高中(學測,指考)◆英文題庫下載題庫

Much like the dove and robin, the bluebird is considered a very lucky sign in most cultures, particularly when seen in the spring. ____21____ , a woodpecker, when seen near the home, is regarded as a good sign. In contrast, the peacock is not ____22____ seen as lucky. In places like India, the peacock is considered lucky because the great many “eyes” on its feathers are said to alert it to ____23____ evil. Peacocks are also highly valued in China and Japan, where they are kept as symbols by the ruling families to ____24____ their status and wealth. However, the peacock receives only scorn from the rest of the world. The feathers of peacocks are considered the most ____25____ part of the bird because the eye-shaped markings on them are associated with “evil eyes.” To bring the evil eye into the home is thus believed to invite trouble and sorrow.