Question

The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 periods. Winter Solstice(冬至), the 22nd period of the year, begins this year on Dec 22 and ends on Jan 4.

On the first day of Winter Solstice, the sun shines directly at the Tropic of Capricorn(南回歸線). As a result, the northern part of the world experiences the shortest day and the longest night in the year. From then on, the days become longer and the nights become shorter. The Winter Solstice also marks the arrival of the coldest season in the year. Here are three things you should know about Winter Solstice.

The Winter Solstice Festival

There was a saying that went in ancient China, “The Winter Solstice is as important as the Spring Festival.” As early as Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-256BC), people honored the gods on the first day of the Winter Solstice, which was also the first day of the new year. The Winter Solstice became a winter festival during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220AD).

Eating dumplings

During Winter Solstice in North China, eating dumplings is necessary for almost everyone. There is a saying that goes “Have dumplings on the first day of Winter Solstice and noodles on the first day of Summer Solstice.”

Eating rice cakes

During the Winter Solstice, people in Hangzhou traditionally eat rice cakes. In the past, people used to make rice cakes themselves to honor ancestors there. Today, though few families have home-made cakes, people there still buy rice cakes for the Winter Solstice Festival.

1.Why does the northern world enjoy the shortest day on Dec 22 this year?

A.Because the southern part of the world enjoys the longest days.

B.Because the sun shines straightly at the Tropic of Capricorn.

C.Because the days get longer and the nights get shorter,

2.What does the underlined word “mark” mean?

A.打分 B.啟動 C.標志

3.During Winter Solstice, people ________.

A.are supposed to eat the same kind of food

B.memorize the ancestors all over China.

C.keep the tradition of eating rice cakes in Hangzhou

4.Which of the statement is TRUE about the passage?

A.People started the custom of Winter Solstice thousands of years ago.

B.Winter Solstice lasts for less than 10 days this year.

C.The first day of Winter Solstice means the start of a new year now.

5.What is the main idea of the passage?

A.The introduction to Winter Solstice.

B.The customs on Winter Solstice.

C.The importance of Winter Solstice.

Answer 1