清明溯源：寒食上巳的礼俗基因

Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, combines the traditions of the Cold Food Festival (Han Shi Jie) and the Shangsi Festival.

The Cold Food Festival originated from a story of an exiled (流亡的) duke called Wen from the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC). Wen had no food to eat, so one of his followers, named Jie Zitui, cut a piece of his flesh from his own leg to make soup for Wen.

When Wen eventually became the ruler, he forgot about Jie, who had moved to a remote mountain with his mother. When Wen learned of Jie’s whereabouts, he ordered his army to set the forest on fire, hoping to force Jie out of hiding. The fire continued for three days and eventually Wen saw Jie and his mother holding on tightly to a burnt willow (柳) tree, dead. He buried them under the tree. 

In honor of Jie, Wen announced that no fires should be lit on the day of his death and people should eat cold food, giving rise to the Cold Food Festival. This festival, which initially only existed in the state of Jin, gained recognition across China for its significance in honoring loyalty, eventually spreading nationwide.

Qingming Festival also incorporated elements from another ancient festival, the Shangsi Festival, which falls on the third day of the third month in the lunar calendar. As Qingming tomb-sweeping often takes place in suburban areas, it is accompanied by leisure activities such as bathing, outings, feasting and water sports. People not only honor their ancestors but also clean themselves, pray for blessings and enjoy the beauty of spring.

1.1. Which word best describes Jie Zitui’s character?

A Easy-going.

B Loyal.

C Dishonest.

D Overconfident.

解析：选B。B 推理判断题。根据第二段中的“Wen had no food to eat, so one of his followers, named Jie Zitui, cut a piece of his flesh from his own leg to make soup for Wen.”和倒数第二段中的“for its significance in honoring loyalty”可知，介子推是个忠诚的人。故选B。

2.2. Why did Wen order the forest to be set on fire?

A To train his soldiers.

B To clear the trees.

C To force Jie to come out.

D To kill Jie’s mother.

解析：选C。细节理解题。根据第三段中的“he ordered his army to set the forest on fire, hoping to force Jie out of hiding”可知，晋文公放火烧林是为了逼介子推出山。故选C。

3.3. Which word can replace “incorporated” in the last paragraph?

A Included.

B Distinguished.

C Analyzed.

D Described.

解析：选A。A 词义猜测题。根据第一段的“combines the traditions of the Cold Food Festival (hanshi jie) and the Shangsi Festival”以及划线部分后文的“elements from another ancient festival, the Shangsi Festival”可知，清明节也“吸收”了一些上巳节的元素。故选A。

4.4. What is the main purpose of this text?

A To explain Tomb-Sweeping Day customs.

B To describe the history of the Cold Food Festival.

C To introduce the Shangsi Festival.

D To explain how Qingming Festival originated.

解析：选D。主旨大意题。全文围绕清明节的起源展开，重点讲述其融合寒食节与上巳节的历史过程。故选D。