Long before the Spring Festival fireworks begin, a special tradition comes to life in Chinese kitchens. The air fills with steam as families prepare hua mo — colorful steamed buns shaped into animals, flowers, and symbols. These are not just food; they carry centuries of cultural meaning and are now recognized as an important part of China’s cultural heritage.

Hua mo is much more than just its beautiful appearance. These buns are a symbol of good luck and success. In ancient times, people offered them to gods and ancestors during ceremonies. Today, they remain a popular gift during holidays, weddings, and birthdays, bringing blessings and joy.

Making hua mo is a creative art. Using wheat dough, skilled hands knead (揉), color, shape, and steam the buns into lively figures. In places like Wenxi county in Shanxi Province, this craft has been passed down for over 1,000 years. Different shapes carry different wishes: a pomegranate (石榴) means many children and grandchildren, while a chrysanthemum expresses long life for the elderly.

1.1. What is hua mo mainly prepared for before the Spring Festival?

A For daily meals.

B For cultural traditions.

C For home decoration.

D For making money.

解析：选B。B 细节理解题。依据文章第一段首句“Long before the Spring Festival fireworks begin, a special tradition comes to life in Chinese kitchens.”以及后续强调花馍“carry centuries of cultural meaning”可知，花馍在春节前制作主要是为了文化传统（cultural traditions），而非日常饮食、家居装饰或营利。选项B与文章直接对应，故为正确答案。

2.2. What was hua mo used for in ancient times?

A As holiday gifts.

B As wedding food.

C As ceremony offerings.

D Daily snacks.

解析：选C。C细节理解题。文章第二段明确陈述“In ancient times, people offered them to gods and ancestors during ceremonies.”，说明在古代花馍被用作仪式供品（ceremony offerings）。选项A、B虽在文中提及为现代用途，但非古代主要功能；选项D未涉及。因此，正确答案为C。

3.3. What can we learn about Wenxi county?

A It values cultural heritage.

B It makes the most hua mo.

C It only grows wheat.

D It holds many ceremonies.

解析：选A。A 推理判断题。文章第三段提到“In places like Wenxi county in Shanxi Province, this craft has been passed down for over 1,000 years.”，由此可推断该地区长期传承这项手艺，从而体现出对文化遗产的重视。文中未提及制作数量最多（B）、只种植小麦（C）或举办许多仪式（D），这些信息均无依据。故通过推理得出正确答案为A。

4.4. What does a chrysanthemum-shaped hua mo stand for?

A Good luck.

B More children.

C Long life.

D Great success.

解析：选C。C 细节理解题。文章第三段末尾直接说明“a chrysanthemum expresses long life for the elderly.”，即菊花形状的花馍象征长寿（long life）。选项A（好运）、B（多子）和D（成功）虽与花馍其他形状相关，但非菊花所代表的意义。因此，正确答案为C。

5.5. How has hua mo changed in modern times?

A It keeps traditional shapes only.

B It loses its cultural meaning.

C It is no longer a gift for others.

D It uses new materials and designs.

解析：选D。D 细节理解题。文章最后一段详细描述了现代花馍的变化：“Now people use healthier ingredients like whole wheat and vegetables. The designs also mix modern characters with traditional patterns.”，这明确表明花馍使用了新材料和设计（new materials and designs）。选项A与文中“mix modern characters with traditional patterns”矛盾；选项B、C均与末段“remains a... meaningful way”及“popular gift”的描述不符。因此，正确答案为D。