1 . Celebrate!
Birthdays in Mexico
In Mexico, children often get pinatas (皮纳塔) on their birthdays. Their parents put chocolates and other sweets inside the pinata and hang it on a tree. Then the children hit the pinata with a stick. It breaks and the sweets fall out onto the ground.
Business birthdays
A business birthday shows that a company is successful. Many businesses in the USA celebrate important birthdays, like 10, 50 or 150 years. Companies hold parties and send cards. Sometimes they make TV advertisements. It is a good chance to advertisements. It is a good chance to advertise the business.
Name days
As well as a birthday, many people in Southern and Eastern Europe also celebrate their name days. In Greece, name days are more important than birthdays. People have big parties and open their houses to anybody who wants to come. People bring small gifts, often flowers or a box of sweets.
Islamic New Year
In Muslim countries across the world, people celebrate Eid. Eid means festival or celebration. During Eid, people visit family and friends, as well as people who are sick or in hospital. They give presents, such as sweets and food. Children receive toys, too. Children often wear special traditional clothes during the Eid celebrations.
Birthdays in China
In China, people often celebrate birthdays by eating with family or friends, and the last dish of the meal is always noodles. The noodles are long and thin. You have to eat them in one piece. You can’t cut them. In Chinese culture, long noodles mean you will have a long life.
1. Where do people celebrate business birthdays according to the text?| A．In China. | B．In Mexico. |
| C．In America. | D．In Greece. |
| A．Holding parties. |
| B．Visiting parents. |
| C．Sharing sweets and food. |
| D．Making TV advertisements. |
| A．Noodles in China are delicious. |
| B．Noodles represent the reunion of family. |
| C．Noodles are a traditional and popular food. |
| D．Noodles symbolize longevity in Chinese culture. |
Interesting Traditions Around the World
Traditions are passed down from generation to generation to inform us of our history. Some are widespread and taken on by one and all, like celebrating New Year and birthdays, and then there are some that are quite strange or interesting and practiced only by a small group of people.
Famadihana, also called the turning of the bones, is a festival in Madagascar that honors the dead and celebrates family ties. Every seven years or so, families who can afford rich dinners for guests and new clothes for the living families and the dead, celebrate the festival. They give out gifts for the dead and crying is discouraged during the celebration.
Bali’s Day of Silence, or Nyepi, as they call it, is a holiday celebrated with eating little or no food as well as meditation, the practice of thinking deeply in silence. The whole island shuts off all sounds, lights, and all other activities, so there is peace all around. Days before the actual celebration, Balinese people make the ogoh-ogoh (dangerous animals) statues (雕像) that will be used and paraded through the streets the day before Nyepi. The statues are then usually burnt after supposedly attracting dangerous animals.
Having started in Middle Ages, flag throwing has long been popular in Tuscany. As the Italians love a good celebration, army parades were held with marching bands and flag bearers. Since flags are considered sacred, the flag bearers have to make sure that they do not fall to the ground. Today, flag throwing is not just popular in Tuscany but also in the whole of Italy.
Some traditions may sound strange, yet people hold them close to their hearts and still practice the age-old rituals to this day. These rituals are part of their culture and history and are able to shape and describe people.
Outline:
I. Introduction
As a form of historic culture, some traditions are shared altogether and others are
II. Body part
People in Madagascar celebrate Famadihana to honor the dead and
During Nyepi in Bali, people eat little or no food and
Flag throwing features army parades and gains popularity in Italy.
III. Conclusion
People still hold fast to some age-old rituals, because these traditions can
3 . Here are some wonderful festivals around the world that happen in spring. If you want to know more about them, please click Here or visit http://www.buddhanet.net/festival.Htm
SongKran—Thailand
Dates:13 th-15th, April
In Thailand, people celebrate a festival called Songkran, when people head out to the streets with water guns to spray（喷洒） everyone who walks past. It’s a very important traditional celebration in the country.
Naghol—Vanuatu
Dates: Every Saturday from April to May
Every year, villagers come together to celebrate the harvest of yams（甘薯）, an important part in the people’s diet in Vanuatu. The festival is most famous for its “land diving（潜水） ceremony”. During the ceremony men and boys dive to the ground from high wooden towers with only two thin vines（藤） tied to their feet.
Cherry Blossom Viewing —Japan
Dates: The cherry blossom season is different from year to year depending on the weather.
The festival is well-known. The Japanese celebrate the days when the flowers finally blossom. Only a few days later, the petals（花瓣） fall to the ground, like pink snowflakes. That means the traditional festival only lasts for several days. In Japan, almost everyone has picnics in the parks to view the flowers.
Sinhalese New Year —Sri Lanka
Dates: 13th or 14th, April
Just like in many other countries in South East Asia, this is the time when people celebrate the traditional New Year, an ancient celebration which marks the end of the harvest season and is one of two times of the year when the sun is straight above Sri Lanka. There are a lot of delicious foods during the celebration.
1. What will most likely happen to a tourist walking in the street during SongKran in Thailand?| A．He will get wet. | B．He will hurt his feet. |
| C．He will be treated to delicious foods. | D．He will see some petal falling. |
| A．Thailand. | B．Vanuatu. | C．Japan. | D．Sri Lanka. |
| A．It is a traditional festival. | B．It is a very famous festival. |
| C．Its date is different every year. | D．It provides visitors with delicious foods. |
| A．the arrival of lots of tourists | B．the end of the harvest season |
| C．the beginning of farming | D．the sun is closest to the country |
| A．On TV. | B．In a report. | C．On the Internet. | D．In the newspaper. |
4 . Crazy-Creative Traditions in Schools
Here are a few schools’ crazy-creative traditions that will probably have you wish to go there so you could celebrate in all the graduation fun. Learn about them all in the below.
Attire (服装) and Flowers at College of Charleston
You fashionista will love this one. During December ceremony, women wear black dresses and men wear black tuxedos (燕尾服). During May ceremony, women wear white dresses and men wear summer tuxedos. It’s also been a tradition since the 1930s to carry flowers onto the stage: women carry bouquets of six red roses in a red bow and men wear a single red rose boutonniere (扣眼). So classy!
Hoop Rolling at Wellesley College
This all-women’s college tradition was originally held on May day, but it’s now held in April. The purpose was to allow students to essentially leave all their worries behind and just participate in some interesting games outdoors. Back in the day, it was said that the winner of the hoop rolling race was the first to be married, and in the 1980s she would be the first to be CEO. Nowadays, the winner would be the first to achieve her own happiness…that is, after being thrown into Lake Waban by all her classmates.
Fabric and Green Grad Recycling Program at University of New Hampshire
You’ll absolutely love this tradition. UNH’s vendor provides wrinkle-resistant caps and gowns made of recycled plastic bottles. Graduates then have the opportunity to donate their gowns to be cleaned and reused. Graduates are still able to keep their caps and tassels as keepsakes, all while helping to save the environment. The tradition has become a trend for many universities to follow, such as Husson University and Wake Forest University.
1. Which can you choose if you want to experience an amazing show?| A．Wellesley College. | B．College of Charleston. |
| C．The University of New Hampshire. | D．Husson University. |
| A．Be CEO. | B．Have fun. |
| C．Achieve happiness. | D．Be married. |
| A．To collect plastic bottles. | B．To promote the tradition. |
| C．To clean and reuse the bottles. | D．To protect the environment. |
5 . Festivals are a part of our culture. We have grown up around them and have embraced them as a part of our lives.
Festivals are celebrated with people.
Festivals also mean that the entire family can be together and celebrate something they believe in. Kids and parents find time to help each other to decorate their house, prepare delicacies, make gifts, etc.
Festivals also mean gift-giving and sharing. The exchange of gifts teaches children to share joys during festivals
| A．Festivals have much more to offer to the people. |
| B．Festivals are a great way to understand one’s culture. |
| C．This allows children to form a stronger bond with their family. |
| D．Children are particularly the ones who enjoy festivals more than adults. |
| E．On these days people from all walks of life come together to celebrate life. |
| F．Children share sweets and gifts with relatives and friends to spread the joy of celebrations. |
| G．Celebrations always involve people coming together and helping each other to have a good time. |
6 . Kids Fleet Summer Day Camp
Summer camp is a lot of fun when you’re a Kids Fleet Camper! Kids’ fleet is an exciting and fun-filled Summer Day Camp with rock climbing, golfing, swimming, creative activities and outdoor entertainment!
Kids Fleet Summer Day Camp runs for select weeks during the summer. Please check back in February 2017 for dates, prices and information for Kids’ Fleet Summer Day Camp 2017.
Registration (登记):
Begins: March 7, 2017
Need: $100 deposit (定金) and completed Registration Form
2017 Camp Age Requirements: 6—14 years old children
In Person: “First come first served” registration service
Mailing is an option (选择)
720 Proudfoot Lane
London, ON N6H 5G5
If you have any questions, please call:
519-472-9310 x233 Rose Tucker-Camp Manager
What did Kids Fleet Parents from past years have to say about Kids Fleet Summer Day Camp?
“My son thought that the camp had just the right amount of activities to keep the children interested. The rock climbing, golfing, as well as the outdoor activities and swimming were perfect. He was very tired but in a good way. My son wants to return next year and I will recommend (推荐) this camp to others.”
—Mrs White
“I think this is one of the best day camps (if not the best) that my children have taken part in. The people in charge of the camp are warm-hearted and friendly. The program is excellent and it is the only camp that they ask us to go back to.”
—Kristin and Doug
“My children had an excellent time at your camp. I was very impressed with both your friendly, helpful staff and the excellent way that the entire camp was organized and run. I will recommend it to my friends and will consider next year!”
—Joseph McRae
“One of the best organized summer camps we’ve ever experienced. I’m glad that my child was in a safe, responsible and fun environment.”
—George Kerhoulas
1. What can we learn about the camp?
| A．It will be held every month in 2017. |
| B．There is no age limit for the campers. |
| C．All the children can take part in it for free. |
| D．The campers can register by mailing. |
| A．pay $100 in advance | B．call the manager of the camp |
| C．send an e-mail to the camp | D．ask registration service first |
| A．Favorable. | B．Uncaring. |
| C．Doubtful. | D．Negative. |
7 . A couple had to put their wedding on hold after a barn owl (仓枭) called Darcy which had been chosen to deliver the rings fell asleep in the roof of the church. The bride had secretly arranged it. But what happened was out of her expectation.
Rev Bryan, who was in charge of the ceremony between Sonia Cadman, 46, and Andrew Mettle, 49, said: “It would have been absolutely excellent — if it worked. It was a lovely idea and it was supposed to be really stunning. When it dived over the heads of the guests, they’d all feel the air rushing from its wings and would get a big surprise.
“The groom is an amateur falconer (训鹰人) and so it was secretly arranged for two falconers to suddenly appear at the moment when the best man was about to hand over the rings. One of them stood at the front of the church next to us with a gauntlet (金属护手) on, as another appeared at the back of the church with a box. The owl came out and paused for a little bit. Then it saw the gauntlet and took off but instead of landing on the arm of the man and delivering the rings, it went up over our heads, landed in the roof space and fell asleep then.”
Rev Bryan added: “We all laughed about it, and then we tried to get it down, but it didn’t come. It probably thought ‘I’m a barn owl and this is like a barn, so I’ll take a rest’. It is said that never work with animals because they don’t always do as they’re told! So we had plan B — a back-up pair of rings. After a few minutes, we gave up trying to get it down and carried on. It was nice to be able to have a bit of a laugh. It’s important that people realize that a church wedding doesn’t just come as a package of things you have to do. I’m all for including something of the personality and individuality of the couple getting married. It was such a magical wedding and full of emotion.”
“Luckily the service was able to go ahead and the groom was able to hold the bird (after it woke up) and have some really nice pictures taken after the ceremony. ”
1. Why did Darcy appear on the wedding ceremony?| A．It was the pet of the new couple. | B．The groom wanted to take picture with it. |
| C．It was expected to deliver the rings to the couple. | D．The bride arranged to give it to the groom as a gift. |
| A．Amazing. | B．Funny. | C．Harmonious. | D．Inspiring. |
| A．It had been intended by the two falconers. |
| B．It made the wedding not as good as expected. |
| C．It added fun to the routine wedding ceremony. |
| D．It helped people to realize the value of church weddings. |
| A．the owl | B．falconers | C．the guests | D．the back-up rings |
8 . Winter Solstice Celebrations From Around the World
The winter solstice (冬至), the longest night of the year, falls on December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere and June 20 or 21 in the Southern. Since ancient times, people all over the world have recognized this important occurrence and celebrated the following “return” of the Sun in a variety of different ways. Old solstice traditions have influenced holidays we celebrate now, such as Christmas and Hanukkah. Here are some solstice traditions both new and old to help light your way to longer days.
Soyal
Soyal is the winter solstice celebration of the Hopi Indians of northern Arizona. Ceremonies include purification, dancing, and sometimes gift-giving. At the time of the solstice, Hopi welcome the kachinas, some protective gods from the mountains. Prayer sticks are crafted and used for various blessings and other ceremonies.
Yalda
The Persian festival Yalda, or Shab-e Yalda is a celebration of the winter solstice in Iran that started in ancient times. It marks the last day of the Persian month of Azar. Yalda is viewed traditionally as the victory of light over dark, and the birthday of the sun god Mithra. Families celebrate together with special foods like nuts and some stay awake all night long to welcome the morning sun.
Midwinter in Antarctica
Even Antarctica gets its share of solstice celebration, thanks to the researchers staying there over the long, dangerously cold season. While those of us in the Northern Hemisphere are enjoying the most daylight hours, in the Southern Hemisphere they are celebrating Midwinter. Festivities include special meals, films, and sometimes even handmade gifts.
1. What can be learned about winter solstice?| A．It is a traditional Christmas celebration. | B．It is a big event only in Southern globe. |
| C．It has a great influence on the climate. | D．It enjoys global recognition. |
| A．By making prayers in the day. | B．By wandering the wilderness. |
| C．By dancing and sending gifts. | D．By staying up all night long. |
| A．In Antarctica. | B．In China. | C．In India | D．In Iran. |
9 . The Spring Festival is the biggest festival for Chinese people all around the world.The celebration usually lasts for 15 days.There is a lot to do.
On the eve of the Spring Festival, family members get together and have a big meal. Their favourite dish on this day is dumplings.
Days before the Spring Festival, families will clean their houses. People think cleaning sweeps away bad luck. It makes the house ready for good luck.
The colour red is everywhere during the Spring Festival. People think red is a happy colour and will bring them a bright future. People wear red, too. They decorate their homes with pieces of red paper. Kids get a lot of “hongbao”. It is a red paper bag with money in it. Usually, older people give younger ones “hongbao”. They think it brings good luck.
The Spring Festival is the time to make everybody happy. So don’t say any bad words or do anything that will bring unhappiness to other people. For instance, you’d better not say any bad words like “death”. Don’t break anything. People think that means your luck is running out.
Also, don’t borrow or lend money on these days. If you have borrowed money, return it before the Spring Festival.
1. What do most people do on the eve of the Spring Festival?| A．Family members gather for a big meal. |
| B．Friends eat dumplings together. |
| C．They borrow money from friends. |
| D．They give each other “hongbao”. |
| A．Because they enjoy cleaning. |
| B．Because it is believed that cleaning will sweep away bad luck. |
| C．Because they think it will bring happiness to others. |
| D．Because it is thought that cleaning brings in money. |
| A．Returning money before the Spring Festival. |
| B．Saying bad words like “death”. |
| C．Wearing red clothes. |
| D．Decorating houses with red paper. |
| A．a time of harvest and fun |
| B．celebrated for one whole month |
| C．only celebrated in China |
| D．a time for families to get together |
10 . The Torch Festival (火把节) is a traditional festival which is celebrated among some ethnic groups in southwestern China, such as the Yi, Bai, Hani, Lisu, and Lahu, etc. It usually falls on the 24th or 25th of June, with three days of celebrations. The festival came from worship (崇拜) of fire by ancestors ( 祖 先 ). For some ethnic groups, it’s a tradition in the festival for elders to share farming experience with young people and educate them about taking care of crops.
During the festival, big torches are made to stand in all villages, with small torches placed in front of the door of each house. When night falls, the torches are lit and the villages are bright. At the same time, people walk around the fields and houses, holding small torches and placing the torches in the field corners. Inside the villages, young people are singing and dancing around the big torches that keep burning throughout the night. Other activities like horse races are also held during the festival.
In a horse race of the Yi people in Yunnan, torches are used to form hurdles for riders to get through. The Hani people in Yunnan traditionally tie fruits to torches with strings. When the strings are broken after the torches are lit, people struggle for the fruits for good luck.
For the Lisu people in Sichuan, the festival is an occasion for holding torch parades. Big torches are carried by teams of people, which is like a fire dragon. If different teams meet, it’s a tradition to exchange the big torches with one another.
1. What can we know about the Torch Festival from the first paragraph?| A．It is a festival to show worship of fire. | B．Its celebrations usually last two days. |
| C．It is a traditional festival of all China. | D．It has nothing to do with farming. |
| A．Why the festival is enjoyed. | B．How the festival is celebrated. |
| C．What torches are used for the festival. | D．Where the festival is celebrated. |
| A．Small torches are put in front of the door. |
| B．Big torches are burnt all day and all night. |
| C．Yi people use torches to form hurdles to get through. |
| D．Young people like singing and dancing around the big torches. |
| A．Struggling for fruits for good luck. | B．Tying fruits to torches with strings. |
| C．Holding torch parades. | D．Using torches as hurdles for a horse race. |
