Literature is a word used to describe written as well as spoken material. Generally speaking, it is often used to describe anything from creative imagination, including works of poetry, drama and fiction.

    Then why read literature, since it is often imaginary and seems unconnected with real life?

    A lot of us read literature for enjoyment and relaxation. It's always pleasant to read some interesting books in our spare time. In a modern life full of stress, it is our common wish to read some imaginary works and look for relaxation from the stress in life.

    Reading literature is more than fun, it also allows us to get knowledge. As a general rule, literature represents a language of a people, and it often helps us know more about the traditions, attitudes and values of the age in which it was written.

    Sometimes literature can even offer us new, creative ways to have a better understanding of the world. It introduces us to new worlds of experiences. We enjoy the comedy and the tragedy of poems, stories and plays, and we may even grow through our literary journey with books. At last we may discover meaning in literature by looking at what the writer says and how he or she says it. In some ways, we explore the human condition and study the way they think and feel the way they feel. Literature helps us think clearly and encourages us to open minds.

    So we can certainly say literature is of great importance to us. Why not get going with one poem, drama or fiction at once?

    Americans usually eat three meals a day. Breakfast usually comes before eight o'clock in the morning. They usually have eggs, some meat, bread, fruit juice and coffee. Lunch is between twelve and one o'clock. It is like a light meal and working people must take lunch with them or get it near workplace.

    Children in school take sandwiches, fruit, and cookies with them or eat in school. Supper. The main meal, is between six and eight in the evening. People cook it carefully. They may have meat or chicken, turkey and duck. They may all have potatoes or rice, vegetables or salad. The drink is coffee, tea or milk.

    Xi'an celebrates the first-ever China Hanfu Day on April 18. There were catwalk shows and traditional music concerts held by people wearing traditional Chinese clothing. Hanfu fans from all over China gathered there to take photos and put them online for a Hanfu photo competition, which lasted until May 18.

    The national holiday is on the third day of the third month of the Chinese lunar calendar as China Hanfu Day, which is said to be the birthday of the Yellow Emperor (黄帝). In ancient China, this day was also known as Shangsi Festival (上巳节). It is organized by the central Committee of the Communist Young League (CCCYL,中央共青团)in cooperation (合作)with anime video site bilibili.com. Its purpose is to encourage young Chinese to take pride in traditional clothing, as well as classic Chinese culture.

    Hanfu is the traditional clothing of the Han people who lived in China before the Qing Dynasty. It has been around for about 3,000 years and changed greatly across different dynasties. However, some of its major characteristics have remained. One characteristic is the appearance of the front of the clothing. There are two parts that overlap (交叠) on the front, which is called "jiao ling (crossing collar)". Another major characteristic of Hanfu is that it usually uses ribbons(系带) instead of buttons (扣子), sometimes decorated with a few buttons.

    "China is becoming a leading power in the world, and the Chinese public feels more confident about its traditional culture,"Chen Chuyu, leader of a Beijing-based hanfu institution, told People's Daily Online. "Wearing traditional clothing might be an interesting way of showing how they feel about this."

    American people like to say "Thank you" when others help them or say something kind to them. People in many countries do so, too. It is a very good habit.

    You should say "Thank you" when someone passes you the salt on the table,  when someone walking ahead of you keeps the door open for you, when someone says you have done your work well, or you have bought a nice thing, or your city is very beautiful. "Thank you" is used not only between friends, but also between parents and children, brothers and sisters.

    "Excuse me" is another short sentence they use. When you hear someone say so behind you, you know that someone wants to walk past you without touching you. It's not polite to break others when they are talking. If you want to speak to one of them, say "Excuse me" first, and then begin talking. You should also do so when you begin to cough or make any noise before others.

    Let's learn to say "Thank you" and "Excuse me".