Does New Year’s Day fall on the same day in everyplace? Actually, the answer is No. In ancient Egypt, thenew year began when the Nile River flooded over its banks.In northern Europe, the new year began when the leaves felloff the trees. In other parts of Europe, the new year began onthe shortest day of the year. In ancient Rome, the new yearwas the first day of spring. This was the day when the nightand day were equal. The Chinese New Year began inJanuary or February. Long time ago, many people believedthat the spirits of dead people could come back on the lastnight of the year. Therefore, they made loud noises on NewYear’s Eve to scare the spirits away. They beat drums, rangbells, and let off firecrackers all night long. Nowadays, mostcountries use the Gregorian calendar and celebrate the newyear on January first. People are not afraid of the spirits ofdead people, but they still make a lot of noises! There areusually firework displays or different kinds of shows. Theyplay music, sing and dance. People are together and wishone another Happy New Year. They like to spend with theirdearest at the happy moment.
* actually 實際上 ancient 古代的 Egypt 埃及 Nile 尼羅河flood 淹沒 bank 堤岸 Europe 歐洲 Rome 羅馬 equal 平等的 scare驚嚇 spirit 幽靈 therefore 因此 let off 爆開 firecracker 爆竹nowadays 今日 Gregorian calendar 公曆 firework display 煙火
【題組】42. In what place did a new year begin on the first day ofspring?
(A) In China.
(B) In ancient Egypt.
(C) In ancient Rome.
(D) In northern Europe.