1 . Grain Rain is the sixth solar term (节气) in the twenty-four solar terms, which is from an old Chinese saying — rain produces hundreds of grains.
The Chinese name of Grain Rain was originated from a folk story. When Cang Jie, an official in the Yellow Emperor period, created a set of characters from observing the tracks of animals, countless grain came down from the sky like rainfall.
Seeing peonies (牡丹) three days after Grain Rain has become a tradition in northern China. Because the flowering of the peonies happens during Grain Rain, it is also known as the “Flower of the Grain Rain”.
| A．There is an interesting folk story about Grain Rain |
| B．The customs of Grain Rain vary from place to place |
| C．Therefore, the Yellow Emperor named this day as guyu |
| D．The flower represents grace and honor in Chinese culture |
| E．They play an important role in our traditional farming society |
| F．This means the rain is important for the growth of grain at this time of year |
| G．On the day of Grain Rain, people will come to pick some new tea and drink it |
2 . Most of us consider winter a great time to stay inside with a good book. Yet the winter months offer great outdoor events.
The Ice Festival at Lake Khovsgol, March 2, 3
Lake Khovsgol, called the Blue Pearl of Mongolia, freezes up to 1.5 meters deep. Each year local residents have a two-day celebration, sharing their traditional songs and dances. Activities including sled races, skating and much more take place on the frozen lake. Visitors from different countries are always surprised to see how much weight the lake can hold.
Anchorage Fur Rendezvous, February 27~March 8
North America’s largest winter festival takes place in Anchorage, Alaska. In the past, the fur trade was one of the state’s most important industries. The festival’s 86th anniversary this year will celebrate Alaska’s pioneer way of life. People can enjoy nearly 70 different activities. Winter games and sports are a special feature as visitors celebrate the season. Tourists come from around the world to attend the festival.
Troms International Film Festival, January 12~18
If film is your passion, then Norway’s Troms film festival is for you! You will get to meet and interact with people from the international film industry. And you’ll be able to view some of the world’s best international films on Troms’s enormous outdoor screen. More than 50,000 people attend the festival each year.
Grindelwald World Snow Festival, January 19~24
Every January, ice art takes center stage in the beautiful Swiss village of Grindelwald. Artists from around the world arrive in mid-January to accept the ice challenge. They start with meter-high blocks of ice and spend six days creating spectacular sculptures (雕塑). Festival-goers are delighted to see the process as well as the finished pieces.
Don’t let the cold weather keep you inside this season. There are lots of fun and exciting events to attend!
1. What is the purpose of this text?| A．To explain why winter is not a good time to stay inside. |
| B．To show benefits of some exciting winter festivals. |
| C．To tell about the history of the winter festivals. |
| D．To introduce some fun-filled winter festivals . |
| A．It has activities related to ice. |
| B．It is held on the frozen lake. |
| C．Its visitors are from all over the world. |
| D．It is specially fit for film-lovers. |
| A．The Ice Festival at Lake Khovsgol |
| B．Anchorage Fur Rendezvous |
| C．Troms International Film Festival |
| D．Grindelwald World Snow Festival |
A．Health. | B．Science. |
| C．Life. | D．News. |
