The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Awakening of Insects falls on March 5 and ends on March 20 this year. As the third solar term in the lunar year, its name tells us that animals sleeping in winter are awakened by spring thunder(雷) and that the earth begins to _______to life. It is the ______ time for spring farming activities. Here are some things you may not know about it.

Firstly, the spring thunder is most ______ during that time. As an old Chinese ______ goes, “If the first spring thunder appears before the Awakening of Insects solar term, there will be unusual weather that year.” Wind during this period plays an important ______ in weather reporting.

Secondly, it is an important time for farmers and is widely seen as the ______ of the busiest time for farming work. During this period, temperatures rise quickly in most parts of China, and there is an increase in sunshine, which offers good natural conditions for farming.

Thirdly, around this time, hibernating(冬眠) animals ______, and so do fish. They swim from deep water to shallow water to look for food and bearing babies. It is a good time for ______. It can make people relaxed, ______ for the ones living in the city.

Lastly, eating pears around this time is a widely-practiced custom in China. As the weather gets warmer and the air becomes dry, people feel their mouths are dry, which can cause colds or coughs. A pear is sweet, juicy and cold, and it can stop a cough. ______ pears are popular during the Awakening of Insect.

Do you know any other interesting things about this Chinese traditional solar term?