In England, we look forward to our birthdays for 364 days a year!
We invite special people to celebrate it with us.
The Presents
Presents are opened as soon as the children are awake. They can’t wait for the birthday cake later in the day!
The Cards
Friends and family send birthday cards. Sending birthday cards is a custom (风俗) that began in England about 100 years ago.
The Party
The birthday child will have a party to which friends and family are invited. Visitors to the party bring presents for the birthday child. The children play games such as musical chairs and pass the parcel (包裹).
The Cake
The birthday cake is decorated on a theme (主题). A candle for each year is lit and placed on top and the child blows out the candles making a wish. We don’t put objects inside the cake as stated on many websites.
The Bumps (碰撞)
It used to be traditional for the birthday child to have the bumps. Friends would hold the child by the legs and under the arms and lift the child up and down bumping them gently on the ground. The number of bumps given is the age of the child plus one for extra good luck. As this can be dangerous, clapping (拍手) is often done instead.
The Sweets
Some children do take sweets to school to share with their classmates on their birthdays.
小题1: In England, the birthday present is opened _____.
A．before the child wakes up
B．immediately after the child wakes up
C．as soon as the child gets up
D．during the birthday party小题2: If Alice is celebrating her 7th birthday, how many bumps will she be given?
A．Six.
B．Seven.
C．Eight.
D．Nine.小题3: Which of the following facts about birthdays in England is NOT true?
A．All the children will receive birthday cards on their birthdays.
B．Clapping is often done for the birthday child.
C．Objects meaning good luck are usually placed inside the birthday cake.
D．Nowadays children may share sweets with their classmates on their birthdays.小题4: What would be the best title for this passage?
A．How birthdays are celebrated in the world
B．Where to hold an English birthday party
C．What to send when invited to a child’s birthday
D．How English children celebrate their birthdays
