四 、 篇 章 結 構 第 31 至 34 題為題組         Obon, or the Bon Festival, is a Japanese holiday that honors the spirits of the dead. __31__ Thefestival usually lasts for four to five days in August. During this period, many people travel back to theirhometowns and spend time with loved ones, both past and present.        Though not a national holiday, Obon is surely one of the most traditional events of the year.Celebration often begins with mukaebi (welcoming fire), during which people make a small bonfire in frontof their house to guide spirits upon their return back home. __32__ Food offerings are presented at housealtars and temples. Some regions prepare horses made of cucumbers and cows made of eggplants, hopingthat the spirits will come back to Earth quickly, on a horse, and leave slowly, riding the cow.        __33__ Paper lanterns and offerings are sent floating down rivers to accompany the ancestors back totheir resting place. Many areas will also organize bon-odori dances. The style of the dances varies fromregion to region but is normally based on the rhythms of taiko drums. Performers usually play on a tallstage with lanterns and banners strung all around. Participants, often dressed in light cotton kimonos, areencouraged to dance to the music around the stage. __34__ Originally dedicated to the deceased, thedances have now become a symbol of the summer festival themselves.
【題組】31.
(A) Some people also visit the cemetery to clean up the family graves and pray for their ancestors.
(B) Such festive activities are usually held in parks, temples, and other public places around Japan.
(C) Obon concludes with another bonfire, okuribi, lighting up the sky to see the ancestors’ spirits off.
(D) Originating from the Chinese Ghost Festival, this annual event has evolved into a time of family reunion.