英语人教版九年级全册U2 section A.doc

Chinese New YearThe Chinese New Year is widely celebrated specially in China and Taiwan. The origin of this Spring Festival is too old to be traced and gained implication because of several myths and legends. It is one of the most important and longest festivals in the lunar calendar lasting for 15 days.Chinese New Year HistoryThe Chinese New Year is widely celebrated specially in China and Taiwan. The origin of this Spring Festival is too old to be traced and gained implication because of several myths and legends. It is one of the most important and longest festivals in the lunar calendar lasting for 15 days.The legend spoke of a wild beast Nien (which also means Year in Chinese) that appeared at the end of each Chinese New Year killing animals and villagers. To drive away this ferocious beast, people used to make loud noises, light up fire and paste red-colored paper on their doors to scare away Nien. The next morning people use to greet each other and enjoy for driving away the beast for a year. Hence, the celebration of the Chinese New Year was born.Chinese New Year SymbolsSymbols play an important role in a festival. Chinese New Year cannot be an exception as it is filled with mysticism and age old traditions.Flowers:Flowers play an important role for the decorations of the Chinese New Year. The usage of blossoms symbolizes certain aspects of life as well.- Peach Blossoms: Symbolizes luck- Kumquat and Narcissus: Symbolizes prosperity- Chrysanthemum: Symbolizes longevity- Bamboo: Can be used any time of the year- Sunflower: Symbolizes good yearFish:Another symbol for the Chinese New Year is the Koi Fish that can be found in paintings or at times the foods are decorated like the fish. It signifies abundance.Lanterns:The traditional Chinese lanterns are used generally at the last day of the festival known as the Festival of Lanterns. They are mostly red in color and oval in shape. When lit they look bright and colorful.Lai-See Envelops or Hong-Bao:These envelops are generally red in color and money is often given to kids and young ones wrapped in Lai-See Envelops as gifts .Presents are also exchanged among families.Tray of Togetherness or Chuen-Hop:Its a tradition in many families to greet their guests and relatives with a tray full of dry fruits, sweets and candies. This is known as Chuen-Hop in Chinese or Tray of Togetherness. This signifies plentitude and good luck. Dragon and Lion Dance:Dragon and lion dances along with loud beats of drums and cymbals are the main attraction in the Chinese New Year. It is believed that the aggressive dance of the dragon and lion along with the cacophony drive away the evil spirits. Chinese New Year TraditionsTo brush away all the evil and the ill luck of the last year people clean and decorate their houses. People even color the windows and doors of their homes in red. Families unite during the supper time and remain awake for the entire night with fireworks at mid night. The traditional food “Jiaozi” is served which are dumplings in hot water.The next morning children greet their parents and get gifts. The family starts wishing their relatives first and then their neighbors. It is a time to forget the old bitterness and grudges and to start everything afresh.The end of the New Year is marked by Festival of Lanterns which includes, singing, dancing and lantern shows.Chinese ZodiacThe Chinese Zodiac or Sheng xiao relates each year with an animal and its attributes as per the 12-year cycle. The Zodiac Signs represents 12 different personalities. It begins with the sign of Rat. According to the popular belief, Chinese Zodiac is associated with years but actually they also have animals for months and hours known as inner animals and secret animals respectively.According to history the concept of Chinese Zodiac was initiated by Emperor Hwang Ti around 2600 BC. This Chinese Lunar Calendar has each of its 12 years after an animal. Legend says that before Lord Buddhas departure from the earth, he called all the animals. But, among them only 12 animals came to bid Him farewell. Hence, Lord Buddha named each year after their names in order they had arrived. Another legend depicts that these 12 animals fought among themselves to be the head of the cycle of the year. They asked God to decide who said that whoever will reach the bank of the other side of the river will lead the cycle and the rest of the animals will receive their years according to their finish.All the 12 animals gathered and jumped in but as the ox was about to jump ashore the rat jumped off from oxs back and became the winner. The ox became second and the pig that was the laziest of all ended up last. These 12 animals and few of their traits are: Rat: Hardworking, Sensitive, Artistic, Coherent, Charming, Vindictive, Shrewd, Stubborn, Intolerant, Over-Ambitious, Decisive.Ox: Calm, Patient, Practical, Dominating, Kind, Sincere, Modest, Patient, Trustworthy, Hardworking, Ambitious, Brave, Obstinate, Demanding.Tiger: Powerful, ShortTempered, Aggressive, Impulsive, Unpredictable, Affectionate, Rebellious, Passionate, Daring, Colorful.Rabbit: Soft Spoken, Sensitive, Dependable, Flexible, Sympathetic, Artistic, Cautious, Smart, Moody, Opportunist, Frivolous.Dragon: Strong, Vigorous, Intelligent, Proud, Dignified, Eccentric, Passionate, Arrogant, Violent, Narrow-Minded, Loyal, Straight-Forward.Snake: Wise, Possessive, Mysterious, Cautious, Elegant, Creative, Calm, Soft-Spoken, Sensuous, Indulgent, Cold, Distrustful.Horse: Cheerful, Energetic, Quick-Witted, Flexible, Open-Minded, Popular, Intelligent, Arrogant, fickle, Rude, Charismatic, Childish, Stubborn, Talkative.Ram, Sheep or Goat: Artistic, Shy, Creative, Peaceful, Ambitious, Gentle, Sympathetic, Over-Sensitive, Moody, Indecisive, Understanding, Caring, Righteous, Sincere, Pessimis