On the Chinese calendar, each year is marked by the symbol of an animal. It is the Year of
the Sheep this year. A person born in a “sheep year” is said to share characteristics 1 to
those of the sheep. According to some legends, the gods 2 all animals of the world for a
visit to heaven. Only twelve accepted the offer; they were the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake,
horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. To 3 the twelve, the gods expressed their
gratitude by naming a year after each of their guests.
The Chinese New Year holiday is a time when families and friends come together with a
4 for health, happiness and prosperity. On New Year’s Eve there is an old tradition. The
whole family will gather around the table to eat and 5 each other’s company. Some
families leave one chair 6 to represent a member who is absent from the dinner gathering.
After dinner, the elders give children red envelopes containing money for good fortune and
everyone 7 the coming of the New Year when it is midnight. The custom of waiting for
the New Year to 8 is called shou shui, and children sleep late in the hope that their parents
will 9 to a ripe old age.
Celebration of the New Year 10 until the fifteenth day of the first month. 【題組】2. (A) hunted (B) invited (C) killed (D) shot