用英语讲中国传统文化| 二十四节气系列：谷雨，春之尾声

Grain Rain (谷雨), the sixth solar term (节气) of the Chinese lunar calendar, usually falls around April 20th. It marks the end of spring and the arrival of warmer weather. The name "Grain Rain" comes from an old saying: "Rain brings the growth of hundreds of grains."

Farmers welcome this period because the increased rainfall helps crops grow faster. It is a crucial time for sowing (播种) and transplanting (移植) young plants. In southern China, people often plant tea during Grain Rain. It is believed that tea leaves picked at this time have a fresher taste and are good for health.

There are also many customs related to this solar term. In northern China, people eat toona sprouts (香椿芽), a seasonal vegetable believed to boost immunity (免疫力). In coastal areas, fishermen celebrate Grain Rain with rituals (仪式) for a safe and fruitful fishing season.

Interestingly, Grain Rain is linked to a legend about Cang Jie (仓颉), the mythical inventor of Chinese characters. It is said that when he created the writing system, the gods rewarded him with a rain of grain, hence the name.

As nature flourishes, Grain Rain reminds us to cherish (珍惜) the gifts of the earth and prepare for the coming summer.

根据短文内容，完成下列句子。每空一词。

1. Grain Rain is the ________ solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar.

2. Farmers value this period because the rain helps ________ grow better.

3. Tea leaves picked during Grain Rain are considered especially ________.

4. In northern China, people eat toona sprouts to improve their ________.

5. The legend says Grain Rain was named after a reward for creating Chinese ________.

WORD BANK 词汇集锦
solar /ˈsoʊlər/ adj. 太阳的
transplant /trænsˈplænt/ v. 移植
immunity /ɪˈmjuːnəti/ n. 免疫力
ritual /ˈrɪtʃuəl/ n. 仪式
cherish /ˈtʃerɪʃ/ v. 珍惜

1. sixth

2. crops

3. fresh

4. immunity

5. characters