We usually understand when someone speaks or writes to us，and many gestures（手勢） and facial expressions have meanings，too.But have you ever considered what and how we eat as a form of communication？In many cultures，people sit together and share food at mealtimes，which is a common tradition that can promote unity and trust.Food can also play an important role in a family or culture's celebrations.The foods we eat- and when and how we eat them- are often unique to a particular culture or may even differ between areas within one country.
    In most cultures，bread represents delicious food.It is also one of the most commonly shared foods in the world.Sharing bread is a common symbol of companionship and togetherness.In fact，the word companion comes from the Latin roots com- （ together ） and pānis （ bread）.Many cultures also celebrate birthdays and marriages with decorated cakes that are cut and shared among the guests.Early forms of cake were simply a kind of bread，so this tradition has its roots in the custom of sharing bread.
    There are foods like bread in other cultures.In Greece，people share a special cake called vasilopita.A coin is baked into the cake，which stands for success in the New Year for the person who receives it.Most of the foods eaten during the Chinese New Year have significance.Sometimes this is based on their shape；for example，long noodles symbolise long life.The symbolism can also be based on the sound of the word in Chinese；for example，people give out oranges because the word for "orange" sounds like the word for "luck".In many cultures，round foods such as grapes，bread，and moon cakes are eaten at welcome celebrations to symbolise family unity.
    Food is essential for life，so it is not surprising that it is such an important part of different cultures around the world.The food people eat during celebrations may have a long history and can symbolise many things，but sharing food is one custom that almost all humans have in common.

（1）Fill in the blanks.

	Main idea
Paragraph 1	Food can also play an important role in ① a family or culture's celebrations a family or culture's celebrations .
Paragraph 2	② Sharing bread Sharing bread is a common symbol of companionship and togetherness.
Paragraph 3.	There are foods like bread in different cultures of ③ significance significance .
Paragraph 4	Sharing food is a ④ common common custom.

（2）Do you think many of the traditions mentioned are too old？Why are they still important today？

No，I don't think the traditions mentioned are too old.These food traditions have a long history，They usually represent good meanings.For example，round food symbolize family unity；a cake with a coin stands for success.People believe these customs can bring good luck，and they pass them down from one generation to another forming their unique cultures.That is the reason why many of them are still popular today.

No，I don't think the traditions mentioned are too old.These food traditions have a long history，They usually represent good meanings.For example，round food symbolize family unity；a cake with a coin stands for success.People believe these customs can bring good luck，and they pass them down from one generation to another forming their unique cultures.That is the reason why many of them are still popular today.