Question

The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms (節(jié)氣). Winter Solstice (冬至), the 22nd solar term of the year, begins this year on Dec 22 and ends on Jan 4.

On the first day of Winter Solstice, the Northern Hemisphere (北半球) experiences the shortest day and the longest night in the year, as the sun shines directly at the Tropic of Capricorn.(南回歸線) 36. 1.. The Winter Solstice also marks the arrival of the coldest season in the year. As early as Zhou Dynasty (周期), people worshiped 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. 37. 2.. On this day, both official. (官員) and common people would have a rest.

When midwinter comes, people always stay indoors. In this period, eating some nuts(堅(jiān)果) is necessary, such as peanuts, walnuts, chestnuts, hazelnuts and almonds. 38. 3.. Traditional Chinese medical science teaches that nuts play an important role in nourishing the kidneys (腎臟)and making the brain and heart stronger.

During die Winter Solstice, people in Hangzhou traditionally eat rice cakes. In the past, before the winter solstice came, every family would make rice cakes to worship their ancestors or use as gifts for relatives and friends. 39. 4.. However, people there still buy rice cakes for the Winter Solstice Festival. Do you know more about Chinese traditional culture? Let’s share together and make a stronger and better China!

A. From then on, the days become longer and the nights become shorter.

B. They are good for our body.

C. Fewer families eat home-made cakes today.

D. The celebratory activities were officially organized.

E. During Winter Solstice in North China, eating dumplings is common at the festival.

Answer 1