Correct Answer: B
“大年三十(dànián sānshí) Lunar New Year’s Eve” falls on the 18th of February 2015. It is the last day of the lunar year, which is also one of China’s most important traditional holidays.
Legend has it that a long time ago, during the age of great floods, there was a vicious monster named “年(nián) year.” Whenever the thirtieth day of the last lunar month arrived, this monster would rise up out of the sea to kill people and to wreak havoc on their fields and gardens. The people would bar their doors before dark and sit up all night, coming out the next day to greet their neighbors and rejoice for having survived.
In modern times, Chinese people still celebrate this old Lunar New Year’s Eve legend with a number of traditional activities.
On Lunar New Year’s Eve, a huge feast is served. The New Year’s Eve dinner is the most important dinner for the Chinese. Normally, this is the family reunion dinner, especially for those with family members who live away from home. On that day, nearly everyone returns home for it. For some families, it is the most important time of the year, and perhaps, the only time that the entire family will be together.
Normally fish will be served, because “鱼(yú) fish” sounds like “余(yú) surplus.” Leaving a little extra fish on the plate is customary as it symbolizes that there will be enough for the family in the coming year. The family is careful not to break the bones of the fish as this could bring bad luck. Hard liquor is also present at the dinner because “酒(jiǔ) white wine” sounds like “久(jiǔ) longevity.” Dumplings are the most important dish in Northern China. Other dishes like meat, fish, and vegetables are dependent on personal preference. The majority of Chinese will have New Year’s Eve dinner at home instead of in a restaurant.
In mainland China, nearly all families sit together in front of the TV to watch the “春节联欢晚会(Chūnjié liánhuān wǎnhuì) CCTV New Year’s Gala” while having their dinner. From the oldest to the youngest family member, each person participates
The Gala starts at eight o’clock in the evening and ends at midnight when the New Year arrives. Programs feature traditional Chinese folk songs and performances. China’s best singers, musical groups, and acrobats appear on the show each year.
Right at midnight on New Year’s Eve, fireworks of all shapes and sizes are set off to celebrate the coming of the New Year. It is legend that the ferocious monster “年(nián)” was afraid of the color red and loud noises, so it was believed that the noisy, bright fireworks would scare the monster away. Now, it is believed that the more fireworks and noise there are, the more luck there will be in the New Year. The person to set off the first firework of the New Year will especially obtain good luck.
“守岁(shǒusuì)” means “staying up late.” After the New Year’s Eve dinner, family members will traditionally stay awake all night, but some people just stay up until just after midnight to see the fireworks. People stay up to spend time with family, but they will also set off fireworks throughout the night and light fires, all in an effort to fend off the monster “年(nián).”
In our test, Wang Qing plans to watch the CCTV New Year’s Gala and stay up late with family members after New Year Eve’s dinner. So the answer is B.
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