回答一定就是”二月二”。

　　”二月二，龙抬头；大仓满，小仓流”，象征着春回大地，万物复苏。农历二月初二可以说是标志着整个传统的春节庆典活动结束的日子。它是从上古时期人们对土地的崇拜中产生、发展而来，在南、北地区形成了不同的节俗文化：南方为”社日”，北方为”龙抬头”节。

　　在北方传统习俗中，整个春节期间都不能碰剪刀剪头发，否则这一年会很不吉利。因此整个正月里都没有修剪的头发,会在今天来修剪,理发店能不人多吗？据往年对这一天的统计,理发人数都是平常的数倍,而且一些传统的店面都会早开门晚关门,全天营业十几个小时。

　　中国古代天文学家根据日月五星的运行轨迹把天空划分为28天宿，农历二月初二这一天,正是龙角星从东方升起，所以这一天被称为”龙抬头”。

　　龙抬头这一天，大地复苏，阳气上升，我国大部分地区的平均气温稳定回升到零摄氏度以上，在泥土中冬眠的昆虫蛇兽将陆续醒来。传说龙神也会在这天苏醒，龙是和风化雨的主宰。所以旧时人们会在这天焚香祷告，祈求风调雨顺、五谷丰登。古代在北方一些地方，这一天早晨家家户户要打着灯笼到井边或河边挑水，回到家里要烧香上供，这叫”引田龙”。但也有的地方正相反，这一天忌担水，生怕带回龙卵或惊动青龙，把风调雨顺的好年景破坏了。

　　二月二既然是个特别的日子，这一天在饮食上也就有很多讲究，例如：要”吃龙鳞”,就是吃春饼；要”扶龙须”,就是吃面条；吃米饭名曰”吃龙子”；要”吃龙眼”,就是吃馄饨；要”吃龙耳”,就是吃饺子。把一些日常的食物都赋予了与”龙”相关的名字，实际上是寄托了祈求龙王保佑一年风调雨顺、获得好收成的愿望。

　　”二月二”虽然各地习俗有不同，但人们都是希望新的一年一切能够顺顺利利。

　　The Second Day of the Second Month in Lunar Calendar, “Dragon Raising Its Head”

　　If you ask, “which day is the busiest day for barber shops in northern China?” The answer is, “the second day of the second month in Lunar Calendar.”

　　”On the second day of the second month of Lunar Calendar, dragon raises its head. The big warehouse is full and the small warehouse overflows.” It symbolizes that spring will return to the earth and all the things come back to life. The second day of the second month in lunar calendar symbolizes that the celebration of traditional Chinese spring festival come to the end. It was developed from a tradition of worshipping the earth. Different traditions were formed in the south and the north. People in the south call it Sheri, and people in the north call it “the festival of dragon raising its head”.

　　According to the tradition in the north, one should not touch knives, scissors or cut his or her hair during the spring festival. Otherwise, he might have bad luck in the incoming year. Therefore, all people who haven’t had a haircut in the lunar January will come for a haircut this day. How can barber shops not be full? According to previous statics, the number of customers in barber shops is several times more than usual. Some barber shops will open earlier and close later than usual. It will open more than 10 hours on this special day.

　　The Chinese astronomers divided the sky into 28 parts according the movement of the sun, the moon and the stars. On the second day of the second month of lunar calendar, the star of dragon horn will raise from the east. That’s why it is called the day of “dragon raising its head.”

　　On the day of dragon raising its head, the earth will come back to life and the yang atmosphere will rise. Most regions in China will come back to be above zero centigrade in temperature. All the hibernated snakes, insects and beasts and other animals will slowly wake up. According to a legend, the dragon will also wake up on this day. Dragon is the ruler of wind and rain. Therefore, in ancient times, people would burn incense and pray for a favorable weather for grains and a rich harvest. In some regions in the north, every household will go to pick up water from a well or a river with lanterns in the early morning. They will burn incense and pray after coming back home. It is called to bring the dragon home. In some places, it is forbidden to get water from a well or a river on this day. People were afraid that they might bring dragon eggs back home or disturb the dragon, which might destroy the prospect of a favorable weather in the incoming year.

　　The second day of the second month of lunar calendar is a special day. On this day, people have special names for different food. For example, to eat dragon squamas is to eat spring cakes, to eat dragon beard is to eat noodles. To eat rice is called to eat dragon eggs. To eat dragon eyes is to eat wonton. Differet kinds of daily food are given special names connected with dragon on this day. In fact, it contains good wishes of people to pray for a favorable weather next year.

　　Different places in China might have different customs of celebrating the second day of the second month in the lunar calendar. People all have the same wish that everything will go smoothly in the incoming year.

　　barber [′bɑ:b?] n.理发师 (初中英语单词)dragon [′dr?g?n] n.龙 (初中英语单词)tradition [tr?′din] n.传统；惯例；传说 (初中英语单词)otherwise [′?e?waiz] ad.另外 conj.否则 (初中英语单词)therefore [′ee?f?:] ad.&conj.因此；所以 (初中英语单词)previous [′pri:vi?s] a.先，前，以前的 (初中英语单词)movement [′mu:vm?nt] n.活动；运动；动作 (初中英语单词)atmosphere [′?tm?sfi?] n.大气；空气；气氛 (初中英语单词)favorable [′feiv?r?b?l] a.赞成的；顺利的 (初中英语单词)harvest [′hɑ:vist] n.&v.收获；收割 (初中英语单词)disturb [di′st?:b] vt.扰乱；使不安；打乱 (初中英语单词)prospect [′pr?spekt, pr?s′pekt] n.景色；境界 v.勘察 (初中英语单词)calendar [′k?lind?] n.日历；月历；历法 (高中英语单词)celebration [,seli′brein] n.庆祝(会)；庆典 (高中英语单词)festival [′festiv?l] n.节日；庆祝；欢庆 (高中英语单词)incense [′insens, in′sens] n.香(气) vt.激怒 (高中英语单词)forbidden [f?′bidn] forbid的过去分词 (高中英语单词)smoothly [′smu:eli] ad.光滑地；顺利地 (高中英语单词)warehouse [′we?haus] n.仓库 v.存入仓库 (英语四级单词)traditional [tr?′din?l] a.传统的，习惯的 (英语四级单词)knives [naivz] knife的复数 (英语四级单词)scissors [′siz?z] n.剪刀，剪子 (英语四级单词)

　　在我国，每到农历大年三十，也就是春节除夕这一天，家家户户都会忙着贴门神与春联。

　　春联源于古代的桃符。古人习惯过年时在大门两旁各挂一块长六寸，宽三寸的桃木板，上面写上”神荼”、”郁垒”二神名，此二神是传说中住在度朔山上的俩兄弟，他们每天检阅百鬼，如发现恶鬼危害人间，便将其绑了喂老虎。人们将写有他们兄弟名字的桃符挂在门边，据说可以驱鬼避邪。渐渐的，人们也开始在桃符上提写吉庆的文字。

　　公元964年，后蜀主孟昶叫学士辛寅逊在桃板上题词，因为嫌他写得不满意，便自己动手写了”新年纳余庆，佳节号长春”。从此，桃符上的内容便变为相互对仗的诗文与韵文。到了明代，人们更是用纸张代替了桃符，并改称”春联”。

　　与贴春联的目的一样，贴门神也是为了祈求全家的福寿康宁。在民间，门神是正气和武力的象征，他们心地正直善良，具有神奇的禀性和不凡的本领，捉鬼擒魔是他们的天性和责任。最初，人们张贴的门神是神茶、郁垒。到了唐代，门神的位置便被当时名将秦叔宝和尉迟敬德的画像所取代，手执铁锏的是秦叔宝，手执钢鞭的是尉迟敬德。

　　以前我国大部分民居的大门都是两扇对开，所以门神也总是成双成对。如今因城市中住户的门总是一扇，挂门神的人家也变少了，但在一些城市的老城区和乡村仍保持着这样的习惯。

　　In China, on the last day of the lunar year, the eve of Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, every household is busy putting door gods or spring festival couplets on their doors.

　　Chunlian, or spring festival couplets, originated from taofu, or peach wood charms, of yore. In ancient times, during the New Year, Chinese would hang peach wood boards on each side of their doorways, six inches long and three inches across, on which were written the names of the gods Shentu and Yulei. These two gods were said in legend to live on Dushuo Mountain, from where they would inspect hundreds of demons every day, and, if they found any demons to be disturbing the lands of mortals, would tie them up and feed them to the tigers. It was said that by hanging one’s door with peach wood charms inscribed with the names of these gods, one could drive off demons and banish evil. Eventually, people began to write auspicious phrases in the place of the gods’ names.

　　In 964 A.D., the Emperor of Later Shu, Meng Chang, asked the scholar Xin Yinxun to write a few words for a peach wood charm, but, unsatisfied with the scholar’s writing, the Emperor himself wrote the words, “xīnnián nà yú qìng，jiājié hào chángchūn”. From then on, peach wood charms were inscribed with poetic and rhyming phrases. By the Ming Dynasty, the wooden boards were abandoned in favor of paper sheets, and called chunlian, or spring festival couplets.

　　As with the couplets, “door gods” are also hung on doors to pray for the peace and happiness of the family. According to folk custom, door gods are symbols of righteousness and might. With hearts of integrity and kindness, mystical in nature and possessing extraordinary capabilities, these gods are duty bound to capture and protect from evil spirits. Shentu and Yulei were the earliest two door gods. By the Tang Dynasty, these gods had been replaced by the likenesses of two famous generals, Qin Shubao and Yuchi Jingde, the former wielding an iron club, the latter bearing a chain whip.

　　In the past, most Chinese homes were made with double doors, so the two door gods were affixed opposite one another in pairs. But as most doors in city residences have been replaced with single doors, door gods are seen less and less, but this custom can still be found in older areas of cities and in villages.

　　inspect [in′spekt] v.检查；视察；检阅 (初中英语单词)emperor [′emp?r?] n.皇帝 (初中英语单词)scholar [′sk?l?, ′skɑ-] n.学者；奖学金获得者 (初中英语单词)writing [′raiti?] n.书写；写作；书法 (初中英语单词)wooden [′wudn] a.木制的；呆板的 (初中英语单词)extraordinary [ik′str?:din?ri] a.非常的；额外的 (初中英语单词)capture [′k?pt] vt.&n.捕获；俘获；夺取 (初中英语单词)festival [′festiv?l] n.节日；庆祝；欢庆 (高中英语单词)hanging [′hi?] n.绞刑 a.悬挂着的 (高中英语单词)banish [′b?ni?] vt.流放；消除(顾虑等) (高中英语单词)bearing [′be?ri?] n.举止；忍耐；关系 (高中英语单词)eventually [i′vent?u?li] ad.最后，终于 (英语四级单词)dynasty [′din?sti] n.王朝；朝代 (英语四级单词)integrity [in′tegriti] n.完整；完善；正直 (英语四级单词)poetic [p?u′etik] a.理想化了的 (英语六级单词)abandoned [?′b?nd?nd] a.被抛弃的；无约束的 (英语六级单词)righteousness [raitsnis] n.正直；正当；正义 (英语六级单词)

　　所谓”三伏”，是指一年之中最热的时候。

　　关于”三伏”的记载，早在秦代就出现了。根据《史记?秦纪》记载，那时就规定每年从夏至以后第三个庚日开始入伏，叫做”初伏”(或叫”头伏”)，第四个庚日以后叫”中伏”，立秋以后第一个庚日开始为”末伏”。它包括初伏、中伏和末伏三个时期，一般出现在每年7月中旬到8月中旬之间。每年的”三伏”有长有短，长的时候有40天，短的时候只有30天。

　　据《史记正义》释义：”伏者，隐伏避盛暑也。”汉书《郊祀志》也云：”伏者，谓阴气将起，迫于阳而未得升，故为藏伏。因名伏日。”所以”伏”就是”潜伏”的意思，既表示阴气受阳气所迫藏伏地下，又表示人们避开盛暑酷热。因此，从古代起，人们就有了很多三伏天避暑消夏的活动。春秋时期，三伏中的一天是要祭祀的。到了汉魏时期，三伏日就会举办宴会，人们喝酒、吃点心以消暑；汉和帝时期，曾命令在三伏日期间全天闭门休息，不做其他的事情； 到了唐朝，长安人则喜欢在伏日聚集于凉亭下，把西瓜、李子泡在凉水中以备食用，喝酒作诗，到晚上才回家。有的地方则搭起凉棚，招呼路上往来的客人，形成纳凉聊天的盛会。

　　The term “Dog Days” (san fu) refers to the hottest period of year.

　　Records related to “Dog Days” date as far back as the Qin Dynasty. According to Historical Records ? History of Qin, it was designated at that time that the third geng day (Geng is one of the ten Heavenly Stems used in the sexagenary cycle system) after the summer solstice marked the beginning of the “First Fu” (a fu is one of three ten-day periods of the hot season), the period after the fourth geng day was called the “Middle Fu”, and the first geng day after liqiu or “Beginning of Autumn” would begin the “Last Fu”. “Dog Days” include the first, middle, and last fu periods, generally spanning between mid-July and mid-August every year. “Dog Days” may last 40 days in some years, 30 days in other years.

　　The ancient work Proper Understanding of Historical Records explains, “During the fu one hides from the sweltering heat”. The Treatise on Sacrifices chapter of the Book of Han also states, “Fu refers to the yin (cold) air repressed by the yang (warm) air, thus concealed by it. Hence the name fu.” So fu means to hide or conceal, as the cold air is forced underground into concealment by the warm air, and people also conceal themselves from the torrid midsummer heat. Thus, from ancient times, people developed many activities to escape the heat of Dog Days. During the Spring and Autumn Period, one day during Dog Days was designated for sacrificing to the gods. During the Han and Wei dynasties, people held banquets, enjoying wine and desserts as a relief from the summer heat. Emperor He of Han Dynasty decreed that during Dog Days, everyone should close their doors and rest all day. By the Tang Dynasty, however, the people in Chang’an preferred to gather under pavilions, soaking watermelons and pears in cold water, drinking wine and writing poetry, returning home only after dark. In other places, people would erect tents, calling out to passers-by to join them for cool shade and merry conversation.

　　beginning [bi′gini?] n.开始，开端；起源 (初中英语单词)conceal [k?n′si:l] vt.藏；隐瞒 (初中英语单词)relief [ri′li:f] n.救济；援救；减轻 (初中英语单词)emperor [′emp?r?] n.皇帝 (初中英语单词)everyone [′evriw?n] pron.=everybody 每人 (初中英语单词)writing [′raiti?] n.书写；写作；书法 (初中英语单词)poetry [′p?uitri] n.诗；诗意 (初中英语单词)related [ri′leitid] a.叙述的；有联系的 (高中英语单词)historical [his′t?rik?l] a.历史(上)的 (高中英语单词)heavenly [′hev?nli] a.天的，天空的 (高中英语单词)underground [,?nd?′graund] ad.&a.地下(的) (高中英语单词)dynasty [′din?sti] n.王朝；朝代 (英语四级单词)treatise [′tri:tiz, -tis] n.(专题)论文 (英语四级单词)midsummer [′mid,s?m?] n.仲夏；夏至 (英语四级单词)concealment [k?n′si:lm?nt] n.隐藏，隐瞒 (英语六级单词)calling [′k?:li?] n.点名；职业；欲望 (英语六级单词)

　　农历五月初五，俗称”端午节”，是中国传统节日之一。农历以地支纪月，五月为午。端是”开端”的意思，因此初五也可称为端五。”五”与”午”通，故有名端午，它也被人称为端五、重五、端阳。

　　在先秦时代，人们普遍认为五月是个毒月，而五日则是恶日。据《礼记》载，端午源于周代的蓄兰沐浴，目的是以浴驱邪。历史上有名的孟尝君，因为在端午出生，其父甚至要求其母不要生下他，认为这个孩子将不利于父母。从先秦以后，五月初五就被认作是不吉之日。为了祈求家宅平安，躲避灾祸，每家每户在这天都会在门前插菖蒲、艾叶以驱鬼，薰苍术、白芷、喝雄黄酒以避疫。

　　事实上，由于端午正值春夏交替，天气燥热，人易生病，瘟疫也易流行；加上蛇虫等毒物处于繁殖期，易咬伤人，民间的这些端午节习俗恰好为家庭做了卫生消毒，由此看来，端午可算是传统的医药卫生节，是人们与疾病、毒虫做斗争的节日。

　　除去在家中消毒避疫，民间在端午这一日还有许多有趣的习俗，如挂香包、编长命缕、包粽子等。自屈原在五月初五投江自尽后，吃粽子和赛龙舟更成为端午节必做的两件事，以纪念这位伟大的爱国诗人。 在今天，端午节已为国家法定节假日。2006年5月20日，该民俗被列入第一批国家级非物质文化遗产名录。

　　The fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar is the date of the Duanwu Festival, one of China’s traditional holidays, commonly known in English as the Dragon Boat Festival. Time in the lunar calendar is counted by the twelve Earthly Branches, the fifth of which is wu. Duan means “beginning,” hence the name Duanwu, meaning “the beginning of the fifth.” The festival is also known as the Double Fifth, as well as Duanyang (yang meaning sun), signifying that the festival falls on the summer solstice.

　　In the pre-Qin period, it was commonly held that the month of May was a “poisonous” month, while the fifth day of the month was an “evil” day. According to the Book of Rites, the Duanwu Festival originated in the Zhou Dynasty with the practice of bathing with orchid extract as a remedy to drive off evil spirits. When Meng Changjun, a famous figure in Chinese history, was born on the fifth day of May, his father was so concerned by the date that he demanded Meng’s mother not give birth to the boy, fearing that the child would bring misfortune on the parents. Ever since pre-Qin times, the fifth of May has been seen as day of ill omen. To pray for a family’s safety and avoid disaster, all households would stick calamus and Chinese mugwort leaves before their doors to ward off evil spirits, and burn special herbs like Chinese atractylodes and Angelica, and also drink realgar wine to prevent illness.

　　In truth, as this date marks the transition from spring to summer, when the weather becomes hot and dry, people are actually more susceptible to illness, and epidemics are easily spread. In addition, people are more likely to be stung by poisonous snakes and worms, which reproduce during this time, and these Duanwu Festival folk customs serve to disinfect and sanitize people’s homes. In this light, the Duanwu Festival can be seen as a traditional medicinal and hygienic holiday, a holiday to fight against sickness and poisonous insects.

　　Aside from household hygiene, there are also many other interesting folk customs practiced during the Duanwu Festival, such as wearing fragrant pouches, weaving colorful protective braids, and making zongzi, a kind of rice dumpling steamed in bamboo leaves. Eating zongzi and competing in dragon boat races have also become two of the most prominent customs of the festival, to commemorate the sacrifice of China’s great patriotic poet, Qu Yuan, who committed suicide by drowning himself in a river on the fifth of May.

　　Today, Duanwu Festival is a national public holiday. As of May 20th, 2006, the folk customs of the festival were officially recognized by the state in the first list of national intangible cultural heritage.

　　dragon [′dr?g?n] n.龙 (初中英语单词)beginning [bi′gini?] n.开始，开端；起源 (初中英语单词)disaster [di′zɑ:st?] n.灾难，不幸 (初中英语单词)actually [′?kt?u?li] ad.事实上；实际上 (初中英语单词)illness [′ilnis] n.生病，不健康，疾病 (初中英语单词)addition [?′din] n.加；加法；附加物 (初中英语单词)holiday [′h?lidi] n.假日，假期，节日 (初中英语单词)sickness [′siknis] n.生病；呕吐，恶心 (初中英语单词)prominent [′pr?min?nt] a.突起的；凸出的 (初中英语单词)cultural [′k?ltr?l] a.文化(上)的；教养的 (初中英语单词)calendar [′k?lind?] n.日历；月历；历法 (高中英语单词)festival [′festiv?l] n.节日；庆祝；欢庆 (高中英语单词)commonly [′k?m?nli] ad.一般地；通常 (高中英语单词)earthly [′?:θli] a.地球的；世俗的 (高中英语单词)extract [ik′str?kt, ′ekstr?kt] vt.取出；摘录 n.精华 (高中英语单词)remedy [′remidi] n.药品 vt.医治；减轻 (高中英语单词)concerned [k?n′s?:nd] a.有关的；担心的 (高中英语单词)misfortune [mis′f?:tn] n.不幸；灾祸 (高中英语单词)reproduce [,ri:pr?′dju:s] v.繁殖；复制；翻版 (高中英语单词)fragrant [′freigr?nt] a.芳香的，芬芳的 (高中英语单词)bamboo [,b?m′bu:] n.竹 (高中英语单词)patriotic [,p?tri′?tik] a.爱国的 (高中英语单词)suicide [′su:isaid, ′sju:-] n.&a.自杀(者)(的) (高中英语单词)traditional [tr?′din?l] a.传统的，习惯的 (英语四级单词)dynasty [′din?sti] n.王朝；朝代 (英语四级单词)transition [tr?n′zin, -′si-] n.转变；过渡 (英语四级单词)poisonous [′p?iz?n?s] a.有毒的；讨厌的 (英语四级单词)hygiene [′haid?i:n] n.健康法；卫生学 (英语四级单词)protective [pr?′tektiv] a.防护的；保护贸易的 (英语四级单词)officially [?′fili] ad.以职员身份；正式 (英语四级单词)heritage [′heritid?] n.遗产，继承物 (英语四级单词)susceptible [s?′sept?b?l] a.敏感的；易受影响的 (英语六级单词)practiced [′pr?ktist] a.经验丰富的；熟练的 (英语六级单词)commemorate [k?′mem?reit] vt.纪念 (英语六级单词)

　　农历七月初七在中国人心目中占据的地位非常特别，它是中国传统节日中最具浪漫色彩的一个节日，人们把这一天称为”七夕”，也叫乞巧节或女儿节。过去，这一天也是姑娘们最为重视的日子。

　　七夕最早源于我国民间传说中牛郎织女的故事：

　　从小失去父母的牛郎与哥哥嫂嫂一起生活，他勤劳善良，却总被哥嫂虐待，唯一的朋友是家里那头老牛。有天牛郎出去放牛，忽然看到七个美丽的仙女从天而降，背着玉帝和王母打算到人间的湖里来洗澡。牛郎顿时爱上了最美丽的那个仙女——织女。在老牛的帮助下，牛郎藏起了织女的衣服，也因此留住了衣服的主人——美丽的织女。

　　心灵手巧的织女做了牛郎的妻子后，与牛郎男耕女织，并生了一儿一女，生活十分美满幸福。可惜好景不长，玉帝和王母娘娘发现此事后大发雷霆，派天兵押解织女回天庭。为了阻拦追来的牛郎，王母娘娘拔下头上的金钗，在天空划出了一条波涛滚滚的银河。无法过河的牛郎只能与织女遥望对泣。他们的爱情感动了喜鹊，无数喜鹊飞来用身体搭成一道彩桥，让牛郎织女得以在桥上相会。王母娘娘无奈，只好允许牛郎织女每年七月七日在鹊桥上会面一次。

　　这个故事始于汉代，因此七夕节的形成也在汉代，当时就有”穿七孔针”、”以瓜果祭牛郎织女”的习俗。自那时起，七夕成为旧时女孩子最重视的节日，这一天晚上，女孩子们通常都会梳妆打扮，摆上时令瓜果，精致点心，对着朗朗的天空虔诚祈祷，祈求天上的织女能让自己也像织女一样，有双巧灵的手，织绣的技法娴熟，当然也还会祈求爱情与婚姻的美满幸福。

　　因为七夕带有浓厚的爱情色彩，它更成为许多诗人感怀的题材，”金风玉露一相逢，便胜却人间无数”、”流水聆听相思语，折柳相送待七夕”无数优美的诗句因此而流传下来。

　　The 7th day of the 7th lunar calendar is a special day for the Chinese people. It is the most romantictraditionalfestival and was considered in the past as the most important day for girls. Chinese women, especially unmarried ones, used to take this festival quite seriously. In China, this day is also known as “The Begging Festival” or “The Girls’ Festival”.

　　The Double Seventh Festival has its origin in the traditional folklore “the Niu Lang (Cowherd) and Zhi Nv (Weaver Maid)”.

　　The Cowherd lost his parents when he was a child. He lived with his elder brother and sister-in-law, who treated him badly. He was an honest and kind-hearted boy whose only friend was the old cattle. One day, he went out to feed his cattle. Suddenly, he saw seven fairies coming down from heaven to bath in the lake. At that moment, the cattle spoke to him, asking him to steal the dress that belonged to the most beautiful fairy. He took the dress and asked the fairy to stay with him.

　　After becoming the wife of the Cowherd, the Weaver Maid gave birth to a boy and a girl. The Cowherd worked in the farm field and the Weaver Maid wove at home, enjoying the peace and happiness of a family. Unfortunately, the God of Heaven soon found out the fact and ordered the Queen Mother of the Western Heavens to bring the Weaver Maid back to heaven. To block the pursuit of the Cowherd, the Queen Mother took off one of her gold hairpins and drew a silver river, the Milky Way, between them. The Cowherd and Weaver Maid were then separated on the two banks. However, their loyalty to love touched the magpies, so thousands of them formed a bridge across the Milky Way, and the lovers were temporarily united. The Queen Mother was eventually moved and allowed them to meet once a year on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month. Hence their meeting date has been called “Qi Xi” (Double Seventh).

　　The Double Seventh Festival originated in the Han Dynasty. Also at that time, the traditions of threading seven sewing needles and offering sacrifices to the Cowherd and the Weaver Maid were formed. From then on, that day became the grandest festival for girls. In the evening, girls would put on their prettiest dresses and offer seasonal fruits and delicious pastries and look up to the sky and pray. They hope that fairies in heaven could help them with their weaving skills, and more importantly, they would pray for true love and a happy marriage.

　　For its romance, many poets have written about the Double Seventh Festival, leaving many elegant lines of poems about the legend.

　　romantic [r?u′m?ntik] a.传奇(式)的；浪漫的 (初中英语单词)origin [′?rid?in] n.起源；由来；出身 (初中英语单词)western [′west?n] a.西的；西方的 (初中英语单词)pursuit [p?′sju:t] n.追踪；追击；事务 (初中英语单词)delicious [di′lis] a.美味的，可口的 (初中英语单词)romance [r?u′m?ns] n.中世纪骑士小说 (初中英语单词)calendar [′k?lind?] n.日历；月历；历法 (高中英语单词)festival [′festiv?l] n.节日；庆祝；欢庆 (高中英语单词)unfortunately [?n′f?:t?unitli] ad.不幸；不朽；可惜 (高中英语单词)loyalty [′l?i?lti] n.忠诚；忠心；忠实 (高中英语单词)sewing [′s?ui?] n.缝纫；(书的)装订 (高中英语单词)offering [′?f?ri?] n.提供；礼物；捐献 (高中英语单词)elegant [′elig?nt] a.文雅的；优美的 (高中英语单词)traditional [tr?′din?l] a.传统的，习惯的 (英语四级单词)unmarried [,?n′m?rid] a.未婚的，独身的 (英语四级单词)weaver [′wi:v?] n.纺织工；编织者 (英语四级单词)bridge [brid?] n.桥(梁)；鼻梁；桥牌 (英语四级单词)temporarily [′temp?r?rili] ad.暂时地 (英语四级单词)eventually [i′vent?u?li] ad.最后，终于 (英语四级单词)dynasty [′din?sti] n.王朝；朝代 (英语四级单词)

　　太极拳是中国特有的民族体育项目，它被认为是最能体现中国元素、中国风格和中国优秀的传统文化而又能同时具有现代精神的体育项目。于是，在各大仪式中几乎都能看到太极拳的表演，其动作柔和缓慢，处处带有弧形，运动绵绵不断，势势相连，如行云流水一般，非常潇洒优美。别看太极拳打起来动作缓慢，长期坚持锻炼，能够舒经活络、营养腑脏，具有强身健体的功效，是一种极佳的养生之道。

　　太极拳看似简单，却有着丰富的文化内涵，体现了中国传统哲学文化中的阴阳平衡的理念。它强调形神合一，动静结合，处处体现着中国传统文化的韵味——和谐。这种运动既自然又高雅，可亲身体会到音乐的韵律，哲学的内涵，美的造型，诗的意境。

　　太极拳有很多派别，其中的杨氏太极拳，因为其拳势简单、易学易练，正在以独特的魅力被世界人民所喜爱。许多外国人认为，练中国太极拳可进可退，”进”可提高技击水平，”退”可修身养性。现在一些国家已经把太极拳开展到学校中去了。

　　Tai Chi Chuan is a popular national sport in China. It is considered to be a sport which can best represent ancient Chinese culture and at the same time is full of spirit of modern sports. Therefore, we can see performances of Tai Chi Chuan in many important ceremonies. The movements of Tai Chi are slow and soft and full of curves. When executing the movements, there must be no obstructions, no breaks in the movements, like in a symphony. Tai Chi Chuan is consists of both spiritual and motion, it flows like a running water of river and follows the rhythm of nature. Although movements of Tai Chi Chuan look very slow, if you practice it for a long time, it is an excellent exercise that preserves health and vigour, prevents illness and prolongs life. The harmoniousmotion is not only can strengthen different part of one’s internal organs, it can also provide a greater blood circulation and can be beneficial to central nervous system.

　　Tai Chi Chuan seems simple, but is full of rich cultural contents. It demonstrates the principle of balance between Yin and Yang in traditional Chinese philosophy. It is a kind of exercise where heaven and man are united as one. This performance is in concord with the concept of Tai Chi theory, embracing motion and stillness in unity. It requires the different parts of the body move together harmoniously. This sport is very natural and elegant. You can experience the rhythm of music, the meaning of philosophy and the beauty of the routines and the artistic value of poetry.

　　Up to now, numerous Tai Chi styles have been developed. Among them, Yang Style has been most widespread all over the world because of its simple and easy movements. Many foreigners believe that to practice Tai Chi Chuan is able to “step forward” and “step backward”. To “step forward” means you can improve skills in self-defense. To “step backward” means it is good for your health and longevity. Tai Chi has become quite popular, now many countries have already made Tai Chi Chuan a course in schools.

　　culture [′k?lt] n.修养；文化；饲养 (初中英语单词)therefore [′ee?f?:] ad.&conj.因此；所以 (初中英语单词)spiritual [′spirit?u?l] a.精神(上)的；神圣的 (初中英语单词)running [′r?ni?] a.奔跑的；流动的 (初中英语单词)illness [′ilnis] n.生病，不健康，疾病 (初中英语单词)strengthen [′stre?θ?n, ′strenθ?n] vt.加强 vi.变强 (初中英语单词)nervous [′n?:v?s] a.神经的；神经过敏的 (初中英语单词)cultural [′k?ltr?l] a.文化(上)的；教养的 (初中英语单词)contents [′k?:ntents] n.容纳物；要旨 (初中英语单词)philosophy [fi′l?s?fi] n.哲学；人生观 (初中英语单词)performance [p?′f?:m?ns] n.履行；行为；工作 (初中英语单词)concept [′k?nsept] n.概念；观念；思想 (初中英语单词)poetry [′p?uitri] n.诗；诗意 (初中英语单词)motion [′m?un] n.手势 vt.打手势 (高中英语单词)vigour [′vig?] (=vigor) n.活力；精力 (高中英语单词)internal [in′t?:nl] a.内部的；国内的 (高中英语单词)circulation [,s?:kju′lein] n.循环；流传；发行(量) (高中英语单词)concord [′kk?:d] n.协定；一致 (高中英语单词)stillness [′stilnis] n.不动；无声，寂静 (高中英语单词)elegant [′elig?nt] a.文雅的；优美的 (高中英语单词)artistic [ɑ:′tistik] a.艺术的；有美感的 (高中英语单词)symphony [′simf?ni] n.交响乐(曲) (英语四级单词)rhythm [′rie?m] n.(诗的)韵律；格律 (英语四级单词)harmonious [hɑ:m?uni?s] a.协调的，悦耳的 (英语四级单词)beneficial [,beni′fil] a.有利的，有益的 (英语四级单词)traditional [tr?′din?l] a.传统的，习惯的 (英语四级单词)widespread [′waidspred] a.广布的；普遍的 (英语四级单词)

　　在中国，通常遇到节日假日，我们都可以用一句”××快(kuài)乐(lè)！”（which means Happy **!）来表达祝福。例如 春节快乐！新年快乐！国庆节快乐！教师节快乐！甚至在周末也可以说”周末快乐！”

　　但有一个节日，虽然是中国法定的假日，人们却不会用这个短语来表达祝福。这就是清明节。

　　为什么呢？原来清明节的一项重要传统习俗是祭奠逝去的先祖或亲人，又叫”扫墓”（literally means sweep the tomb），通常人们会在这一天前往逝者的墓前，扫去积土和灰尘，献上黄色或白色的鲜花，摆上一些逝者生前喜爱的食物，再点燃香和纸钱，寄托人们的哀思。

　　清明节一般是在每年4月5日前后，在中国大地上正是万物生长的春天，也是户外活动的好时节。因此，清明节除了祭祖扫墓之外，还有了许多传统的户外活动，例如踏青（literally means step on the green grass）也就是春游；荡秋千，放风筝、拔河等各项野外健身活动，使这个节日，除了有追思古人的感伤，还融合了欢乐赏春的气氛；既有生离死别的悲酸泪，又到处是一派清新明丽的生动景象。

　　In China, we say ” xx kuàilè!” to express our best wishes for the holidays. For example, “Chūnjié kuàilè”, “Guóqìng jié kuàilè”, “Jiàoshī jié kuàilè”, even for weekends we can also say “Zhōumò kuàilè”. But there is a holiday, although it is a Chinese public holiday, people will not use this phrase to express holiday greetings. This is the Qingming Festival. Why is that? Qingming Festival is also called Tomb Sweeping Festival, on which people visit the gravesites of their ancestors and hold memorial ceremonies. As part of honoring the dead, people sweep and weed the gravesites, offer yellow or white flowers and some food that the deceased used to like, and then burn incense and paper money to express people’s grief. Actually Qingming Festival is not just a day of mourning and sadness, it is also a time to celebrate the coming of spring. Since ancient times, people have followed the custom of ta qing (treading the greenery). Qingming Festival falls on April 5 every year. With the coming of spring, nature wakes up, dressing the world in green. Therefore, Qingming is also a good time for outdoor activities, such as spring picnic, kite flying, tug-of-war, swing, etc. All in all, the Qingming Festival is an occasion of unique characteristics, integrating sorrowful tears to the dead with the continuouslaughter from the spring outing.

　　holiday [′h?lidi] n.假日，假期，节日 (初中英语单词)phrase [freiz] n.短语；词组；措词 (初中英语单词)actually [′?kt?u?li] ad.事实上；实际上 (初中英语单词)mourning [′m?:ni?] n.悲伤；治丧；戴孝 (初中英语单词)celebrate [′selibreit] vt.庆祝；表扬；赞美 (初中英语单词)therefore [′ee?f?:] ad.&conj.因此；所以 (初中英语单词)continuous [k?n′tinju?s] a.连续不断的；延长的 (初中英语单词)laughter [′lɑ:ft?] n.笑，笑声 (初中英语单词)festival [′festiv?l] n.节日；庆祝；欢庆 (高中英语单词)sweeping [′swi:pi?] a.掠过的 n.扫除；清除 (高中英语单词)memorial [mi′m?:ri?l] a.纪念的 n.纪念物 (高中英语单词)incense [′insens, in′sens] n.香(气) vt.激怒 (高中英语单词)sadness [′s?dnis] n.悲哀；悲痛；凄惨 (高中英语单词)picnic [′piknik] n.郊游 vi.(去)野餐 (高中英语单词)unique [ju:′ni:k] a.唯一的 n.独一无二 (高中英语单词)sorrowful [′s?r?uful] a.悲伤的，使人伤心的 (英语四级单词)

　　中国人把农历的十二月称作”腊月”，因此农历的十二月八日这天被称为”腊八”。按照传统，人们要在这天吃一种特别熬制的粥——”腊八粥”。

　　”八”在中国是个吉祥的数字，在熬制腊八粥的时候，人们通常会把八种不同的原料搭配到一起来熬制。最常见的配方就是用大米，小米，糥米等谷类配上红豆、绿豆或者辅以核桃，花生等各类干果，再加上红糖，既美味又健康。当然你也可以根据自己的口味，搭配出独具特色的腊八粥。

　　腊月八日喝腊八粥这个习俗可以追溯到一千多年以前，那时候人们用各类粮食做成的粥来敬奉祖先与神灵，以保佑来年五谷丰登。

　　也有的人认为，腊八的习俗和佛教在中国的传播有关。因为腊月初八这天正是佛教始祖释迦牟尼得道的日子。据说得道前，释迦牟尼过了六年苦行僧的生活，一度饿得晕倒在路旁，一位牧女送他奶粥，救醒了释迦牟尼。因此，佛教的寺院每到腊八这天都会用香谷、 果实等煮粥供佛，并将腊八粥赠送给穷人们。

　　According to the Chinese lunar calendar, December is called “layue” in Chinese. Therefore, the 8th of December is called “Laba”. “La” means the 12th lunar month and “ba” means eight. On this day, Chinese people usually eat the Laba rice porridge.

　　The number “8” is a lucky number in China, which is why eight ingredients are used for the Laba rice porridge. The most common ingredients include rice, millet, and other grains, red beans, green beans and even walnuts, peanuts and other dried fruits. Eight main ingredients are cooked with brown sugar to make the porridge tasty. Of course, you can also make the Laba rice porridge according to your own taste by using other creative ingredients. The tradition of eating Laba rice porridge on the 8th can be traced back to some 1,000 years ago. At that time, people made sacrifice to their ancestors and gods with various types of porridge to bless the coming year with a good harvest.

　　Some people also think that the Laba practice is related to the spread of Buddhism in China, because Sakyamuni Buddha attained enlightenment on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. According to legend, when Sakyamuni was on his quest for understanding and enlightenment, he grew tired and hungry, exhausted from days of walking and he fainted by a river in India. A shepherdess found him and fed him her lunch — porridge made with beans and rice. Sakyamuni was thus able to continue his journey. After six years of strict discipline, he finally realized his dream of full enlightenment on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. Therefore, Buddhist temples use Laba rice porridge with fresh grain and fruits to worship Buddha, and also offer the porridge to the poor people on on that day every year.

　　therefore [′ee?f?:] ad.&conj.因此；所以 (初中英语单词)tradition [tr?′din] n.传统；惯例；传说 (初中英语单词)discipline [′disiplin] n.纪律；训练 (初中英语单词)worship [′w?:?ip] n.&v.崇拜；敬仰 (初中英语单词)calendar [′k?lind?] n.日历；月历；历法 (高中英语单词)related [ri′leitid] a.叙述的；有联系的 (高中英语单词)strict [strikt] a.严厉的；精确的 (高中英语单词)creative [kri:′eitiv] a.有创造力的；创作的 (英语四级单词)

　　大家都知道春节是中国人一年中最热闹最盛大的传统节日。你也许已经听说过许多关于春节的有趣风俗。但你知道吗，中国幅员辽阔，不同的地方风俗并不相同，即使相同，也可能流传着不一样的传说。比如说”饺子”，在除夕之夜吃饺子主要是北方的习俗。但淮河以南的人家并不习惯吃饺子，除夕夜的餐桌上常见的食物通常是年糕，春卷，或者是用鸡蛋做皮儿的蛋饺。

　　至于北方人为什么要在除夕夜吃饺子，也有许多不同说法：有的和饺子的形状有关，饺子的形状像中国古代的一种货币——元宝，象征着财富，因此，过年吃饺子会带来一年的财运。还有的家庭包饺子时会在某一个饺子里包上一枚硬币，吃到硬币的那个人当然就会在新年里格外好运啦!

　　还有一种说法是根据饺子的发音而来的：在中国传统的计时制度中，午夜12点后的第一个时辰被称为”子时”，除夕夜的子时正是农历新年的伊始，”饺子”（jiǎozi）的发音和”交子（jiāo zǐ）”相似，取”更岁交子”的吉祥意思。所以饺子一般要在年三十晚上12点以前包好，待到半夜子时（0点）吃，热腾腾的饺子下肚，一家人其乐融融。

　　The Spring Festival is the most important and the biggest traditionalfestival in China. Maybe you have already heard of many interesting customs about the Spring Festival, but did you know the local customs can be rather different in different areas of China. Even if some of these customs are the same, the legends are not. For example, eating dumplings on Spring Festival Eve is the tradition in northern China, while in southern China, people eat glutinous rice cakes and spring rolls, or dumplings with egg wrappers instead of the traditional dumpling skin.

　　There are many reasons why people in northern China eat dumplings on Spring Festival Eve. One reason is that the shape of the dumplings resembles the ancient Chinese gold ingots used as money–Yuanbao, so dumplings symbolize wealth. Therefore, it is said that eating dumplings on Spring Festival Eve will bring you good luck. Some families hide a coin in one of the dumplings, and the person who find or bite it will be the luckiest one in the New Year.

　　The other reason why people in northern China eat dumplings is according to its Chinese pronunciation “jiǎozi”. In China’s traditional timing system, after midnight, the first hour is called “zǐshí”, and this hour marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year. The pronunciation of “jiǎozi”(dumpling) is similar to “jiāo zǐ” (meaning auspicious). In general, dumplings should be made before mid-night on Spring Festival Eve, which is when the whole family get together to enjoy the hot dumplings. What a delightful picture!

　　tradition [tr?′din] n.传统；惯例；传说 (初中英语单词)wealth [welθ] n.财富，财产 (初中英语单词)therefore [′ee?f?:] ad.&conj.因此；所以 (初中英语单词)pronunciation [pr?,n?nsi′ein] n.发音(法) (初中英语单词)system [′sist?m] n.系统，体系，制度 (初中英语单词)midnight [′midnait] n.午夜；漆黑 (初中英语单词)beginning [bi′gini?] n.开始，开端；起源 (初中英语单词)delightful [di′laitful] a.讨人喜欢的 (初中英语单词)festival [′festiv?l] n.节日；庆祝；欢庆 (高中英语单词)traditional [tr?′din?l] a.传统的，习惯的 (英语四级单词)

　　捏面人是中国传统的民间手工艺，曾经广泛的在全国各地流传，特别被孩子们所喜爱。

　　面人的原料一般用面粉和糯米粉以及各种彩色颜料调制而成的，经手工捏制成各种人物、动物，所捏出的面人有着浓郁的生活气息和地方特色。在过去，捏面人的师傅通常会背着小木箱走街串巷。如果遇到顾客，他就会打开箱子，现捏现卖。同时，他的身边通常会围着很多的小孩子，他们认为观看捏面人可算上是种视觉享受。五颜六色的面团，被捏面师傅随手一掰，附在一根小木棍上捏出一个轮廓，再用其他颜色的面团经过搓、捏、压、按等多种手法捏出五官和四肢，然后，再借助刀子、牙签、细线等工具进行细加工，一个面人就这么神奇的成形了。但是现在，这种场景通常只能在每年春节的庙会上才能看到。

　　Dough Figurine, a traditional Chinese art craft, used to be popular among children all over China. The dough figurine is a mixture of flour, glutinous rice flour and various colors, pinched into various figurines of people and animals. In the past, the dough figurine masters often carried a small box and walked around Hutong. If he met somebody who wanted to buy dough figurine, he would stop and make some on the spot. In no time, he would be surrounded by children watching him pinching. It was indeed a visual enjoyment. He pinched the colorful dough and attached it to a small stick and by techniques of rubbing, pinching, and pressing, the rough shape of a figurine then came into being. Then the master would refine it through tools of knife, thread and toothpick. A nice dough figurine was well done. But now, one can only see this traditional art craft on temple fair.

　　mixture [′mikst] n.混合；混合比；混合物 (初中英语单词)temple [′temp?l] n.庙宇；寺院；太阳穴 (初中英语单词)enjoyment [in′dim?nt] n.享受；愉快；乐趣 (高中英语单词)traditional [tr?′din?l] a.传统的，习惯的 (英语四级单词)refine [ri′fain] v.精炼；提纯；改进 (英语四级单词)