A custom may take generations to form, especially in terms of choosing symbolic food for a holiday. But eating birthday noodles in China for National Day is a new custom, is quickly gaining popularity in China.
The Chinese have been eating and developing (vary) kinds of noodles for thousands of years. It is a (wide) practiced custom for people (enjoy) a bowl of noodles on their birthday as a symbol of longevity (长寿). Their family members may also have noodles to share the joy and express their blessing. National Day is birthday of China, and people eat birthday noodles to show their best (wish) for the motherland.
Many video bloggers official accounts took the chance to proudly introduce their local noodles to the country and show people's enthusiasm for (take) part in the activity. Before this year's National Day holiday, a new book with pictures, recipes and stories of 365 different noodles from across China (publish) by the People's Publishing House. It also (contain) more than 170 teaching videos to help readers make noodles.
Last Sunday, I received a phone call from my friend, Alun. He asked me to help with his group who entertained at the local hospitals. Due to my unfinished homework, I was unwilling to go, but finally I was persuaded to help out this one time, which proved to be an unforgettable and meaningful experience.
That evening, Alun picked me up and we went to a local hospital. I was going to join his musical group with my guitar and maybe sing some solo songs as well.
The hospital was large. When guided into the hall we were surprised to see so many patients and staff there. A sight like this aroused our sympathy. Some patients were in wheelchairs or with their arms in bandages, while others were with their drips attached. Maybe their days seemed to be dull during the period of treatment, so our coming brought some color into their lives. Seeing their happy faces, I thought joining Alun's group was a worthwhile thing to do.
Among the audience, I spotted one particular young girl aged about 13 who was wearing a head scarf and appeared to be more delighted than the others. When we started our performance, excitement filled the hall. Alun mentioned to me that the young girl who I had noticed earlier was singing along with all our songs quietly to herself. At a break, out of curiosity, I asked one of the nurses about the girl. She said that the girl suffered serious burns and was being treated and that she was a bit down these days, but our performance had lifted the girl's spirits. Our songs moved all the people present. They all cheered for us, including the young girl and we were inspired. Facing these lovely people, we really wanted to do more.
We asked the girl if she would like to sing with us.
……
After her performance, I saw a change in the girl's eyes.
