The traditional Chinese calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. “Rain Water” is the second solar term. This term marks the start of warming days, melting snow, and more rain. Rain Water this year starts on Feb 18. Here are three things you may not know about Rain Water.

Return of cold spell

Be careful during the late spring cold that often happens during Rain Water period. More rain can make the air really damp and lower the temperature. Don’t take off your thick coats too early, and stay warm, especially if you are old or young.

Spring bamboo shoots

Rain Water is the best time to eat fresh bamboo shoots. It is said one can only know the taste of spring after enjoying the bamboo shoots. According to the Book of Songs, cooking bamboo shoots in China started over 2,000 years ago.

Visit to in-laws (姻亲)

During Rain Water, husbands visit their in-laws and give gifts. Traditionally, they bring two cane chairs wrapped with a red belt, which means good health and long life. Another common gift is a pot of stewed pig’s knuckles (蹄) with soya and kelp (海带), showing respect and thanks.

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1.1. What does the “Rain Water” solar term signify?

A The start of autumn and falling leaves.

B The end of winter and melting snow.

C The beginning of summer and hot weather.

D A gradually warmer climate with more rain.

解析：选D。细节理解题。根据第一段中的“This term marks the start of warming days, melting snow, and more rain.”可知，“雨水” 节气意味着天气逐渐变暖且降雨增多。故选D。

2.2. Why is it advised not to remove thick coats too early during the Rain Water period?

A Because of the fast drop in air humidity (湿度).

B To prevent getting wet in the rain.

C Due to the return of a cold spell.

D As a tradition during this time.

解析：选C。细节理解题。根据第二段内容可知，晚春时期常出现“倒春寒”现象，在此期间要格外注意保暖，所以不建议过早脱掉厚外套。故选C。

3.3. How long has cooking bamboo shoots been a practice in China?

A For over 1,000 years.

B Since the beginning of spring.

C For more than 2,000 years.

D Only in recent decades.

解析：选C。细节理解题。根据第三段中的“According to the Book of Songs, cooking bamboo shoots in China started over 2,000 years ago.”可知，据《诗经》记载，在中国烹饪竹笋已有2000多年历史。故选C。

4.4. What is the purpose of bringing a pot of stewed pig’s knuckles with soya and kelp as a gift?

A To show wealth.

B To show respect and thanks.

C To prepare for a dinner.

D To share a family recipe.

解析：选B。细节理解题。根据最后一段中的“Another common gift is a pot of stewed pig’s knuckles with soya and kelp, showing respect and thanks.”可知，典型礼品是“罐罐肉”，用猪蹄和大豆、海带一起炖，以表达女婿对岳父母的尊敬和感激。故选B。

5.5. In which part of a newspaper can we read the passage?

A Culture.

B Health.

C Travel.

D People.

解析：选A。推理判断题。根据全文内容可知，文章主要介绍了 “雨水” 节气相关的传统习俗，属于文化范畴，应在 “文化” 版块。故选A。