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  3. Certain birds are, more often than not, considered bad luck, or even more frightening, a sign of impending death.All over the wo

Certain birds are, more often than not, considered bad luck, or even more frightening, a sign of impending death.All over the wo

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问题        Certain birds are, more often than not, considered bad luck, or even more frightening, a sign of impending death.All over the world, both crows and ravens have some connection with war and death.In early times, crows and ravens were thought to accompany the gods of war, or be signs of their imminent arrival in an area.Later, this belief became more general, and these birds, guides to the afterlife.Woe be it to the person who saw a single crow or raven flying overhead, for this most certainly was a portent of death in the near future.Interestingly, though potentially bad luck for people individually, the raven is considered to be good luck for the crown of England.So much so, in fact, that a raven master is even today an actual government position in London.He takes care of the ravens there and also clips their wings, ensuring that these birds can never fly far from the seat of the British government.This way, the kingdom will never fall to ill fortune.

       Another bird which is also still considered to play a part in bringing fortune is the swallow.Depending on how and when it is seen, the swallow can be a harbinger of either good or ill fortune.Perhaps inspired by the swallow’s red-brown breast, people initially related the swallow with the death of Christ.Thus, people who saw a swallow fly through their house considered it a portent of death.Later, however, farmers began to consider swallows signs of good fortune.Any barn that has swallows living in it is sure to be blessed in the following year.Farmers also have to beware of killing a swallow; that would be certain to end any good luck they might have had.
       Though many people think these superstitions are old wives’ tales, there is actually some evidence to support them.For example, crows and ravens, being scavengers, frequent the aftermath of battlefields.Thus, large numbers of crows and ravens could be good indications of war in an area.As well, swallows feed on insects that can cause infections in cattle.Thus, a farmer who has many swallows in his barn may actually have healthier animals on his farm.So, the next time you feel inclined to laugh at an old wives’ tale, better find out if their is any truth to it first.

       Some people are【A1】__________believe that certain animals can bring good or bad luck.The majority of 【A2】__________about crows and ravens suggest that these birds bring bad luck.People should beware when they see such birds.Maybe these birds have bad reputations in that they are【A3】__________.Because these birds often accompany scenes of terrible events, like battles, people connected the birds with【A4】__________.There is even an【A5】__________that says when a single crow flies over your head, misfortune is in the near future.
【A2】
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答案superstitions
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本试题收录于： C类竞赛（非英语专业本科）题库大学生英语竞赛（NECCS）分类
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C类竞赛（非英语专业本科）

大学生英语竞赛（NECCS）

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