The art of paper-cutting in China may date back to the second century, since paper    1    (invent)by Cai Lun in the Eastern Han Dynasty in China. As paper became more affordable, paper0cutting became one of the most important    2    (type) of Chinese folk art. Later,    3     different regions adopting their own cultural styles, this art form spread to other parts of the world.    4     (usual), the artworks are made of red paper, as red is associated with    5    (happy) in Chinese culture, but other colors are also used.

With    6    (it) long history, paper-cutting,    7    originated in China, has been very popular among the ordinary Chinese people. People put up papercuts on walls, windows and doors at wedding ceremonies or festivals     8    (strengthen) the cheerful atmosphere.

Chinese papercuts are rich in content. The auspicious（吉祥的）designs symbolize good luck and the avoidance of evil. The child, lotus and bat designs suggest a family with    9    large number of children and grandchildren. Birds, livestock, fruit, fish and worms are also familiar objects    10    (accept) by Chinese farmers. In a word, papercuts used in different occasions have different meanings.

The Double Ninth Festival     1     (celebrate) on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. It is also known     2     the Senior Citizens’ Festival. The festival     3     (base) on the theory of Yin and Yang, the two opposing principles in nature. The ancients believed that all natural     4     (phenomenon) could be explained by this theory. Numbers are related to this theory. Even numbers belong to Yin and odd numbers to Yang. The ninth day of the ninth lunar month is a day     5     the two Yang numbers meet. So it is called Chongyang.

    6     (appreciate) chrysanthemum (菊花) and drinking chrysanthemum wine have always been a tradition during the Double Ninth Festival. Chrysanthemums are regarded as a kind of flower     7    (have) the function of an antitoxin (抗毒素) and can drive the evil away.

As nine is pronounced “jiu” meaning long in Chinese, so people use the word jiu     8    (express)the meaning of longevity with a person’s life. In the year of 1989, the Double Ninth Festival was designated as Senior’s Day — a day to respect the elderly. Members of a family also     9     (company) their elders to have a     10     (relax) day in a natural setting while wishing health and happiness upon them.

In the USA, when you pass by someone you know, a nod is acceptable, and you usually shake hands with someone you first meet. But in Latin countries, a firm handshake    1    (consider) rude. In my home country, Mauritius, when people meet, they usually kiss each other    2     the cheeks. This is also common in France,    3     the act is called faire la bise. However, this is not     4    universal rule.

Chinese New Year is a     1     (celebrate) marking the end of the winter season and the beginning of spring. This is why decorating with plants, fruits and flowers     2     (carry) special significance. They represent the earth       3     (come) back to life and best wishes for new beginnings.

Developed by Confucius during the Spring and Autumn Period, Confucianism is a philosophical and ethical system, which has become an     1    (influence) part. Today, mottos from Confucianism are frequently used by foreign officials in their speeches or talks. People around   the globe can   have   access     2    Confucianism in Confucius Institutes and   Chinese     Culture   Centers     abroad.   Up     to   now,   China     3     (open) about 500 Confucius Institutes in 140 countries and regions, introducing China by opening training classes, building libraries, and holding cultural activities.

The history of the Lantern Festival could be traced back to the Han Dynasty, and the celebrations were gradually enriched, expanded and settled in succeeding dynasties. But from the very beginning, lanterns was an indispensable part of the day. Long before the electrical lights     1     (invent), the streets in ancient Chinese cities were illuminated by various colorful lanterns.     2     (dress) in their most beautiful clothes, the ancient Chinese would swarm the streets, where dancers and musicians would gather as fireworks were lit and lanterns displayed.

Earth Day,     1    (mark) on 22 April, is an annual event aiming to raise public awareness about environmental protection. First celebrated     2     1970, the Day now includes events in more than 190 countries and regions(地区). No matter what you like to do, there is a way to get involved in various     3    (activity) on Earth Day. You can plant a tree, make a meal with locally grown vegetables, or save power—the possibilities are endless.

8 . March 14 is, perhaps quietly, celebrated as Pi Day,     1     day to honor the number that many people are familiar with. The date comes from the first three number of Pi: March is the third month,     2     (follow) by the one and four that make 14. Pi     3     (appear) wherever there are circles. Pi is a ratio. It measures the     4     (distant) around a circle to its diameter(直径).

A website, Piday.org , shows little known facts about the number. Pi has been    5    (universal) known for thousands of years and gets its name     6     a Greek letter,. The Greeks are believed to have used the letter to describe the ratio. The first Pi Day     7     (celebrate) on March 14, 1988. San Francisco’s Exploratorium Science Museum started the event, according to the site. The museum marks the day with a daylong celebration     8     (include) a parade.

March 14 has other scientific     9     (link). It is the birthday of physicist and Nobel Prize winner Albert Einstein. Princeton University,     10     Einstein lived for many years, celebrates Pi Day as well.