35. 过生日
Depending on the family habits, birthdays can be celebrated in a variety of ways. Most Chinese these days celebrate the birthday on the Western calendar, but some, especially the older generation, still mark their birthdays based on the lunar calendar. The grandest birthday celebration is in the sixtieth year. It is not uncommon at this celebration to give symbols of longevity, like miniature old trees showing the strength built over the passage of time. After this special celebration, a birthday celebration is held every ten years. It is the grown children of the elderly who celebrate their parents' birthdays to show deep respect and gratitude for them.
根据家庭习惯不同，生日可以有多种庆祝方式。当今大多数中国人都庆祝阳历（the solar calendar）生日，但是有些人，尤其是老一辈人，仍按阴历（the lunar calendar）来庆祝生日。六十岁生日的庆祝仪式是最隆重的。在这样的庆祝仪式上，人们通常会送给老人象征长寿（longevity）的礼物，比如带有岁月印记的微型长寿树。在这次特别的庆祝之后，每十年会再庆祝一次生日。老人的成年子女通过为父母过寿来表达对他们深深的敬意和感激。
