Holidays, Festivals, and Celebrations Practice Test

Read the passage, then answer the question.

During the Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Jie), observed on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, many Chinese families remember the poet-official Qu Yuan. In history, Qu Yuan served the state of Chu during the Warring States period. After political exile and the fall of his homeland, later accounts said he drowned himself in the Miluo River. People along the river reportedly raced out in boats to search for him and threw rice into the water so fish would not harm his body. Over time, these stories shaped a yearly public commemoration that links loyalty, integrity, and concern for one’s community.

Today, the festival is widely practiced across China and in Chinese communities abroad. Dragon boat racing remains its most visible tradition. Teams paddle in long boats decorated with dragon heads, while a drummer sets a steady rhythm. In many towns, local schools and work units train for weeks, and spectators line the riverbanks. A teacher in Hunan says, “When the drum starts, you feel everyone’s heartbeat become one. It’s not only sport; it’s memory.” Families also hang aromatic herb bundles—often mugwort (ai) and calamus (changpu)—near doors. Some people explain that the strong scent symbolizes protection and health as summer heat increases.

Food is central. The best-known dish is zongzi, sticky rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves. Sweet zongzi may include red bean paste or jujube, while savory versions can include pork belly, salted egg yolk, or mushrooms. Regional tastes vary: in Guangdong, many prefer rich, savory fillings; in parts of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, some families favor smaller, neatly shaped zongzi with mild flavors; in Sichuan, spicy seasonings may appear. A college student from Guangzhou notes, “My grandmother insists the pork must be marinated overnight, or it doesn’t count.”

Other customs also show local diversity. In some areas, children wear perfumed sachets, and elders tell them the scents “carry away illness.” In other places, people drink realgar wine in small amounts, though many families now avoid it for health and safety reasons and choose herbal tea instead. Despite differences, the festival commonly emphasizes remembering Qu Yuan, strengthening group bonds through shared work, and seeking well-being at the start of summer.

Based on the passage, what are the key differences in how the Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated in different regions?

Read the passage, then answer the question.

The Double Ninth Festival (Chongyang Jie) falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. In history, the number nine was associated with yang energy, and the double ninth was seen as a day that required special attention. Over time, the festival became linked to ideas of avoiding misfortune, appreciating autumn landscapes, and, in modern society, showing respect for older adults. In 1989, China designated it as Seniors’ Day in many contexts, strengthening its public emphasis on elder care.

Today, many people mark Chongyang by climbing hills or mountains (denggao). Historically, climbing was believed to help people avoid harm on a day of strong yang energy, and it also fits the clear weather of autumn. Families may visit scenic areas, carry simple food, and take photos. A middle-aged son in Shandong says, “My mother walks slowly now, so we choose a gentle path. The point is that we climb together.” The activity becomes both symbolic and practical: it encourages movement, shared time, and attention to elders’ needs.

Chrysanthemum (juhua) is a key symbol. In history, it was admired for blooming late in the year and for its association with purity and endurance. Many people drink chrysanthemum tea or, in some places, chrysanthemum wine. Some families also wear a small sprig of dogwood (zhuyu) or place it on clothing, a custom that appears in classical poetry and folk practice.

Regional variations appear in foods. In parts of Beijing and northern China, people eat chongyang gao, a layered “Double Ninth cake,” sometimes decorated with jujubes or nuts. In some southern areas, families may focus more on tea, seasonal fruit, and outdoor gatherings than on a specific cake. Community centers in many cities now organize volunteer visits, health checks, and performances for seniors, blending older symbols with contemporary public service.

Based on the passage, why is chrysanthemum important in the context of the Double Ninth Festival?