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The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. In China, the 24 solar terms were created thousands of years ago to guide agricultural production.

Rain Water stands for the increase in rainfall and rise in temperature. With its arrival, lively spring—like scenery starts: the river water melt, wild geese fly from south to north, and trees and grass turn green again.

Here are four things you may not know about Rain Water.

Rain in spring is as precious as oil.

According to an old Chinese saying, the rainfall in spring is as precious as oil. In northern China the spring drought is common and the rain of this season is only 10 to 15 percent of yearly average(平均) rainfall.

Return of a cold period

Extra care is needed to deal with a returning cold time in the late spring that often happens during Rain Water. The fast increase in air humidity(湿度) can result in lower temperature and wet weather.

Visit to in-laws(姻亲)

One of the main customs during Rain Water is sons-in-law visiting their in-laws and giving gifts. According to the tradition, gifts are usually two cane chairs with four meters of red belt which represents good health and long life. Another typical gift is a pot of cooked dish that contains pig’s knuckles(蹄) with soya and kelp. The son-in-law expresses his respect and thankfulness this way.

Nutritious porridge

The wet and damp weather during Rain Water is considered harmful to people’s health according to Chinese medical practice. So a bowl of nutritious porridge is the best choice to keep the body alive and healthy.

1．When Rain Water arrives, what happens?
① The temperature begins to rise.                 
② The river freezes up.
③ Birds fly to the south in small groups.        
④Trees are green in color.

A．①②

B．②③

C．①④

D．③④

2．We can infer that Rain Water is a key period for________.

A．building houses in the countryside

B．providing land or crops with water

C．keeping sheep, horses, hens and other animals

D．spending all days on farming

3．During Rain Water, it is strongly advised the elderly and children________.

A．not to take off thick clothes too early

B．not to stay up late all night

C．to exercise more

D．to protect them from the heat

4．During Rain Water, what gifts do sons-in-law often give their in-laws?

A．Some food, two cane chairs and desks.

B．Chairs, pigs, soya and kelp.

C．Delicious dish, four can chairs with two meters of red belt.

D．Two chairs and a pot of cooked dish.