托福阅读材料之过年吃鱼的各种讲究

How to Eat Fish in the New Year

新年吃鱼的各种讲究：

1. The head and tail of the fish shouldn't be eaten until the beginning of the year, which expresses the hope that the year will start and finish with surplus 

新年才吃鱼头和誉为，寓意“新年鱼头鱼尾; 新年余头余尾”。

2. There are some rules for positioning the fish. The head should be placed toward distinguished guests or elders, representing respect.

端鱼上桌时上也有很多讲究，比如鱼头的方向应该朝着来宾或者老人以示尊敬。

3. The fish shouldn't be moved. 

吃鱼不能翻身。（翻鱼身等于翻船身，是倒霉晦气的兆头）

4. The two people who face the head and tail of fish should drink together as this is considered to have a lucky meaning. 

鱼头鱼尾冲着的两个人桌上也要喝上一杯，以示吉利。

5. Diners can enjoy the fish only after the one who faces the fish head eats first. 

只有在鱼头指向的那个客人先吃了以后，其他人才能开动筷子。

These customs are observed in a lively and light-hearted spirit, full of laughing and banter. 

这些讲究总会引起大家的起哄，以致插科打诨的笑料。