2018年6月大学英语六级听力常考时文：Celebrations on New Year’s Day

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　　1.What could Nile River bring to the land when it flooded its bank? ... and
...
        　　2.When did some Native Amercian Indians begin their new year? When ...
became ripe.
        　　3.With what hope do people make noise at the New Year? To chase away
...
        　　January 1st is the beginning of a new year. As far back in history as we
can tell, people have celebrated the start of a new year. The people of ancient
Egypt began their new year in summer. That is when the Nile River flooded its
banks, bringing water and fertility to the land. And, some Native American
Indians began their new year when the nuts of the oak tree became ripe. That was
usually in late summer. Now, almost everyone celebrates New Year’s Day on
January 1st. Today, as before, people celebrate the New Year’s holiday in many
different ways. The idea of admitting wrongs and finishing the business of the
old year is found in many societies at New Year’s Day. So is the idea of making
resolutions. A resolution is a promise to change your ways, for example, to stop
smoking or get more physical exercise. Noise-making is another ancient custom at
the New Year. The noise is considered necessary to chase away evil spirits of
the old year. People around the world do different things to make a lot of
noise. Americans celebrate the New Year in many ways. Some visit family and
friends, share a holiday meal, or watch New Year’s parades on television. For
those who have been busy at work or school, New Year’s Day may be a day of rest.
They spend the time thinking about, and preparing for the demands of the New
Year.