The 3D animated movie Tea Pets was released in China on July 21 and fired people’s enthusiasm in learning more about the increasingly popular tea pets-porcelain (陶瓷的)figures placed on tea trays. The followings are some typical tea pets with various forms and shapes.
Pi Xiu
Tea pets in the form of Pi Xiu -a mythical animal similar to a Chinese unicorn - are very popular among businessmen. In traditional Chinese culture, Pi Xiu, the ninth son of a dragon, can bring fortune to people. It only takes money as food and never lets it out. Moreover, it is believed that pi xiu can protect a house from evil spirits.
Three-legged toad
In Chinese myths, three-legged toads spit money from their mouth and help the poor. Thus, it has been considered a lucky animal for a long time in Chinese culture. If you’re a fan of Harry Potter series, this little toad might be a good reminder of Hogwarts and magic.
Little foot with a spider
In the shape of a little fat foot with a spider on it, this tea pet might look strange to non-Chinese speakers. In the Chinese language, spider is zhi zhu and foot zu. When the two pronunciations are combined, it would be a homophone (同音字)for “satisfied” in Chinese. It is designed to remind people of having a satisfied attitude towards life and being grateful for every little gain.
The best way to raise a tea pet is to brush it with the fresh tea you are drinking. Only use one kind of tea to pour on a tea pet, rather than many kinds. Oolong, such as Tie Guanyin, and green tea are better choices to raise a tea pet apart from Pu’er tea.
1. Why is Pi Xiu popular among businessmen?| A．It takes the shape of a Chinese unicorn. |
| B．It costs people a lot of money to keep it. |
| C．It spits money from its mouth and helps the poor. |
| D．It brings its owners wealth and drives away bad spirits. |
| A．A unique symbol that attracts foreign tea lovers. |
| B．An insect that brings good luck to Chinese people. |
| C．A pronunciation that shows the hidden meaning in Chinese. |
| D．A reminder that people should always attempt to gain more. |
| A．Green tea is better than Pu’er tea. |
| B．The tea you’re drinking is the best option. |
| C．Pu’er tea is not the preferred choice to blush a tea pet. |
| D．A mixture of several kinds of teas is highly recommended. |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】Dragon Head Raising Day: time for a haircut
China is a country with many colorful days and festivals. The Dragon Head Raising Day (Longtaitou) is one of them.
This special day is on the second day of the second month in the Chinese lunar calendar (阴历). It stands for (代表) the start of spring and farming. This year, the day fell on March 10.
The dragon is important in Chinese culture. We Chinese people call ourselves the “descendants (传人) of the dragon”. Therefore, people celebrate theDragon Head Raising Day with many customs about dragons.
On the day in ancient times, people put ashes (灰) in the kitchen. This was to “lead the dragon into the house”. People believed that with the help of the dragon, they could have a good harvest (收成) in autumn.
Also, people eat special foods on that day. The foods are usually named after dragons. For example, people eat “dragon whisker (细须)” noodles and dumplings called “dragon teeth”.
Today, many customs have faded away (消退). But one that has remained is the cutting of hair. It was said that a haircut during the first lunar month may bring bad luck to the mother’s brothers. So many people have their hair cut on the Dragon Head Raising Day.
1. The Dragon Head Raising Day is one of the ______ festivals.| A．English | B．French | C．American | D．Chinese |
| A．March 10 | B．February 2 | C．March 4 | D．March 8 |
| A．Because the dragon liked the ashes. |
| B．Because the ashes led the dragon into the house. |
| C．Because the ashes stood for the harvest. |
| D．Because the ashes could bring good luck. |
| A．the dragon boating | B．to eat Zongzi |
| C．the cutting of hair | D．to eat mooncakes |
【推荐2】Embroidery is an important art form in Chinese culture. People often embroider handkerchiefs, bed covers, tablecloths and dresses. Sichuan embroidery, also called Shu embroidery, is one of the most famous embroidery styles in China. It is famous for its delicate and bright colors and fine stitches (针脚).
The characteristics are greatly influenced by geographical environment, customs and cultures. Called the “Land of Abundance”, Sichuan Province is rich in grain production. The people of this area also enjoy a slow lifestyle. So when embroidering, they are usually patient and willing to spend time pursuing the form’s complexity and elegance. This could also be a reason why Sichuan embroidery was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2006.
Making beautiful Sichuan embroidery products is never easy. It requires superb workmanship. Meng Dezhi was born to a family of embroiderers. She was one of the most talented employees in the Chengdu Shu Embroidery Factory. Even so, the long and repetitive nature of the process often challenges her. And in winter, when her hands and feet are freezing, things become more difficult. But her love for the work has encouraged Meng to continue. Even for an experienced master like Meng, finishing a piece requires several days or even a few months.
“These experiences may sometimes discourage me, but the love for Sichuan embroidery always gives me motivation to continue,” said Meng. Meng has also popularized the culture of Sichuan embroidery when the tradition was at risk of declining. Because many cheap products are made by modern machines, the factory Meng worked in was forced to close in 2005. To make a living, Meng rented a small space to teach Sichuan embroidery skills to the kids and young people.
“In the early days, I set up the company just for survival, but now I really feel that I have the responsibility to pass on Sichuan embroidery skills to young people. It is like sowing seeds — who knows which of them will become an inheritor (继承人) or guardian of our culture in the future?” she told China Daily.
1. What makes Meng Dezhi stick to embroidering?2. Which of the following can be the best title for the text?
| A．Art Made with Modern Machines | B．The History of Sichuan Embroidery |
| C．Passing on Sichuan Embroidery | D．A Talented Sichuan Embroidery Employee |
Sichuan embroidery
Paras, 1-2
Paras. 3-5
Though faced with many dificulties,
People in different parts of China have different ways to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. But one traditional custom has definitely remained and is shared by all the Chinese. This is eating the festive specialty: cakes shaped like the moon.
Moon Cake is the food appearing everywhere at any celebration of this traditional festival, not only because of its delicious taste and charming looking, but also for the cultural and artistic connotation. Nowadays, moon cakes with their various flavors and delicate packaging actually have become a kind of artwork. People can also get artistic pleasure while enjoying the food.
Moon cakes are round pastries that are about an inch in height. Inside, they are filled with lotus seeds, red bean paste, orange peel, melon seeds, ham, dried flower petals, and salted duck’s egg yolk. The surface of the food is patterned with clouds, the moon, and the rabbit.
It symbolizes the reunions of families and couples. The exchanging of gifts during the mid autumn festival is one of the hospitable custom and lovers would also give moon cakes as presents to show their passions.
The custom of eating moon cakes can date back to thousand of years ago, having a close relationship with Chinese culture and history. In Chinese ancient literary history, a considerable number of poets and intellectuals created many classic poems and articles about the Mid-Autumn Festival and Moon Cakes. In Chinese fairy tales, there lived on the moon the fairy Chang'er, a wood cutter named Wu Gang and a jade rabbit which is Chang’er’s pet. In the old days, people paid respect to the fairy Chang’er on the Mid-Autumn Festival.
1. What does the moon cake stand for in Chinese culture?2. Describe what does the moon cake look like?
【推荐1】Online Lecture Delivered by Helen Thomson
Do you ever feel like anyone else deals with life’s problems better than you? Do you wonder whether you’re getting enough sleep? If yes, why not attend our online evening lecture? It’s best to turn to scientists for advice on the things that aren’t going right in life as they’ve spent decades finding out which ways actually work. In this talk, the speaker will guide you through proven ways to sleep better, explain a kind of exercise that could save your life, and show you how best to deal with stress.
The price is £20 per ticket, but you can save 15% off the ticket price if you book it before June 1st.
What’s included in your ticket:
•Live lecture lasting 60 minutes delivered by Helen Thomson
•On-demand (按需要提供的) access to a recording of the lecture for 12 months
About the speaker:
Helen Thomson is a consultant at New Scientist and has published work in the Guardian, The New York Times, Nature, Farbes and many different popular magazines. In 2021, her first book Unthinkable: An Extraordinary Journey Through the World’s Strangest Brains was the Times Book of the Year. Her new book, written with New Scientist is called This Book Could Fix Your Life.
Booking information:
•This online lecture will start at 6:00 pm on June 10 2022. Access to a recording of the lecture will be available to ticket purchasers for the 12 months following it
•To secure your place, we recommend you book in advance.
• All ticket purchasers will receive a separate email with a link to access the lecture hall before the lecture; please note that each link is unique and shouldn’t be shared.
1. Which of the following can mostly be the theme of the lecture?| A．Common problems in life. | B．Effective ways to solve daily problems. |
| C．Reasons for things going wrong in our life. | D．Guidelines for a kind of exercise. |
| A．£20 | B．£18.5 | C．£17 | D．£23 |
| A．Ticket purchaser can get a recording of the lecture. |
| B．Helen Thomson is a consultant in The New York Times. |
| C．The link to the lecture can be shared with friends. |
| D．All ticket purchasers will receive an email from Helen Thomson. |
【推荐2】STAGES
Barbara and the Camp Dogs
The confident lead singer of a pub rock band, Barbara sets out on a road trip with her cousin Rene to reconnect with their family and see her sick mum. It’s written by Alana Valentine, and Leticia Caceres directs a cast including Yovich.
Malthouse Theatre. Today, 6:30pm.
Tickets: $30-$55.
Bookings: (03) 9685 5111 or online.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong
The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society presents the Olivier award-nominated play Peter Pan Goes Wrong. JM Barrie’s classic fairytale Peter Pan has been reimagined with comedic disasters, including technical problems and cast conflict.
Sydney Lyric Theatre. Tonight, 7pm.
Tickets: $69.90- $119.90.
Bookings: 1300 795 267 or online.
Kwongkan
Combining contemporary and traditional dance, the Ochre Contemporary Dance Company and the Daksha Sheth Dance Company perform Kwongkan to live music. Created and directed by Mark Howett, this piece explores ancient, present and future cultures where humans struggle to save the planet and themselves.
Fremantle Arts Centre. Tonight and Tomorrow, 7:30pm.
Tickets: $28.60-$51.
Inquiries: (08) 9432 9555 or online.
The Rosie Result
Author Graeme Simsion discusses his new novel, The Rosie Result, which explores the love life of middle-aged autistic (患自闭症的) character Don. Simsion presents the talk alongside clinical psychologist Tony Attwood. The event will be moderated (主持) by autism advocate Barb Cook.
Brisbane Powerhouse. Tonight, 7pm.
Tickets: $30-$57.
Bookings: (07) 3358 8600 or online.
1. Who is the author of Peter Pan?
| A．JM Barrie. | B．Alana Valentine. | C．Yovich. | D．Mark Howett. |
| A．It is directed by a singer. | B．It has comedic disasters. |
| C．It includes traditional dance. | D．It is a talk about a novel. |
| A．Barbara and the Camp Dogs. | B．Peter Pan Goes Wrong. |
| C．Kwongkan. | D．The Rosie Result. |
【推荐3】How cool can libraries be in an era of iPods and Kindles? More than you think. Only if you know where to go.
Central Library: Seattle, Washington, United States
The Central Library in Seattle is modern and fashionable and has tourists from around the world paying visits and taking tours. It was designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and American designer Joshua Ramus. Tours began in 2006, two years after its opening. The library holds various art exhibitions, book signings and other events, while visitors can stop by the Chocolate cart for a coffee and scan through the gift shop anytime.
Trinity College Library: Dublin, Ireland
The Trinity College Library in Dublin is in Ireland, founded at the end of the 16th century by Queen Elizabeth I. It is the largest single library in the world, also known as the Long Room, which contains more than 200,000 of the library's oldest books. The Long Room houses one of the oldest harps（竖琴）in Ireland. Dating to the 15th century, the old harp is the model for the symbol foreland.
Geisel Library, University of California: San Diego, United States
At first glance, it looks like a spaceship. Architect William Pereira, who helped design actual space launch facilities at Cape Canaveral in Houston, Texas, designed the library in 1970. It has been featured in sci-fi films, short stories and novels. The library hosts “Dinner in the Library,” which invites readers for cocktails, and also special speeches from distinguished authors．
TU Delft Library: The Netherlands
The library at the Delft University of Technology was constructed in 1997 and has more than 862,000 books, 16,000 magazine subscriptions and its own museum. The building itself exists beneath the ground, so you can't really see the actual Library. What makes it interesting is the roof, which is a grassy hill. The roof covers 5,500 square meters. And it has become one of the most striking and greenest structures in the area.
1. Which of the four libraries has the longest history?| A．Central Library | B．Trinity College Library |
| C．Geisel Library | D．TU Delft Library |
| A．a spaceship designer founded the library |
| B．it has a roof of grassy hill |
| C．famous writers often deliver speeches there |
| D．it is the largest single library in the world |
| A．drink cocktails | B．buy souvenirs |
| C．create paintings | D．book events |
