Unit 1 Traditions & Customs
Section A Special Origin of Christmas
Notes and information related to the text
1. It is a carryover from the German midwinter fests. (Para. 1)
the German midwinter fests: The most important German midwinter fest is the Midwinter Solstice, the point at which the sun reaches its greatest declination, north, and the time when the sun reaches the point (about Dec. 21). The shortest day and the longest night caused ancients considerable anxiety. What if the sun was unable to gain its strength again? Midwinter festivals, therefore, centered around the theme of rebirth.
2. As such, it was a typically heathen symbol, which mainly served as a symbol of fertility and a defense against evil spirits. (Para. 1)
Note: Winter in the northern countries was harsh. Only a few trees stayed “alive” and the evergreens, to the early Germans, became a symbol of immortality. Good spirits and the magic power of the evergreen were believed to resist the life-threatening powers of darkness and cold. They believed in the special powers of these trees and wherever they were, evil spirits could not go, so they brought the greenery into their homes.
Since late Middle Ages, life green branches, symbols of life in the cold and dead of winter, were placed on windows, mirrors, and in vases, and may have served to keep evil spirits away. Over time, this mythical function of the greens became simply decorative.
3. It was hung with apples, synonymous with sin，and wafers, which symbolized salvation. (Para. 3)
apples ，synonymous with sin: According to the Bible, God created Adam and Eve, and had them live in the Paradise, forbidding them to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil lest they should understand the righteousness and the evilness of their own acts, which means an end of all peace of their soul.
4. Not until the 17th century was a decorated pine tree seen in public again. (Para. 5)
Note: With “not until” placed at the beginning of a sentence, the sentence order should be inverted as you find it in the reading passage.
E.G. Not until the early years of the 19th century did man know what heat is.
Not until the film had begun did she arrive.
Some other inverted sentences:
E.G. No sooner had he entered the classroom than the bell rang.
Never has he showed any interest in playing the piano.
5. These cards featured sentimental pictures and good wishes. (Para. 11)
feature: v. have as a feature
E.G. Does a new job feature in your future plans? n. characteristic
E.G. His eyes are his most striking feature.
6. As long ago as the 9th century the Champagne region was known for its wines. (Para. 15)
as long ago as: as early as
E.G. As long ago as the Tang Dynasty, the Chinese people began to play a kind of game named “Cuju”.
as long as: on condition that
E.G. As long as you drive carefully, you will be very safe.
I don’t mind as long as it doesn’t rain.
7. In those days, red still wines were produced. (Para. 15)
Note ： Here “still” is used as an adjective, referring to wines not sparkling or not containing gas. still: adj. without movement or sound
E. G. He stands there still.
adv. with reference to action or condition; without change, interruption, or cessation E.G. Although she didn’t feel well, she still went to work.
The fish is still alive.
8. Pour the champagne in at least two glasses as this enhances the flavor. (Para. 17)
enhance: v.
1. make better or more attractive
E.G. Those clothes do nothing to enhance her appearance.
2. increase
E.G. He made many efforts to enhance his reputation.
9. Like it or not, letting off fireworks is inextricably linked with New Year’s Eve. (Para. 20)
Note ： Here the phrase “like it or not” is used as an inserted part, independent of the surrounding grammatical structure, which means whether you like it or not.
Like it or not, the meeting will be delayed.
Like it or not, the work should be finished by Friday, be linked with: be connected with E.G. The rise in crime is linked with the rising in unemployment.
此句意为:不论人们喜欢与否，放鞭炮与除夕密不可分。
10. Dutch nationals who served in the Dutch East Indies brought back the Chinese fireworks. (Para. 22)
the Dutch East Indies: a republic in southeastern Asia on an archipelago including more than 13,000 islands. It achieved independence from the Netherlands in 1945; and it is the principal oil producer in the Far East and Pacific regions.
11. Soon after World War II more stringent arms regulations came into effect. (Para. 22) come into effect: reach the stage of being operative
E.G. The new tax regulations will come into effect next week. Note: The phrase has the same meaning as “take effect” and “come into force”.
Section B Unique Traditions from the UK
Notes and information related to the text
1. Boxing Day stems from a tradition that began in the Middle Ages more than 800 years ago. (Para. 2)
stem from: originate from
E.G. Their aggressiveness stemmed from fear.
The chief concerns stem from inflationary pressures, arising primarily out of commodities and crude oil prices.
2. One of Britain’s most well -known traditions occurs every morning at 11:30 outside of Buckingham Palace, one of the queen’s three official residences, from April to October (and every other day in the winter). (Para. 4) Buckingham Palace: the London residence of the British sovereign
Note ：“One of the queen’s three official residences” is the appositive of “Buckingham Palace”.
3. This stately ritual is, in essence, a shift change between groups of officers assigned to guarding the palace and is a military custom practiced by most palace guards in Europe. (Para. 4) in essence: at bottom or by its very nature, basically; in principle, in theory
E.G. They are the same in outward form but different in essence.
She is in essence a romantic sort.
4. Famed for their stoicism, the guard typically draws huge crowds of tourists. (Para. 4)
Note ： Here, “famed” is an adjective, meaning “famous”. More often, “fame” is used as a noun, meaning “the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed” or “favorable public reputation”.
stoicism: an indifference to pleasure or pain
E.G. Mary showed great stoicism during her husband’s final illness.
此句意为：这些卫兵因为其坚忍不拔的精神而吸引了大量游客。
5. In the United States, if you make it to the ripe old age of 101 or 102，Willard Scott will wish you Happy Birthday on national television. (Para. 6)
Willard Scott: Willard Herman Scott Jr. (born on March 7, 1934) is an American media personality, best known for his work on NBC’s Today show.
make it: succeed in getting somewhere in time to do something, or get to the top
E.G. He promised to complete the task within two weeks, and he finally made it.
If you try hard, I believe you will finally make it.
Meaning: In the United States, if you successfully reach the old age of 101 or 102，Willard Scott will wish you Happy Birthday on national television.
6. The telegram is so coveted by some Brits that one 98-year-old woman was recently proven to have faked her age by two years just to receive the telegram. (Para. 6)
covet: v. wish, long, or crave for (something, especially the property of another person) E.G. Never covet wealth and power.
People covet the right to shape their own free destiny.
Meaning: The telegram is so eagerly desired by some British people that it was recently proven that a 98-year-old woman lied about her real age by two years to get it from the queen.
7. This ritual began as a practical attempt to stave off hunger pangs between breakfast and supper, as eating just two daily meals was common at the time. (Para. 8)
stave off: prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening
E.G. The lost explorers ate birds，eggs to stave off starvation.
此句意为：这种习俗最初只是人们在早餐和晚饭之间抵挡阵发饥饿感的一种实际 尝试，因为那时候一天两顿很普遍。
8. The fires also represent an attempt to ward off the coming winter. (Para. 10)
Note ：The phrase “ward off” has the same meaning as “prevent the occurrence of, prevent from happening, and starve off”.
E.G. The policemen managed to ward off the blow.
He raised an arm to ward off the blow.
9. One of the oldest, Fighting Cocks in St. Albans, Herts, is located in a building that dates back to the 11th century. (Para. 13)
Note: The phrase “date back to” has similar meaning as “date from, originate from, trace back to”. E.G. The castle dates back to the 15th century.
The prosperity of the company dates back to the early period of last century.
10. To tip a landlord or barmaid, it is customary to tell him to “buy himself one”. He or she may or may not take you up on your offer. (Para. 15)
take sb. up on sth.: accept from him his offer, challenge, bet, etc.
E.G. Why don’t you take George up on his offer to lend you 100 dollars?
I won’t take you up on your invitation
Note ：In British pubs, you should never offer the bar staff a cash gratuity. The correct behavior is to offer them a drink. Pubs take pride in the equal atmosphere. A tip in cash will be a remainder of their service role, whereas the offer of a drink is friendly.
take up:
1. occupy or take on (time or space)
E.G. This piano takes up too much room.
2. pursue or resume
E.G. She took up the narrative where John had left off.
3. turn one’s interest to
E.G. She took up tennis when she was in primary school.
Unit 1 Traditions & Customs
Section A Special Origin of Christmas
Notes and information related to the text
1. It is a carryover from the German midwinter fests. (Para. 1)
the German midwinter fests: The most important German midwinter fest is the Midwinter Solstice, the point at which the sun reaches its greatest declination, north, and the time when the sun reaches the point (about Dec. 21). The shortest day and the longest night caused ancients considerable anxiety. What if the sun was unable to gain its strength again? Midwinter festivals, therefore, centered around the theme of rebirth.
2. As such, it was a typically heathen symbol, which mainly served as a symbol of fertility and a defense against evil spirits. (Para. 1)
Note: Winter in the northern countries was harsh. Only a few trees stayed “alive” and the evergreens, to the early Germans, became a symbol of immortality. Good spirits and the magic power of the evergreen were believed to resist the life-threatening powers of darkness and cold. They believed in the special powers of these trees and wherever they were, evil spirits could not go, so they brought the greenery into their homes.
Since late Middle Ages, life green branches, symbols of life in the cold and dead of winter, were placed on windows, mirrors, and in vases, and may have served to keep evil spirits away. Over time, this mythical function of the greens became simply decorative.
3. It was hung with apples, synonymous with sin，and wafers, which symbolized salvation. (Para. 3)
apples ，synonymous with sin: According to the Bible, God created Adam and Eve, and had them live in the Paradise, forbidding them to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil lest they should understand the righteousness and the evilness of their own acts, which means an end of all peace of their soul.
4. Not until the 17th century was a decorated pine tree seen in public again. (Para. 5)
Note: With “not until” placed at the beginning of a sentence, the sentence order should be inverted as you find it in the reading passage.
E.G. Not until the early years of the 19th century did man know what heat is.
Not until the film had begun did she arrive.
Some other inverted sentences:
E.G. No sooner had he entered the classroom than the bell rang.
Never has he showed any interest in playing the piano.
5. These cards featured sentimental pictures and good wishes. (Para. 11)
feature: v. have as a feature
E.G. Does a new job feature in your future plans? n. characteristic
E.G. His eyes are his most striking feature.
6. As long ago as the 9th century the Champagne region was known for its wines. (Para. 15)
as long ago as: as early as
E.G. As long ago as the Tang Dynasty, the Chinese people began to play a kind of game named “Cuju”.
as long as: on condition that
E.G. As long as you drive carefully, you will be very safe.
I don’t mind as long as it doesn’t rain.
7. In those days, red still wines were produced. (Para. 15)
Note ： Here “still” is used as an adjective, referring to wines not sparkling or not containing gas. still: adj. without movement or sound
E. G. He stands there still.
adv. with reference to action or condition; without change, interruption, or cessation E.G. Although she didn’t feel well, she still went to work.
The fish is still alive.
8. Pour the champagne in at least two glasses as this enhances the flavor. (Para. 17)
enhance: v.
1. make better or more attractive
E.G. Those clothes do nothing to enhance her appearance.
2. increase
E.G. He made many efforts to enhance his reputation.
9. Like it or not, letting off fireworks is inextricably linked with New Year’s Eve. (Para. 20)
Note ： Here the phrase “like it or not” is used as an inserted part, independent of the surrounding grammatical structure, which means whether you like it or not.
Like it or not, the meeting will be delayed.
Like it or not, the work should be finished by Friday, be linked with: be connected with E.G. The rise in crime is linked with the rising in unemployment.
此句意为:不论人们喜欢与否，放鞭炮与除夕密不可分。
10. Dutch nationals who served in the Dutch East Indies brought back the Chinese fireworks. (Para. 22)
the Dutch East Indies: a republic in southeastern Asia on an archipelago including more than 13,000 islands. It achieved independence from the Netherlands in 1945; and it is the principal oil producer in the Far East and Pacific regions.
11. Soon after World War II more stringent arms regulations came into effect. (Para. 22) come into effect: reach the stage of being operative
E.G. The new tax regulations will come into effect next week. Note: The phrase has the same meaning as “take effect” and “come into force”.
Section B Unique Traditions from the UK
Notes and information related to the text
1. Boxing Day stems from a tradition that began in the Middle Ages more than 800 years ago. (Para. 2)
stem from: originate from
E.G. Their aggressiveness stemmed from fear.
The chief concerns stem from inflationary pressures, arising primarily out of commodities and crude oil prices.
2. One of Britain’s most well -known traditions occurs every morning at 11:30 outside of Buckingham Palace, one of the queen’s three official residences, from April to October (and every other day in the winter). (Para. 4) Buckingham Palace: the London residence of the British sovereign
Note ：“One of the queen’s three official residences” is the appositive of “Buckingham Palace”.
3. This stately ritual is, in essence, a shift change between groups of officers assigned to guarding the palace and is a military custom practiced by most palace guards in Europe. (Para. 4) in essence: at bottom or by its very nature, basically; in principle, in theory
E.G. They are the same in outward form but different in essence.
She is in essence a romantic sort.
4. Famed for their stoicism, the guard typically draws huge crowds of tourists. (Para. 4)
Note ： Here, “famed” is an adjective, meaning “famous”. More often, “fame” is used as a noun, meaning “the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed” or “favorable public reputation”.
stoicism: an indifference to pleasure or pain
E.G. Mary showed great stoicism during her husband’s final illness.
此句意为：这些卫兵因为其坚忍不拔的精神而吸引了大量游客。
5. In the United States, if you make it to the ripe old age of 101 or 102，Willard Scott will wish you Happy Birthday on national television. (Para. 6)
Willard Scott: Willard Herman Scott Jr. (born on March 7, 1934) is an American media personality, best known for his work on NBC’s Today show.
make it: succeed in getting somewhere in time to do something, or get to the top
E.G. He promised to complete the task within two weeks, and he finally made it.
If you try hard, I believe you will finally make it.
Meaning: In the United States, if you successfully reach the old age of 101 or 102，Willard Scott will wish you Happy Birthday on national television.
6. The telegram is so coveted by some Brits that one 98-year-old woman was recently proven to have faked her age by two years just to receive the telegram. (Para. 6)
covet: v. wish, long, or crave for (something, especially the property of another person) E.G. Never covet wealth and power.
People covet the right to shape their own free destiny.
Meaning: The telegram is so eagerly desired by some British people that it was recently proven that a 98-year-old woman lied about her real age by two years to get it from the queen.
7. This ritual began as a practical attempt to stave off hunger pangs between breakfast and supper, as eating just two daily meals was common at the time. (Para. 8)
stave off: prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening
E.G. The lost explorers ate birds，eggs to stave off starvation.
此句意为：这种习俗最初只是人们在早餐和晚饭之间抵挡阵发饥饿感的一种实际 尝试，因为那时候一天两顿很普遍。
8. The fires also represent an attempt to ward off the coming winter. (Para. 10)
Note ：The phrase “ward off” has the same meaning as “prevent the occurrence of, prevent from happening, and starve off”.
E.G. The policemen managed to ward off the blow.
He raised an arm to ward off the blow.
9. One of the oldest, Fighting Cocks in St. Albans, Herts, is located in a building that dates back to the 11th century. (Para. 13)
Note: The phrase “date back to” has similar meaning as “date from, originate from, trace back to”. E.G. The castle dates back to the 15th century.
The prosperity of the company dates back to the early period of last century.
10. To tip a landlord or barmaid, it is customary to tell him to “buy himself one”. He or she may or may not take you up on your offer. (Para. 15)
take sb. up on sth.: accept from him his offer, challenge, bet, etc.
E.G. Why don’t you take George up on his offer to lend you 100 dollars?
I won’t take you up on your invitation
Note ：In British pubs, you should never offer the bar staff a cash gratuity. The correct behavior is to offer them a drink. Pubs take pride in the equal atmosphere. A tip in cash will be a remainder of their service role, whereas the offer of a drink is friendly.
take up:
1. occupy or take on (time or space)
E.G. This piano takes up too much room.
2. pursue or resume
E.G. She took up the narrative where John had left off.
3. turn one’s interest to
E.G. She took up tennis when she was in primary school.