A、People made noise in ancient times to drive away the evil spirits from the home. B、People made noise to welcome evil spirits.

Every country in the world celebrates New Year, but not every country does it in the same way. The countries of America and Europe welcome the New Year on January first This practice began with the Romans. A Roman ruler Julius Caesar changed the date of the New Year from the first day of March to the first day of January. In the Middle East, New Year is when spring begins. People in China celebrate it on the Spring Festival, which is the first day of their calendar based on the moon. The Spring Festival usually comes between January 21 and February 19. The Jewish New Year comes at the end of summer. The Hindus in India celebrate the first day of each season, so they have four New Years.
   In all of these practices, there is a practice of making noise. People made noise in ancient times to drive away the evil spirits from the home. Many people do it with fireworks. In Japan, people go from house to house making noise with drums and bamboo sticks. Young people stay up until midnight on New Year’ s Eve to watch the clock pass from one year to the next. Friends often gather together at a park on New Year’s Eve, and when the New Year comes, all ring bells, blow horns, sing, and kiss each other.
   Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.
   16. In what countries do they celebrate New Year on January first?
   17. When do Chinese celebrate New Year?
   18. Why do people celebrate New Year by making noise?