1、The Lantern FestivalFalling on the 15th day of the first lunar month, Lantern Festival is the first significant feast after Chinese New Year, so called because the most important activity during the night of the event is watching various wonderful Chinese lanterns. And because every household eats y
2、uanxiao (a rice ball stuffed with different fillings) on that day, it is called Yuan Xiao Festival. For its rich and colorful activities, it is regarded as the most recreational among all the Chinese festivals and a day for appreciating the bright full moon, and family reunion.Customs and Activities
3、With a history of over 2,000 years, various traditional customs and activities are held during Lantern Festival that appeal to people of different ages, including watching lanterns and fireworks, guessing lantern riddles, performing folk dances, and eating yuanxiao.Watching LanternsDuring the Han Dy
4、nasty (206 BC - 220 AD), Buddhism flourished in China. So in order to popularize Buddhism, one of the emperors gave an order to light lanterns in the imperial palace to worship and show respect for Buddha on the 15th day of the first lunar month. During the Tang (618 - 907), Song (960 - 1279), Ming
5、(1368 - 1644) and Qing (1644 - 1911) dynasties, lighting lanterns became a tradition for Chinese people.Today, when the festival comes, red lanterns can be seen in the street, in each house, and store. In the parks, lanterns of various shapes and types attract countless visitors. Visitors marvel tha
6、t various lanterns so vividly demonstrate traditional Chinese folklore.Guessing Lantern RiddlesBeginning from the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279), guessing riddles is regarded as an indispensable part of the Lantern Festival. People write all kinds of riddles on pieces of paper, and paste them on colorful
7、 lanterns to let visitors guess. If one has an answer to a riddle, he can pull the paper to let organizers verify the answer. Gifts are presented to the people who get the right answers. Because this intellectual activity is exciting, people from all walks of life enjoy it.Lion Dance and Walking on
8、StiltsDerived from the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280), the lion dance is an excellent traditional art that adds infinite fun to any celebration including the Lantern Festival. Two performing types have formed during its long development. In north China, the lion dance focuses on skills, and in the
9、south the lion dance pays more attention to the animal resemblance. One actor manipulates a small lion made of quilts resembling a real one, and with two persons acting like a big lion, one manages the head part and the other, the rest. Under the guidance of a director, the lions sometimes jump, lea
10、p, and do difficult acts such as walking on stilts.Because the acting is always amusing, spectators enjoy it very much. According to ancient custom, the lion is a symbol of boldness and strength that can protect people, so by performing the lion dance, everyone prays for an auspicious and happy life
11、.Walking on stiltsWalking on stilts, another folk art, traces its origins to the Spring and Autumn period (770BC - 476BC). Performers not only walk on stilts by binding them to their feet, but also do some breathtakingly difficult moves. As actors impersonate different characters like monks, clowns,
12、 and fishermen and perform vivid and humorous acts, the art amuses many people.Eating YuanxiaoYuanxiao, also called tangyuan, is a dumpling ball made of sticky rice flour stuffed with different fillings. Eating yuanxiao has become an essential part of the festival. The methods for making yuanxiao di
13、ffere by region and fillings include sugar, rose petals, sesame, sweetened bean paste, and jujube paste. Some do not have fillings. Because tangyuan can be boiled, fried or steamed, and each has a unique taste, it is very popular. Yuanxiao is round in shape so it is endowed with the meaning of reuni
14、on, harmony and happiness. During the night of the festival, family members sit together to taste yuanxiao and appreciate the full moon.UNIT UNIT UNIT UNIT 1 1 1 1FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONSFESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONSFESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONSFESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONSWatch a video. An Englishman tell
15、s the story of Lantern Festival. Think about what you know about the Lantern Festival.The Lantern Festival The Lantern Festival is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. The custom of joyfully celebrating the Lantern Festival began in ancient times and still has great influence on
16、 Chinese people today.How much do you know about the Lantern Festival? Before You WatchBefore You WatchBefore You Watch SignificanceBegan over 2000 years ago, the festival has developed many meanings. It celebrates family reunions. Some also call this the “true” Chinese Valentines Day. Lighting the
17、lanternsLanterns are the most notable part of the festival. People would gather in their yards and give offerings.Throughout history, countless variations of lanterns have been created.Dragon danceDragon dance has a history almost as long as Chinese culture itself.The performers create impressive fo
18、rmations to the beat of Chinese drums and cymbals(铙钹,钹). Dragon is an ancient symbol, which can pray for rain and eliminate (消除) the evil.Lion danceThe lion is well designed, with movable eyes and mouths.Sometimes, the lion will open its mouth and demand food and red pockets. Other times, they roll
19、around and play like oversized kittens. Stilts Chinese stilt performances are an ancient act. They stem from (源于,来自) Chinese opera and the performers sing and dance while on stilts.Depending on their character, they have difference costumes and heights. Food: TangyuanThe trademark food of the Lanter
20、n Festival is called yuanxiao/tangyuan. They are glutinous rice dumplings with sweet fillings made of syrup, red bean paste, black sesame paste or more. They can be steamed or fried, but usually boiled and served in hot water. Lantern riddlesLantern riddles are riddles that were written on the lante
21、rns that are displayed during the Chinese Lantern Festival orChinese Mid-Autumn Festival and so on. The full name of Lantern Riddles are “riddles written on lanterns”.Look at the table below and try to fill in the blanks.Date On the _ day of the _ month of the lunar year The _ day of the Chinese New
22、 Year celebrationsFestival activities1 Looking at lanternsPlaces to see the lanterns: _Most cities will _.2 Guessing riddles Riddles are often written _.3 Eating yuanxiao or tangyuan Different fillings are stuffed into balls of sticky _. The _ symbolizes reunion, harmony, and _.Interesting events in
23、 history The fire dragon dance in Puzhai Town in _ Province has a history of over _ years. The Lantern Festival was known as the Chinese _ Day in the past. It was a good day for _. Many ancient poets wrote poems about the festival, which describe happy _ and also the stories of young _.While You Wat
24、chWhile You WatchWhile You WatchWatch the video. Complete the table with the correct words.Date On the _ day of the _ month of the lunar year The _ day of the Chinese New Year celebrationsfifteenthfirstfinalFestival activities1 Looking at lanternsPlaces to see the lanterns: _ _Most cities will _ _.2
25、 Guessing riddles Riddles are often written _.3 Eating yuanxiao or tangyuan Different fillings are stuffed into balls of sticky _. The _ symbolizes reunion, harmony, and _. the streets, markets, shops, parks, and homes organize lantern shows which add to the festive atmosphereon the lanternsrice flo
26、urround shapehappinessInteresting events in history The fire dragon dance in Puzhai Town in _ Province has a history of over _ years. The Lantern Festival was known as the Chinese _ Day in the past. It was a good day for _. Many ancient poets wrote poems about the festival, which describe happy _ an
27、d also the stories of young _.Guangdong300Valentineslovers to meetmomentsloversWork with your partner. Use the notes above to help you give a brief introduction to the Lantern Festival.After You WatchAfter You WatchAfter You WatchThe Lantern Festival takes place on the fifteenth day of the first mon
28、th of the lunar year. During this time, lanterns will be hung throughout the city, creating a festive atmosphere. Many of these lanterns will have riddles written on them. People also ear yuanxiao or tangyuan, as these symbolized reunion, harmony, and happiness. In the past, the festival was known as Chinese Valentines Day, and so in ancient times poets wrote poems about the festival telling stories of young lovers.Read the passage about The Lantern Festival and learn more about it.
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