The Festival of the Tooth 舉國歡騰的佛教徒嘉年華 ── 康提佛牙節 An ancient tradition continues in the town of Kandy in Sri Lanka. 一個在斯里蘭卡康提城延續下來的古老傳統。
Kandy is one of the largest cities in Sri Lanka and serves as an important center for art and culture. It is also home to the country's largest and most exciting Buddhist▼ festival: the Kandy Esala Perahera. In English, the event is often called the Festival of the Tooth. The Esala Perahera probably began in the 3rd century BCE as a way to pray for rain. Then, in the 4th century CE, the Sacred▼ Tooth Relic▼ arrived in Sri Lanka from India, and the festival changed to honor the Buddha. This relic is supposed to be one of the Buddha's teeth, which was collected by a follower after his body had been burned. This festival is a chance for visitors and the people of Kandy to worship▼ the relic. As part of a parade, an elephant carries it through the town. Over the many years of this festival, it has changed in many ways. Today, it is not only to worship the Buddha. It is also a way to celebrate Sri Lankan dancing, history, traditions, and culture. The Esala Perahera is an event that all Sri Lankans and visitors can enjoy together.
康提是斯里蘭卡最大的城市之一，它是一個重要的藝術和文化中心。它也是全國最盛大且最令人興奮的佛教慶典 ── 康提佛牙節的所在地。英文裡，這個節慶常被稱為 the Festival of the Tooth。 佛牙節可能起源於公元前三世紀，為了祈雨而舉行。之後，到了四世紀，神聖的佛牙舍利從印度來到斯里蘭卡，這個慶典轉成榮耀佛陀。這個舍利應該是佛陀的一顆牙齒，它在佛陀被火葬後由一位追隨者所收集。 這個慶典是遊客和康提居民向舍利表示敬意的好時機。作為遊行的一部分，一隻大象背著它繞街行走。這個節慶歷經多年已改變不少。今日，它不僅僅是在敬仰佛陀。它也是歡慶斯里蘭卡舞蹈、歷史、傳統和文化的方式。佛牙節是所有斯里蘭卡人和遊客同歡的盛事。
festival n. 慶典 People from all over the world came to visit during the festival. 世界各地的人都在慶典時前來參觀。
ancient a. 古老的 Ancient legend tells of a giant bear who lives in the hills just outside of town. 古老傳說講到一隻巨熊住在城外的山丘上。
serve as... 作為…… This book can serve as a guide to help you learn how to cook. 這本書可作為幫助你學習烹飪的指南。
event n. 盛事，活動 Ben is scheduled to attend a charity event tonight. 阿班今晚預計要出席一個慈善活動。
pray for... 祈求…… Jimmy is praying for a big Christmas present. 吉米希望得到一份大大的聖誕禮物。
collect vt. 收集 My younger brother is interested in collecting stamps. 我弟弟對集郵有興趣。
follower n. 追隨者，擁護者 That exercise program has worked miracles for many followers. 那項運動課程對許多追隨者都產生了奇效。
parade n. 遊行 That famous department store always has a parade on New Year's Day. 元旦當天，那家知名的百貨公司都會舉辦遊行活動。
▼Buddhist a. 佛教的 & n. 佛教徒 ▼sacred a. 神聖的 ▼relic n. 遺物 ▼worship vt. 敬奉
honor 的用法 本文 "Then, in the 4th century CE, the Sacred Tooth Relic arrived in Sri Lanka from India, and the festival changed to honor the Buddha." 中的 honor 為動詞，表「使榮耀，致敬」，honor 亦可作名詞用，表「光榮、榮譽」或「敬意」，相關片語有 in honor of...（以紀念……；向……表示敬意）。例：
We are going to honor the captain at a banquet. （我們將在宴會上向艦長致敬。）
They set up the scholarship in honor of the great scientist. （他們成立這個獎學金來紀念那位偉大的科學家。）
We held a big banquet in honor of the VIPs. （我們舉辦了一場盛大的宴會來款待貴賓。）
