B
In China today, some people think chrysanthemums(菊花) are not good flowers. They connect them with sadness and death. This idea mainly comes from Western culture, where people often use chrysanthemums at funerals(葬礼).
But in fact, chrysanthemums have a long and beautiful history in Chinese culture. They are one of the "Four Gentlemen" in Chinese tradition—along with the plum blossom(梅花), the orchid(兰花) and the bamboo.
In ancient China, people loved chrysanthemums very much. The great poet Tao Yuanming from the Jin Dynasty loved chrysanthemums. He planted them around his house and wrote many poems about them. He saw chrysanthemums as a symbol of a simple and happy life.
Chinese people also believed that chrysanthemums could help people live longer. In the past, people drank chrysanthemum tea to keep healthy. They also used the flowers in medicine.
During the Double Ninth Festival, people enjoyed the beauty of chrysanthemums and drank chrysanthemum wine.
Chrysanthemums come out in late autumn when most other flowers die. This shows their strong spirit and their ability to live through cold weather. That's why ancient Chinese people saw them as a symbol of strength and long life.
Now, because Western culture influences us, some Chinese people treat this beautiful flower in a wrong way. We should remember our own culture and understand the true meaning of chrysanthemums.
These differences show how the same flower can have different meanings in different cultures. Learning about this helps us understand not only the flower itself but also the history and culture behind it. It also teaches us to think carefully—not to believe what we hear easily, but to learn and understand by ourselves.
() 4. Why do some Chinese dislike chrysanthemums now?
A. They think chrysanthemums smell bad.
B. They think chrysanthemums aren't beautiful.
C. They connect chrysanthemums with sad things.
D. They find it hard to grow chrysanthemums well.
() 5. What did chrysanthemums mean in ancient China?
A. A plant for food and clothing.
B. A symbol of long and happy life.
C. A gift for weddings and parties.
D. A sign of sadness and bad luck.
() 6. How does the writer explain the importance of chrysanthemums?
A. By listing scientific facts.
B. By telling a personal story.
C. By using numbers and time.
D. By comparing different cultures.
() 7. What should we do when we see different cultural views?
A. Refuse all new ideas.
B. Believe what most people say.
C. Learn and think by ourselves.
D. Only follow our own culture.