A
Clear and Bright
Of all the Chinese 24 solar terms, Clear and Bright(清明)is the only onewhose first day is also a tradition-al Chinese festival, the Qingming Festival. The words " clear" and "bright" describe the weather during thi-s period. Temperatures begin to rise and rainfall increases, making it an important time for plowing and sowing in the spring. As is known, it is a time to worship ancestors, however, here are several thing-s you may not know about Clear and Bright.
Spring Outings
Not only is it a period to honor the dead, it is also time for people to go out and enjoy nature. As tree-s turn green, flowers blossom, and the sun shines brightly,everything returns to life. lt is a fine time to appr-eciate the beauty of nature.
Flying Kites
Flying kites is an activity favored by many Chinese during Tomb-Sweeping Day.Kites are not only flow-n during the day time but also in the evening. Little lanterns are tied to the kite. And when the kites are flyi-ng in the sky, the lanterns look liketwinkling stars at night. What makes flying kites during this day special is that people cut the string while the kite is in the sky to let it fly freely. It is said this brings good luck and that diseases can be chased away by doing this.
Cuju
Cuju is an interesting game played during this period. Ju is a ball made of leather with hairs plugged in it. Legend has it that the Yellow Emperor first invented it for training warriors. Later, Cu Ju was used by people to build up their bodies when they were unable to eat hot food during the Cold Food Festival.
Feasting on Qingtuan
In the lower parts of the Yangtze River region, qingtuan is very popular onTomb-Sweeping Day. Qingtuan is a kind of round green cake. In order to make the cakes, people mash(捣碎) barnyard grass(艾草)to squeeze juice from it and mix the flour and juice to a paste. Then they put fllings into the paste and steam them. Pretty and delicate, qingtuan have a special flavor.
1、 What is special about flying kites during Clear and Bright?
A. Flying kites with lanterns in the evening.
B. Flying kites to bring good luck.
C. Cutting the kite string to let it fly freely.
D. Flying kites both in the daytime and at night.
2、What can we learn from the passage?
A. Clear and Bright is an important period for farming.
B. Qingtuan is traditionally eaten during the period of Clear and Bright all over China.
C.Cuju was invented by the Yellow Emperor to play in the Qingming Festival.
D. Clear and Bright is one of the 24 solar terms whose first day is also a traditionalChinese festival.
3、What is the main idea of the passage?
A. How to celebrate the Qingming Festival.
B. Flying kites in a special way.
C. Ways to have fun during Clear and Bright.
D. Some unknown customs about Clear and Bright.
