九年级上册英语unit5 sectionB 2d

九年级上册英语unit5 sectionB 2d

Beauty inCommon Things
Each different part of China has its own specialforms of traditional art.These usuallytry to show the things that are important in life such as love,beauty and family.The most common things,from paper to clay to bamboo,are turned into objectsof beauty.
According toChinese history,sky lanterns were first used by ZhugeKongming.He sent them out to ask for help when in trouble.Today,sky lanterns are used at festivals and other celebrations.They are made of bamboo and covered with paper.Whenthe lanterns are lit,they slowly rise into the air like smallhot-air balloons for all to see.They are seen as bright
symbols ofhappiness and good wishes.
Paper cuttinghas been around for over 1,500 years.Paper cutting sounds very easy but it can be difficult to do.Thepaper,usually red,is folded before it is cut with scissors.The mostcommon pictures are flowers,fish,animals,and things aboutChinese history.During the Spring Festival,they are put onwindows,doors and walls as symbols of wishes for good luck anda happy new year.
Chinese clay art is famous because the claypieces are so small but they look very real.The
pieces areusually cute children or lively characters from a Chinesefairy tale or historical story.The pieces are carefully shapedby hand from a very special kind of clay and thenallowed to air-dry.After drying,they are fired at avery high heat.They are then polished and painted.Finally,materials such as wood or paper are added to make different things.It takes several weeks to complete everything.These small pieces of clay art show the love that all Chinese
people havefor life and beauty.