Almost all cultures celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another in some way. Different cultures celebrate the beginning of a new year in different ways, and at different times on the calendar.
In Western countries, people usually celebrate New Year at midnight on December 31st—January 1st. People may go to parties, sometimes dressed in formal (正式的) clothes, and they may drink champagne (香槟) at midnight. During the first minutes of the new year, people cheer and wish each other happiness for the year ahead. But some cultures prefer to celebrate the new year by waking up early to watch the sunrise. They welcome the new year with the first light of the sunrise.
Many cultures also do special things to get rid of (消除) bad luck at the beginning of a new year. For example, in Ecuador, families make a big doll from old clothes. The doll is filled with old newspapers and firecrackers. At midnight, these dolls are burned to show the bad things from the past year are gone and the new year can start afresh (重新). Other common traditions to keep away bad luck in a new year include throwing things into rivers or the ocean, or saying special things on the first day of the new year.
Other New Year traditions are followed to bring good luck in the new year. One widespread Spanish tradition for good luck is to eat grapes on New Year’s Day. The more grapes a person eats, the more good luck the person will have in the year. In France, people eat pancakes for good luck at New Year. In the United States, some people eat black-eyed peas for good luck, but to get good luck for a whole year you have to eat 365 of them!
【小题1】The reading is mainly about______.A.the meaning of “Happy New Year!” |
B.several different New Year traditions |
C.what to eat on New Year’s Day |
D.why people dress up nicely on New Year's Day |
A.some cultures celebrate New Year in the morning |
B.the Western people celebrate New Year only on New Year’s Day |
C.people in Ecuador go to parties on December 31st—January 1st |
D.no cultures do special things to celebrate New Year |
A.bring good luck |
B.keep away bad luck |
C.forget everything |
D.plan for the next year |
A.friends talk to each other in special ways |
B.families make big dolls filled with old clothes |
C.some people get up early to watch the sunrise |
D.Europeans eat 365 grapes on New Year's Day |
A.one pea brings one day of luck |
B.black-eyed peas are the best medicine |
C.the peas are too black and taste bad |
D.the peas are helpful to count numbers |
The Guide to Film Festivals
Cannes Film Festival
Cannes, France in May
Top prize: Palme d’Or
History: The first Cannes Film Festival took place in September 1939, but it didn’t happen again until after World War II. The Palme d’Or prize was introduced in 1955. The festival became established during the 1960s and is now known as the world’s most important and influential film festival.
Did you know? About 20 feature films compete each year for the Palme d’Or. Previous winners include Michael Moore and Quentin Tarantino. Unlike the Oscars, the top prize is frequently shared between two films. Famous films that have won the Palme d’Or include Apocalypse Now, Taxi Driver, La Dolce Vita and The Third Man. The festival attracts more than 40,000 people every year.
Venice Film Festival
Venice, Italy in August/ September
Top prize: Golden Lion
History: The Venice Film Festival is the oldest film festival still in existence. The film festival was in 1932 and it attracted over 25, 000 people. The festival did not appear again until 1934, when there was a competition between 19 countries. The festival was held three times during World War II and has been held almost every year since then.
Did you know? Films at the 61st Venice Film Festival in 2004 were nominated for 16 awards at the Oscars — the highest ever for the festival. These films included Vera Drake, Shark Tale, Collateral and Finding Neverland.
The London Film Festival
London, UK in October/ November
Top prize: Non-competitive
History: The London Film Festival started in 1956 when a group of film critics led by the famous Dilys Powell, the film critic for The Sunday Times, got together over dinner. They discussed the festivals at Cannes and Venice, and they agreed that London needed one, too. They wanted to give people the opportunity to see films from around the world that were not being shown in the cinemas. The first festival showed 20 films at the National Film Theatre on the South Bank.
Did you know? The festival is one of Europe’s largest public film events, screening about 280 films from 60 countries. Although it is non-competitive, the British Film Institute awards the Sutherland Trophy to the most original and imaginative first feature film screened at the festival.
【小题1】The Venice Film Festival____A.didn’t attract many people at first |
B.has been running longer than any other film festival |
C.is regarded as the most essential film festival |
D.has been held every year since 1934. |
A.To make some films public. | B.To bring film critics together. |
C.To choose the best original feature films. | D.To compete with other film festivals. |
A.producing | B.watching | C.judging | D.showing |
World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated on April 23. If you love to read, this April holiday may be perfect for you.
By Attending Special Events.
Local bookstores may hold events on this date, including literacy activities for children and reading.
One celebrated aspect of World Book and Copyright Day is the role that libraries play in making books accessible and enjoyable for so many people around the world. Pay a visit to your local library on April 23, even if it isn’t hosting a special event. Spending the day on books, you can create your own special event.
By Reading.
Reading is very important in human history.
A.By lending books to your friends. |
B.Here are three ways to celebrate the day. |
C.When you read a book, you will become a part of the ongoing transfer of information and culture. |
D.Perhaps the easiest way to celebrate World Book and Copyright Day is to read a book. |
E.The holiday is a great opportunity to introduce the significance of books and reading to your child. |
F.Read books on plants, and you will be knowledgeable about them. |
G.By visiting the local library. |
Birthdays are especially important to the very young and the very old. On their birthdays, people receive birthday cards and birthday presents from their family and friends. Children’s cards often have a large number on them showing how old they are. Cards for adults have pictures of flowers or scenery, or humorous or rude cartoons. Inside there is usually a simple greeting, such as “Happy Birthday” or “Many Happy Returns of the Day.”
In the US, children who have their birthdays during the school year take a cake to school and have a small party with their classmates. In Britain, children sometimes get Bumped (lifted off the ground horizontally and put down again sharply) by their friends.
In the US, the 16th birthday is called sweet 16. It is the age at which a person can get a US driver’s license, and some wealthier parents give their children a car as a present. At 18, in Britain and in the US, young people become adults and many have a big party. In most parts of the US, 21 is the age at which people can drink alcohol legally.
In Britain, people celebrate 21st birthday less. Many adults dislike getting older and a few lie about their age. But in general older people are now much more willing to tell others their age. You may see a sign by the side of a road saying: “Dave Ell is 40 today!”, put there by Dave’s friends. At about 65, people retire, and those who have reached this age are called senior citizens. Few people live to be 100, so a 100th birthday is very special. In Britain, people reaching this age may receive card containing a printed message from the Queen.
【小题1】What’s the main characteristic of children’s birthday cards?A.They are full of pictures of scenery. |
B.There are some flowers on them. |
C.There is a large number on them. |
D.They have greetings written on them. |
A.The 40th birthday is very special |
B.Many adults like lying about their age |
C.Dave’s friends like playing jokes on him. |
D.Older people don’ t mind telling others their age now |
A.be called a senior citizen | B.refuse to talk about his age |
C.receive a card from the queen | D.be invited to dinner with the Queen |
A.Bars in the US are forbidden to sell alcohol to young people under 21. |
B.In Britain, 18 means young people become adults. |
C.Young people will get a car as the 16th birthday present in the US. |
D.British young men love to celebrate the 21st birthday. |
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