I. 阅读理解 A

New Year and Its Celebrations

　　January 1, 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(肥沃)to the land. The people of ancient Babylon(巴比伦)and Persia(波斯)began their New Year on March 21, the first day of spring. And some native American Indians began their New Year when the nuts of the oak(橡木)tree became ripe. That was usually in late summer.

　　Now almost everyone celebrates New Year's Day on January 1. Today, as before, people observe the New Year's holiday in many different ways. The ancient Babylonains celebrated it by forcing their king to give up his crown(王冠)and royal(皇家)clothing. They made him get down on his knees and admit all the mistakes he had made during the past year. This idea of admitting wrongs and finishing the business of the old year is found in many societies in the new year.

　　Noise making is another ancient custom in the New Year. The noise is considered necessary to chase away(赶走)the evil(邪恶)spirits of the old year. People around the world do different things to make a lot of noise. They may hit sticks together, beat drums, blow horns, or explode fireworks.

　　Americans celebrate the New Year in many ways. Most do not have to go to work or school. So they visit family and friends, attend church services, share a holiday meal, or watch New Year's parades(游行)on television. Most years, university teams play in special holiday games. 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.

1. Which of the following statements is RIGHT?

A. The people of ancient Egypt began their New Year in spring.