The Chinese solar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Grain in Ear, the 9th solar term, begins on June 5 this year.
Rainfall increases during Grain in Ear compared to the previous eight solar terms. Regions in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River are about to enter the Plum(梅子) Rains season. Plum Rains, often occurring during June and July, refer to the long period of continuous rainy or cloudy weather. This happens to be the time for plums to ripen, which explains the origin of its name. Plum Rains are a good period for growing rice, vegetables and fruits.
“An Miao” (meaning seedling protection) is a traditional farming activity of southern Anhui province that has been practiced since the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Every year when Grain in Ear comes, they hold the sacrificial ceremony to pray for good harvests in the fall. People make different types of bread from wheat flour and color them with vegetable juice. The bread is used as a sacrificial offering to pray for a good harvest and people’s safety.
In ancient China, on the second day of the second lunar month, people welcome the arrival of the Flower Goddess. During Grain in Ear people hold sacrificial ceremonies to say good-bye to the Flower Goddess and show their gratitude. Today, this custom does not exist in many areas of China.
In South China, May and June are the season when plums become ripe. Green plums contain a variety of natural and high-quality organic acids and are rich in minerals. They can help clean blood, lower blood fats, remove tiredness and improve one’s looks. However, fresh plums taste sour and need to be boiled before serving.
Do not eat strongly flavored food during Grain in Ear. During this season, people are also encouraged to consume less lamb, pork, hot peppers, and onions if they are frequently feeling thirsty and tired. Vegetables and fruits of a cool nature are recommended, such as tomatoes, eggplant, watermelon and strawberries. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theories, they can help remove heat in the body and promote digestion.
奇速英语 原创编写 版权所有 侵权必究！ 每日更新 个性化阅读 英语飙升！
1.Grain in Ear is important to _________.
A farmers
B cooks
C businessmen
D gardeners
解析：选A。A细节理解题。根据第二段最后一句“Plum Rains are a good period for growing rice, vegetables and fruits.”芒种期间雨水会有所增多，长江中下游地区将进入梅雨季节，梅雨是种植水稻、蔬菜和水果的好时期；根据第三段可知，芒种“安苗”是安徽南部始于明初的一种传统农事活动。每年芒种到来时，他们都会举行祭祀典礼，祈求秋季丰收。由此可知，芒种对农民来说很重要。故选A。
2.Which of the following is hardly seen in modern times during Grain in Ear?
A The season for plums to ripen.
B Welcoming the Flower Goddess.
C The coming of Plum Rains season.
D Expressing gratitude to the Flower Goddess.
解析：选D。D细节理解题。根据第四段可知，在中国古代，人们会在农历二月二日迎接花神的到来。芒种时节人们则会举行祭祀典礼送别花神，表达感激之情。如今，这一习俗在中国的许多地区都已经消失了。故选D。
3.What is suggested when eating plums?
A Removing the skin first.
B Keeping them fresh.
C Freezing them first.
D Boiling them first.
解析：选D。D细节理解题。根据倒数第二段中的“However, fresh plums taste sour and need to be boiled before serving.”可知，新鲜的青梅很酸，建议煮了之后再吃。故选D。
