According to the traditional Chinese calendar, for every 19 years there will be seven leap months (闰月). “Leap month” refers to a repetitive month and, this year in 2023, there are two Februarys. The setting of leap month is a way to fill the gap of days between the solar calendar and lunar calendar in one year, which is 11 or 12 days, so as to make sure the four seasons basically fit the months. There are some traditions and customs during leap month in China, which are varied in different places.

Send special-made pastry to parents

In some parts of Central China’s Henan province, daughters will prepare wild goose-shaped pastries(老雁馍) for their parents before the leap month comes, wishing for happiness and luck. In some parts of East China’s Shandong province, the married daughters will send dough-made fish and toad(蟾蜍) to their parents, which symbolize “wealth” and “health” respectively. Besides, it is said that the dough fish is for a mother and the dough toad is for a father.

Buy shoes for parents

In some places, people have the tradition of buying shoes for their parents to reward their father and mother’s efforts of bringing them up, and pray for the health and safety of their parents.

Drink tea

People living near Wuyi Mountain in East China’s Fujian province have the tradition of drinking tea during leap month, and only women are eligible to participate. Women in the village take turns holding the tea party, and they drink tea while chatting, creating a harmonious atmosphere among neighbors.

Give mother pig feet and thin noodles

In Southeast China’s Taiwan province, leap month has such traditions as well. The married daughter has to buy pig feet and thin noodles for her mother, usually two front pig feet and six bunches of thin noodles, and the noodles have to be tied with red silk threads(线) and spring flowers.

Eat dinner together

Just like other festivals, a reunion dinner is essential among the traditions of the leap month. When leap month comes, parents will invite the married daughter to return home and have dinner together, cherishing a wish for happiness and good fortune.

1.Which question can the first paragraph answer?

A What’s the difference between the two calendars?

B How many days are there in a leap month?

C What’s the purpose of setting leap month?

D What are the traditions during leap month?

解析：选C。C细节理解题。根据第一段第三句可知闰月的设置，是为了弥补公历和农历在一年中的11天或12天的差距，使四季与月份基本相吻合。故选C。

2.Why do people send dough-made fish to parents in some places?

A To wish for happiness.

B To wish for good luck.

C To wish for wealth.

D To wish for health.

解析：选C。C细节理解题。根据第二段的“send dough-made fish and toad to their parents, which symbolize ‘wealth’ and ‘health’ respectively”可知，面鱼和面蟾分别代表“富裕”和“健康”。故选C。

3.What does the underlined word “eligible” mean?

A Capable.

B Qualified.

C Welcomed.

D Experienced.

解析：选B。B词义猜测题。根据第四段划线部分后文“Women in the village...and they drink tea...”可知，只有女性“有资格”参加闰月茶会。故选B。

4.Which is TRUE about daughters in Taiwan province preparing gifts for their moms?

A Buy shoes for both parents.

B Tie noodles with red threads.

C Prepare six pig feet.

D Buy two bunches of noodles.

解析：选B。B细节理解题。根据倒数第二段最后一句的“the noodles have to be tied with red silk threads and spring flowers”可知，要用红线绑住面条。故选B。