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(单词翻译:双击或拖选)
IV. Speaking Out
MODEL 1
This is a custom that dates back to the ancient Celts.
Chris: Sue, do you know why people say, “knock on wood” when they want to avoid bad luck?
Susan: It sounds a bit funny. As far as I know, it has a lot to do with ancient Celtic people. They worshipped trees.
Chris: Sounds interesting.
Susan: They thoughts trees would suck demons1 back into the ground.
Chris: Well, when you think about the deep roots, their belief seems to make some senses.
Susan: What’s more, knocking on wood was a way to brag2 without being punished. People once thought that evil spirits would become jealous if good fortune was pointed3 out to them
Chris: Uh, yes, go on.
Susan: well, by knocking on wood three times, the noise could frightened away the evil spirits, and they couldn’t have to rob the braggart4 of that good fortune
Chris: I’m afraid those who don’t know this superstition5 might be frightened away as well.
Susan: Now here’s a test. Do you know how the custom of kissing under the mistletoe originated?
Chris: I haven’t the slightest idea, but I’m all ears.
Susan: Again this is a custom that dates back to the ancient Celts. Since they worshipped trees, they conducted many of their ceremonies in the woods in the shade of trees.
Chris: Now I see. Probably it’s under these mistletoe trees that weddings took place.
Susan: I wish you were standing6 under some mistletoe right now.
Chris: Luckily I’m not. Touch wood.
1 demons | |
n.恶人( demon的名词复数 );恶魔;精力过人的人;邪念 | |
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2 brag | |
v./n.吹牛,自夸;adj.第一流的 | |
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3 pointed | |
adj.尖的,直截了当的 | |
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4 braggart | |
n.吹牛者;adj.吹牛的,自夸的 | |
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5 superstition | |
n.迷信,迷信行为 | |
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6 standing | |
n.持续,地位;adj.永久的,不动的,直立的,不流动的 | |
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