1 . Harvest Festivals Around the World
The harvest season falls at different times of the year depending upon region, climate, and crop, but festivals celebrating its arrival are held the world over. The following list highlights four particular harvest festivals.
Rice Harvest Festival in Indonesia (May 1 — June 30)
The Rice Harvest Festival that is held in Bali, Indonesia, is a feature of the island’s Hindu culture. The harvest time, which follows the New Year by about one month, is dedicated to the rice goddess and is a time of joyous celebration. Sculptures of the goddess are placed in the fields in thanks, towns are decorated with colored flags, and special bull races are held.
Yam Festival in Ghana (August or September)
The Ewe people of Ghana in Africa celebrate the end of the rainy season and the first appearance of yams, a staple crop. The duration and exact days of the celebration vary according to place, in hopes of driving away hunger in the coming year. People gather and hold huge feasts and activities such as dances and parades.
Sukkoth in Israel (September-October)
Sukkoth, the “Feast of Booths (棚子),” is held shortly after the High Holy Days of the New Year celebration. Special booths are constructed to recall the period of the Exodus, recorded in the local religion, when their ancestors lived in booths in the desert before entering the Promised Land.
Pongal in India (January)
The four-day festival of Pongal is a celebration of the rice harvest period. Held after the winter solstice (冬至), it celebrates the return of longer days of life-giving sunlight. Pongal is similar to other festivals held in South and Southeast Asia, but its name comes from a local word meaning “to boil” and is also the name given to a rice dish that is prepared during this time.
1. What is special about Rice Harvest Festival?| A．Its connection with Hindu culture. | B．Its celebration of the rainy season. |
| C．Its respect for their ancestors. | D．Its similarity to other festivals. |
| A．In Indonesia. | B．In Ghana. | C．In Israel. | D．In India. |
| A．Rice Harvest Festival. | B．Yam Festival. | C．Sukkoth. | D．Pongal. |
2 . As Christmas Eve approached, I found myself in New York City, far from my family and friends in Taiwan. I was feeling homesick and lonely, but my Jewish friend, Rachel, who, like me, doesn’t get connected with Christmas due to any religious things, invited me to join her for a dinner in a Chinese restaurant. She explained that it was a tradition for many Jewish people to celebrate this holiday by eating Chinese food on Christmas Eve.
We went to Jing Fong, a fancy restaurant in Chinatown. The place was packed with people, and the atmosphere was lively and festive. We ordered a variety of dishes. Everything was delicious, and I felt grateful to be sharing this experience with Rachel. As we ate, we talked about our families and our cultures. We laughed and joked, and for a moment, I forgot about my homesickness.
A moment later, a group of carolers (唱圣诞歌的人) came into the restaurant, singing Christmas songs. At first, I was puzzled. Why were they singing in a Chinese restaurant? But then I realized that this was part of the magic of New York City. People from all different cultures and backgrounds could come together and celebrate the holidays in their own way. Rachel and I joined in the singing, and soon the whole restaurant was filled with music. It was a beautiful moment, and I felt blessed to be part of it.
What a night! I learned that even when you’re far from home, you can still find joy and connection with others. Rachel and I may come from different cultures, but we shared amazing food, joyful music, and most importantly heartfelt company. And that’s exactly what all the holidays are all about.
1. Why did Rachel invite the author to join her for dinner?| A．To show respect to God |
| B．To celebrate Christmas in the Jewish way |
| C．To share stories about their families |
| D．To forget about their homesickness |
| A．Fearful | B．Joyful |
| C．Disappointed | D．Confused |
| A．By focusing on religious traditions |
| B．By celebrating with family and friends |
| C．By enjoying a variety of festive dishes |
| D．By embracing diverse ways of celebration |
| A．A personal blog | B．A commercial promotion brochure |
| C．A travel guide of New York | D．An academic article |
3 . In America, if you see a group of students wearing crazy hats or summer T-shirts in the middle of winter, don’t be surprised. They may be celebrating their School Spirit Week (校园精神周).
The School Spirit Week is a time for students to show their pride in their school. This is not a break, but the festival. It can be held during any week of the year. The celebration works with students of all ages, from elementary to high School, as long as you keep the themes (主题) simple for the younger kids.
Spirit weeks often have a central theme that is followed throughout the week. During the week, students wear school colors and decorate the classrooms. Every day, there is a different theme. This is also students’ favorite part. They take part in different competitions and have fun together.
Spirit weeks often encourage students to wear fun and fashion clothes, with different outfits for each day of the week. Monday might be funny hat day, followed by Tuesday’s Hawaiian shirt day and Wednesday’s silly T-shirt day. Thursday could be pajama (睡衣) day, followed by Friday’s school color day.
There are also lots of other activities which the students can take part in on School Spirit Weeks. Do you like to have School Spirit Weeks?
1. Students ______ in their school by holding the School Spirit Week.| A．show their pride | B．hang out with parents |
| C．study hard | D．clean up the classrooms |
| A．in any week in winter | B．in any day in winter |
| C．in any week of the year | D．in any day of the year |
| A．throughout the week | B．before the week |
| C．after the week | D．on the weekend |
| A．parties | B．clothes | C．foods | D．glasses |
| A．There are different competitions for students. |
| B．There are lots of activities for students. |
| C．Students can wear crazy clothes. |
| D．Students can rest at home for a week. |
4 . You’ve got the perfect Halloween costume picked out, but here’s the real question: Where are you—or your kid—going to wear it? Here are some of the best.
Silver Spring Zombie Walk
The undead return to Silver Spring, looking for brains—and the 11:15 p.m. screening of “night of the Living dead” at the AFi Silver. One of the region’s biggest (and most enjoyable) spooky season gatherings finds hundreds of costumed zombies wandering the streets. Everyone—adults and families alike—gathers at the Quarry House tavern at 7 p.m. before shuffling（移动） over to Ellsworth drive by 9 p.m., then over to the theater. There’s no charge to participate, and topical outfits are welcome (the gorier the better).
Halloweeniversary at Baby Cat Brewery
If you’ve been to Kensington’s Babycat Brewery, you know that kids are welcome—and, on some weekend afternoons, seem to outnumber the adults. Fans of all ages are welcome to celebrate the brewery’s first year in business, with costumes “strongly encouraged.” Younger ones can be amazed at the Kensington Volunteer Fire department’s firetruck, which will be on-site from noon to 3 p.m., while older folks will appreciate live music from 3 to 9 p.m. Look for special beer releases to go with the pop-up food from Steezeburger—our No.1 burger in the D. C. area—plus o’ Boy pizza and neighbors the dish and dram.
Halloweekend at the Perch
It’s a day of two parts at the perch, the park located 11 stories above McLean. From noon to 4 p.m., a family party includes “spooky golf” at the Perch Putt mini-golf course, bounce houses, pumpkin decorating and face painting, and costume and pie-eating contests. From 4 p.m. on, the party is for 21 and older, with live music from the cover band “Lights Out”. By 8, beers from the Starr Hill Biergarten, a costume contest and more fun.
1. What’s the last activity to experience if you are interested in zombie?| A．Have the biggest gathering. |
| B．Enjoy “night of the Living dead” in the theater. |
| C．Drive along the silver spring. |
| D．Have a drink at a tavern. |
| A．Bounce houses. | B．Face painting. |
| C．A music party. | D．A costume contest. |
| A．These events are free of charge. |
| B．These events are held all day along. |
| C．These events are located alongside the rivers. |
| D．These events have activities for both kids and adults. |
5 . Canada is diverse and vast, and the festivals celebrated there reflect this. Here are some exciting ones that attract visitors worldwide.
Vancouver Celebration of Light
The largest fireworks competition in the world is held every summer in Vancouver. It consists of concerts, food stalls, and the Seawall Challenge, a popular urban adventure race. The festival, which lasts about a week, makes for a great way to get to know the city from a local standpoint.
Edmonton Folk Festival
From its humble beginning in 1980, Edmonton Folk Festival has grown to be one of the world’s famous folk festivals. Held each August, the lineup of the 10-day-long festival is always outstanding and ticket prices stay reasonable. Edmonton is also a gateway to Jasper and the Canadian Rockies, about two hours away in case you have extra time to explore after the festival.
Toronto International Film Festival
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is one of the leading film festivals in the world, ranking closely with Cannes and Sundance. Films such as Hotel Rwanda, American Beauty, and The Big Chill made their premieres (首映) at this famous star-filled event held each September. The 11-day-long festival is also known as the kick-off of awards season, with many films that make their first public performance at TIFF going on to get nominated for Oscars and Golden Globe awards.
Montreal Comedy Festival
Since 1983, Montreal Comedy Festival, or, Just for Laughs as it is more commonly known, has been inviting people to get together just for fun, just for entertainment-just for laughs. The festival, which takes place every year for two weeks in July, has grown in popularity and reputation and today features some of the world’s greatest comedians and it also resulted in a television show that is broadcast internationally.
1. What do Vancouver Celebration of Light and Edmonton Folk Festival have in common?| A．They feature fireworks. | B．They require admission tickets. |
| C．They consist of concerts | D．They are held annually. |
| A．Edmonton Folk Festival. | B．Montreal Comedy Festival. |
| C．Vancouver Celebration of Light. | D．Toronto International Film Festival. |
| A．Vancouver. | B．Edmonton. | C．Toronto. | D．Montreal. |
6 .
| School Day Party Date: September 14th Time: 2: 00 pm —6: 00 pm Fee: ¥10 (buy two get one free) Place: The Music Hall, Huaxin Middle School Programs: the singing competition, the dancing performance and the talk show The most interesting parts: * enter the lucky draw (抽签) to win a Huawei phone * learn to make different kinds of cakes Join us on the School Day! All are welcome! Notes: For those who would like to be a volunteer, please email to schoolday888@126.com three days before the activity. |
| A．¥ 10 | B．¥ 20 | C．¥ 30 | D．¥ 40 |
①the singing competition ②the talent show
③the dancing performance ④the speech competition
| A．①② | B．②③ | C．①③ | D．②④ |
| A．October 14th | B．September 14th | C．September 11th | D．September 17th |
7 . Unique Birthday Traditions
The editors of our international editions share traditions reserved for counting yourself one year older.
Lithuania
“In my native country, it is customary for the birthday person to sit in a decorated chair and to be lifted up by the party guests,” says editor Eva Mackevic. “How many times the chair is raised will correspond with his or her age.”
Japan
In Japan, when a child turns one, a ceremony called erabitori is held, where the birthday child chooses from a selection of items spread out around that represent the potential future. When a person turns 20, a coming-of-age celebration will be held on the second Monday January.
The Netherlands
When someone turns 50, a large doll will be placed in the birthday person’s garden or by heir front door; men have an “Abraham” doll, women a “Sarah”, based on a Bible passage.
Australia
A child’s first birthday is often celebrated with balloons and specially made “fairy bread”. Some families in Australia also mark the age of 21 with a souvenir “key to the door”, representing the young adult’s privilege to come and go from the family home as they please.
Germany
“In Germany, when unmarried men turn thirty, they are supposed to sweep the stairs of the local church or town hall,” editor Michael Kallinger says, “while women have to deal with the door handle.” This public act is meant to embarrass the person and motivate them to marry.
1. Which is part of a one-year-old boy’s birthday celebration in Japan?| A．Predicting the boy’s future. | B．Deciding the boy’s career. |
| C．Seeking items at the birthday party. | D．Holding a coming-of-age ceremony. |
| A．Love from parents. | B．Time to move out. |
| C．End of the 21st birthday. | D．Recognition of independence. |
| A．Germany. | B．Australia. |
| C．Lithuania. | D．The Netherlands. |
8 . Interested in different cultures? Take a look at these communities around the world, discover how they celebrate their traditional festivals, and see just how they like to throw a party.
Naadam Festival, Mongolia
Naadam Festival is an annual celebration in mid-summer that consists of the “Three Games of Man” strength, horsemanship and marksmanship. The festival is believed to have existed for centuries, first in the form of military and sporting displays that followed wedding and spiritual gatherings, and then as a way to train soldiers for battle. The festival begins as a colorful opening ceremony before the three sports.
Day of the Dead, Mexico
Taking place over two colorful days in Mexico and Latin America. this festival honors all things relating to the dead, and is not as scary as it sounds, as it focuses on people taking joy in lite, and showing love and respect for dead family members and friends. On November 1 and 2. participants dress up, hold parties and make offerings to the dead to welcome spirits back to the land of the living.
Zimei Festival, China
Every year, on the 15 day of the 3’d lunar month, the Miao people of South China celebrate the Zimei Festival, known as “Nong ga liang”. The festival is a good opportunity for young girls and boys to meet and fall in love. Wearing traditional costumes, people gather on the village square. Young women, singing and dancing, travel from village to village and offer Zimei rice to boys they like.
Holli, India
Holli is a Hindo (印度教的) festival that marks the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring and is also a time for people to meet, spend time together and repair broken relationships. On the first night people gather in front of a bonfire and pray for their inner evil to be destroyed. The next morning people take to streets and spray colored powder and water to each other.
1. What can we learn from the first two festivals?| A．Naadam Festival has a history of several thousand years. |
| B．Day of the Dead is celebrated in mid-summer every year. |
| C．The celebrations of Naadam Festival have changed over time. |
| D．On Day of the Dead, the dead will visit the land of the living. |
| A．People who like sports. | B．Young men who are unmarried. |
| C．People believing in Hindo. | D．Children enjoying playing with water. |
| A．A travel booklet. | B．A science magazine. |
| C．An academic article. | D．A geography book. |
9 . Wedding Traditions and Superstitions (迷信)
Good luck and bad luck
Hey, brides, hide a sugar cube into your glove according to Greek culture, the sugar will sweeten your union. In English tradition, Wednesday is considered the “best day” to marry. Ancient Romans studied pig insides to determine the luckiest time to marry. Rain on your wedding day is actually considered good luck, according to Hindu tradition. For good luck, Egyptian women pinch (掐) the bride on her wedding day. Ouch!
It’s got a ring to it
Diamonds set in gold or silver became popular as engagement rings among wealthy Venetians toward the end of the 15th century. A pearl engagement ring is said to be bad luck because its shape echoes that of a tear. Snake rings dotted with ruby eyes were popular wedding bands in Victorian England, which symbolized elernity. Aquamarine is said to ensure along, happy marriage.
Show off at a party
The Roman goddess Juno rules over marriage, the hearth and childbirth, hence the popularity of June weddings. Princess Victoria established the tradition of playing Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” during her wedding in 1858. The bride stands to the groom’s left during a Christian ceremony, while the Catholic tradition of “posting the banns” to announce a marriage originated as a way to ensure the bride and groom were not related.
Fashionable lore
In Asia, wearing robes with embroidered cranes symbolizes loyalty for the length of a marriage. In Korea, brides wear bright hues of red and yellow to take their vows (宣誓). In Denmark, brides and grooms traditionally cross-dressed to confuse evil spirits.
Food and family
In South Africa, the parents of both bride and groom traditionally carried fire from their hearths to light a new fire in the newlyweds’ hearth. Legend says single women will dream of their future husbands if they sleep with a slice of groom’s cake under their pillows.
1. Which of the following may bring good luck to newlyweds?| A．A sugar cube. | B．A slice of groom’s cake. |
| C．A pig’s insides. | D．A pearl engagement ring. |
| A．The popularity of June weddings. |
| B．Women guests pinching the bride. |
| C．The bride standing to the groom’s right. |
| D．“Posting the banns” to announce a marriage. |
| A．Lighting a new fire. |
| B．Brides dressed in red and yellow. |
| C．Playing Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus”. |
| D．Cross-dressing brides and grooms. |
10 . St Patrick’s Day: All you need to know about your local parades
Thousands of people will crowd around cities, towns, and villages all over the country on Friday for the annual St Patrick’s Day festivities.
Cork
Cork City’s St Patrick’s Day parade will start at 1 pm, with the event also live-streamed from 12:45 pm for those unable to be there in person. Featuring Cork’s long-established bands and hundreds of sports and dance groups, the parade will also have a special multi-cultural focus, in the form of the migrant support group Together Razem.
Limerick
A huge turnout is expected in Limerick on Friday to watch the parade which kicks off at midday from O’Connell’s St. Serving as Grand Marshall is Limerick native and star of D’Unbelievables and the Oscar-nominated The Banshees of Inisherin, Jon Kenny, who is looking forward to his “starring role” in this year’s celebrations.
Waterford
Following the success of last year’s first-ever three-day festival, Waterford City is hoping to top the 2022 celebrations. The fun kicks off with live music in the Cultural Quarter on Thursday night. On Friday, the parade will set off from the Quays at 1 pm, led by Grand Marshall, boxing champion Kelyn Cassidy. The rest of the weekend will be filled with more music, workshops, and dancing, and there will be a fairground for the kids to enjoy.
Clare
Beginning at 11 am from Clare County Council’s headquarters, the parade in Ennis will celebrate the commitment of Clare’s sporting heroes to their local communities. The parade’s hosts are former president of Ennis Rugby (英式橄榄球) Club Jimmy O’Brien, Barefield athlete PJ Purcell, and great-grandniece of Kilnamona boxer Michael McTigue, Aisling Rynne.
1. Where are parents with kids most likely to go?| A．Cork. | B．Limerick. | C．Waterford. | D．Clare. |
| A．Play rugby games. | B．Enjoy live music. |
| C．Meet sports athletes. | D．Watch boxing matches. |
| A．To introduce local activities. | B．To present city legends. |
| C．To promote sports products. | D．To hire parade organizers. |
