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.

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1. What does the underlined word “eligible” mean?（词义猜测）

A    Capable.

B    Qualified.

C    Welcomed.

D    Experienced.