The traditional Chinese solar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Daxue, or “Major Snow” is the 21st of the 24 solar terms of the Chinese lunar year. During Major Snow, the snow becomes heavy and begins to accumulate on the ground, the temperature     1     (drop) significantly.

The snow in North China may last     2     whole day, breaking tree branches and blocking the road. The natural scenery is “hundreds of leagues ice-bound go; over thousands of leagues flies snow”.

    3     a proverb about the snow says, “A     4     (time) snow promises a good harvest.” With the snow covering the ground, the low winter temperature kills pests.

The plum blossom, which     5     (origin) in China, is revered in Chinese culture for its resilience during severe winters. Along with the pine and bamboo, it is considered one of the Three Friends of Winter. Lamb is a favorite food for Chinese people during Major Snow. It’s excellent for nourishing the body, promoting blood     6     (circulate) and providing protection against the cold. People in Chongging like to have     7     (pot) or stewed lamb soup while Nanjing residents like to stew lamb with yams or wolfberries to make it more     8     (nutrition).

During this period, Chinese people watch     9     outbreaks of respiratory illness, which can be prevented by wearing a warm scarf to protect the neck and properly     10     (drink) water.

Zhang Zeduan's Qingming Scroll is a masterwork of Chinese art    1     (consist) of three main sections, the    2     (combine) of which gives the viewer an idea of what life was like for the people of Bianjing.

Zhang used his    3     (amaze) precise brushwork to provide people with a comprehensive look at life during the Northern Song Dynasty in the painting, from    4     we can know about the 12th-century Chinese customs, clothing, transportation methods, business practices, and    5     wide range of buildings. However, some critics suggest that the painting    6     (actual) exposes serious political and social problems.

Zhang's timeless scroll is one of the examples of realism in the history of Chinese paintings, whose value is down    7     its representation of daily life as well as it great scale, artistic quality and attention to detail. With the Qingming Scroll, Zhang made great contributions to Chinese art and    8     (have) a great effect on generations of future artists. The last time it was on display, crowds waited for a long time just to see the famous painting with    9     (they) own eyes. People's enthusiasm about the Qingming Scroll clearly shows the power of this    10     (history) piece of art.

The Oil-paper umbrella, with    1     history of over 1,000 years in China, used to be a water-proof tool for daily use. As a matter of fact, oil-paper umbrellas are not just used    2     (protect) people from rain or sunlight. They are also works of art with rich cultural meaning.

Since the oil-paper umbrellas first appeared during the Eastern Han Dynasty, they    3     (become) very popular among men of letters, who love to write and draw on the umbrella surface to show their painting    4     (skill) and cultural tastes.

In the past,    5     was also a tradition for people who would travel far to take the imperial examinations (科举考试) to bring a red oil-paper umbrella in their backpack. As “backpack” and “giving blessing” share the similar pronunciation in Chinese, bringing an oilpaper umbrella    6     (symbolize) the blessings for a safe journey and bright future.

Moreover, the oil-paper umbrella also stands for    7     (romance) and faithful love in some minority areas. In some regions    8     the Yao people live, the umbrella is used as an engagement (订婚) present.

Although the red oil-paper umbrella is no longer    9     (common) used for rainy days, many places around China still keep the tradition of    10     (gift) a red oil-paper umbrella in celebration for birthdays, weddings, newborns, moving houses, and promotions.

10 . Welcome to Yale University’s Thanksgiving festivities! Join us for a variety of events, blending tradition and community spirit for everyone.

Thanksgiving Parade and Campus Potluck (百家餐)

Time: Thanksgiving Day, 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Location: Yale Old Campus

Activities: Immerse yourself in the vibrant Thanksgiving parade featuring spirited floats, the Yale marching band, and talented performers. Following the parade, join the campus potluck on Old Campus. Contribute a dish to share and connect with fellow Yale students. This cherished tradition is an excellent opportunity to experience the warmth of the Yale community.

Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Showcase

Time : Thanksgiving Morning, 9:00 AM

Location: Yale Art Gallery

Activities: Discover a diverse array of arts and crafts meticulously crafted by Yale’s talented artists. Find unique, handmade gifts for the upcoming holiday season and enjoy live performances and local food vendors. Kick-start your holiday shopping while supporting the artistic talents thriving within the Yale community.

Turkey Dash 5K Run

Time: The Weekend Before Thanksgiving, 9:30 AM

Location: Yale Bowl

Activities: Begin your Thanksgiving weekend with a spirited 5K run or walk around the picturesque Yale Bowl. Open to all fitness levels, participants are encouraged to bring extra goods to give them to local charities, promoting wellness and community support.

Gobble ‘n’ Games Family Fest

Time: The Saturday Before Thanksgiving, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Location: Beinecke Plaza

Activities: Bring your family for an afternoon of joy and games at Beinecke Plaza. Enjoy sack races (袋鼠跳), face painting, pumpkin decorating, and a pie-eating contest. Local food trucks will be on-site to keep you fueled. This family-friendly event is a delightful way to usher in the holiday season with laughter and connection.