The Double Ninth Festival is a special day for old people in China. It started long ago. Activities are held to show love and respect（尊敬）to old people.
Respecting old people is a tradition in China. That's because the Chinese know that older people have knowledge and experience that young people can learn. When an older person enters a room. everyone stands up. People are introduced from the oldest to the youngest. When we present something to an older person, both hands are used.
In western countries, however, older people seldom think they are old. They'd rather do everything themselves. Even after retirement（退休）, they take up hobbies, part-time jobs and new activities to keep their bodies working well. But of course among westerners, older people are respected, too. Usually, seniors don't have to buy tickets for trains or buses. They are given discount（折扣）in stores and restaurants.
For holidays, the families usually meet at their grandparents' home, and a great smile and a warm hug for their parents are enough for grown-up children to show their respect.
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A. The festival has a short history. B. The festival is on lunar September 9th. C. Old people need more respect in western countries. D. They are called "seniors" instead of "old people". E. But western seniors don't often live with their children. F. There are many ways in which Chinese people express their respect to the old. G. Young people always offer their seats to older people on a crowded subway or bus. |
