The 【小题1】 (tradition) Chinese lunar year divides the year into 24 solar terms. On the first day of Winter Solstice (冬至), the Northern Hemisphere (半球) experiences the 【小题2】 (short) day in the year. The Winter Solstice also 【小题3】 (mark) the arrival of the coldest season in the year.

There was a saying 【小题4】 ancient China, “The Winter Solstice is as important as the Spring Festival.” As early as the Zhou Dynasty, people worshipped (崇拜) the gods on the first day of the Winter Solstice, 【小题5】 also was the first day of the new year. The Winter Solstice 【小题6】 (become) a winter festival during the Han Dynasty. 【小题7】 (celebrate) were officially organized. On this day, both officials and common people would have 【小题8】 rest.

During the following dynasties, such 【小题9】 the Tang, Song and Qing dynasties, the Winter Solstice was a day 【小题10】 (offer) sacrifices (祭祀) to Heaven and to ancestors.

All around the world, people celebrate festivals of various origins. In spite of their different customs and unique charms, the spirit of sharing joy, gratitude, or love is common in all 【小题1】(tradition) festivals.

The harvest festival 【小题2】(celebrate) after all the crops have been gathered in. It shows that people are grateful 【小题3】 the year’s supply of food. In China, family get together 【小题4】(admire) the moon and enjoy mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Customs play 【小题5】 important role in festivals, but they can change over time. With the 【小题6】(develop) of modern society, some traditions may fade away. And with business 【小题7】(take) advantage of the celebrations, some festivals are becoming increasingly commercial.

Festivals reflect people’s wishes, 【小题8】(belief), faiths and attitudes towards life. They are occasions 【小题9】 allow us to relax and enjoy life. If you study festivals carefully, it may surprise you to find that different cultures 【小题10】(actual) have much in common.

The main reason why China’s ancient civilisation has continued all the way through into modern times has been the Chinese writing system. 【小题1】 the beginning, written Chinese was a picture-based language, which 【小题2】 (date) back several thousand years to the use of longgu.

Symbols 【小题3】 (carve) on animal bones and shells by ancient Chinese people. Over the years, there was a time 【小题4】 the Chinese people were divided geographically, leading to many 【小题5】 (variety) of dialects and characters. Emperor Qinshihuang united the seven major states into one unified country, 【小题6】 (make) the Chinese writing system begin to develop in one direction. It was of great importance in uniting the Chinese people and culture. People in modern times can read the classic works written 【小题7】 Chinese in ancient times. Nowadays, Chinese calligraphy has become an important part of Chinese culture. 【小题8】 China plays a greater role in 【小题9】 (globe) affairs, a large number of international students are beginning 【小题10】 (appreciate) China’s culture and history through this amazing language.