Big Fun with the Dragon Boat Festival

As one of the major summer celebrations, the Dragon Boat Festival is a special time for families and communities. It is observed on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, and this year, it falls on June 23. The holiday got its name because it is celebrated around the summer solstice, the day with the longest period of sunlight. The sun is associated with the dragon, which is one reason why these mythical creatures are linked to the festival.
作為夏季重大的節慶之一，端午節對各個家庭和社區群體來說都是個特別的時節。人們會在農曆五月五日這一天來慶祝這個節日，而今年的端午節則是落在國曆六月二十三日。這個節日之所以得名是因為它落在夏至的前後，而夏至就是日照時間最長的一天。太陽又和龍有關，這也就是為什麼這些神話中的生物會和這個節日產生關聯的原因之一（編按：因為太陽從東邊升起，而在中國傳統裡，龍是代表東方的聖物，所以兩者常被牽扯在一起）。
　　There are many methods to celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival. One of the primary ways is to eat zongzis, savory rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. They can be found in markets and restaurants or prepared at home as part of a family tradition. Another fun pastime that children especially love is standing eggs on end. During this particular time of year, eggs will stand straight up on their widest ends at noon. Doing this is said to bring good luck for the year. For adults, realgar wine is enjoyed. Realgar is a mineral that was regarded as the antidote for all poisons. The wine is drunk for good health.
慶祝端午節的方式既豐富又多元。這當中最主要的一種方法就是吃粽子，也就是一種包在竹葉裡的可口飯糰。這種食物常常可以在市場和餐廳裡看到，或是於家中為人們所準備，作為家庭習俗的一部份。另一項深受孩子們喜愛的有趣消遣就是立蛋。每年在這個特別的時節裡，人們可以在正午時分用蛋最圓的那一端將蛋豎直起來。據說這麼做會為一整年帶來好運。成年人則會品嚐雄黃酒。雄黃是一種礦物，被人們視為是一種可以化解所有毒素的解毒劑。人們正是為了健康的因素而飲用雄黃酒。



@Word & Phrases
1. major a. 主要的，非常重要的
Smoking is one of the major causes of lung cancer.
抽菸是導致肺癌的主因之一。
2. community n. 群體；社區
Residents are working together to keep the community clean and safe.
住戶們都同心協力維護社區的整潔和安全。
3. primary a. 首要的，主要的
Finding other sources of green energy is our primary goal right now.
尋找其他種類的綠色能源是我們現在的目標。
4. wrap vt. 包，裹
Terry gave me a gift wrapped in paper with a beautiful pattern on it.
泰瑞送我一份禮物，是用印有漂亮圖案的包裝紙包起來的。
5. pastime n. 娛樂，消遣
Vincent's favorite pastime is playing video games at home.
文森最愛的娛樂活動就是在家裡打電動。
6. particular a. 特定的
The travel agent asked Mark if he had any particular needs for the in-flight meal.
旅行社人員詢問馬克對於機上餐點是否有任何特別的要求。
7. be said to + 原形動詞　　據說……
This home remedy is said to stop pimples from forming.
這種居家療法據說能夠抑制青春痘的形成。
8. be regarded as...　　被認為是……
This statue is regarded as one of the artist's masterpieces.
這座雕像被視為是該位藝術家的傑作之一。



@Extra Words
1. lunar calendar n. 農曆，陰曆
2. summer solstice n. 夏至
3. savory a. 美味可口的；鹹味的
4. rice dumpling n. 粽子
5. realgar n. 雄黃（本文中作形容詞用）
6. mineral n. 礦物
7. antidote n. 解毒劑



@Tips In Use
Stand作及物動詞stand 在本文中作及物動詞，表『使站立』之意，以下介紹 stand 當及物動詞時的其他意思及用法：
1. 表『忍受，容忍』，常用於否定句或疑問句。
I can't stand Sam's negative attitude toward everything.
（我無法忍受山姆對任何事都表現出負面的態度。）
2. 意指『禁得起』。
These plants can stand extremely hot and dry climates.
（這些植物禁得起極度炎熱和乾燥的氣候。）
3. 用於片語"stand + 人 + up"中，指『放某人鴿子，爽約』。
Tom's girlfriend was upset because he stood her up last night.
（湯姆的女友很生氣，因為他昨晚放她鴿子。）