用英语讲中国非遗文化：中国糖画「Chinese Sugar Painting」

中国糖画是一种拥有 400 多年历史的传统民间艺术，是一种独特而有趣的手工艺形式。艺人以加热后的糖为材料，创作出生动复杂的图案，将普通的糖变成迷人的艺术品。它不仅是舌尖上的美味，更是中国文化遗产的生动展现。

Sugar painting can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty. Initially, it was a form of "candied sculpture" made by street vendors, who used sugar to create simple shapes as offerings during religious ceremonies. Over time, the art evolved, and by the Qing Dynasty, sugar painting became a popular form of street entertainment. It spread across China, with regional styles emerging in different provinces.

糖画的历史可追溯至明朝。最初，它是街头小贩制作的一种 “糖塑”，小贩们用糖制作简单的形状，作为宗教仪式中的供品。随着时间推移，这门艺术不断发展，到了清朝，糖画成为一种流行的街头娱乐形式。它在中国各地传播开来，不同省份出现了各具特色的地域风格。

The creation of sugar paintings involves several key steps, all requiring great skill and precision.

糖画的制作包含几个关键步骤，每一步都需要高超的技艺和精准的操作。

1. Preparing the Sugar Syrup（熬制糖浆）

Artisans first select high - quality white sugar and mix it with water in a copper pot. The mixture is heated over a low flame, and the sugar gradually melts. During this process, the artisans need to constantly stir the syrup to prevent it from burning. When the sugar reaches the right consistency, which is golden - brown and slightly sticky, the syrup is ready for use.

艺人首先选取优质白砂糖，在铜锅中与水混合。用小火加热混合物，糖会逐渐融化。在此过程中，艺人需要不断搅拌糖浆，防止其烧焦。当糖达到合适的浓稠度，呈现出金黄色且略有粘性时，糖浆就熬制好了。

2. Drawing the Pattern（绘制图案）

Using a small spoon as a brush, the artisan scoops up some hot sugar syrup and quickly moves it over a smooth marble or slate surface. With steady hands and a creative mind, they draw lines and curves to form various shapes, such as animals, flowers, or Chinese characters. The key is to work swiftly, as the sugar cools and hardens within seconds.

艺人用小勺子当作画笔，舀起一些热糖浆，迅速在光滑的大理石或石板上移动。凭借稳健的手法和丰富的创意，他们绘制线条和曲线，形成各种形状，如动物、花朵或汉字。关键在于动作要快，因为糖在几秒钟内就会冷却变硬。

3. Attaching the Bamboo Stick and Removing（粘竹签与取下）

Once the pattern is complete, a thin bamboo stick is gently pressed onto the sugar while it's still warm. This allows the sugar to adhere to the stick. After the sugar fully hardens, usually within a minute, the artisan carefully removes the sugar painting from the surface, and it's ready to be enjoyed.

图案完成后，趁糖还温热时，将一根细竹签轻轻按压在上面。这样糖就会粘在竹签上。通常在一分钟内，糖完全变硬后，艺人小心地将糖画从表面取下，就可以欣赏或食用了。

Sugar paintings are characterized by their fluid lines and dynamic forms. The smooth curves and seamless connections between different parts of the pattern showcase the artisan's control over the flow of the sugar syrup. Each painting is unique, as slight variations in the drawing process create different textures and details. Moreover, the transparency of the hardened sugar adds a special charm, making the paintings look like delicate glass sculptures.

糖画以流畅的线条和灵动的造型为特色。图案各部分之间平滑的曲线和自然的衔接，展现出艺人对糖浆流动的掌控能力。每一幅糖画都是独一无二的，因为绘制过程中的细微差异会产生不同的纹理和细节。此外，硬化后糖的透明质感增添了独特魅力，使糖画看起来像精美的玻璃雕塑。

In Chinese culture, sugar painting is more than just a handicraft. It represents the creativity and wisdom of the Chinese people. The common themes of sugar paintings, such as auspicious animals and lucky symbols, carry wishes for good fortune and happiness. For children, sugar paintings are not only delicious treats but also a source of wonder and inspiration, connecting them with traditional Chinese culture from an early age.

在中国文化中，糖画不仅仅是一门手工艺。它代表着中国人的创造力和智慧。糖画常见的主题，如吉祥的动物和幸运的符号，寄托着人们对幸福好运的祝愿。对于孩子们来说，糖画不仅是美味的零食，更是奇妙和灵感的来源，让他们从小就与中国传统文化产生联系。

Today, Chinese sugar painting faces challenges in the modern era. The rise of mass - produced snacks and the decreasing number of young people interested in learning traditional crafts threaten its survival. However, efforts are being made to preserve this art form. Cultural festivals often feature sugar painting demonstrations, and some schools have included sugar painting in their art education programs. Additionally, some artisans are using social media to promote sugar painting, attracting a new generation of enthusiasts.

如今，中国糖画在现代社会面临着挑战。大量生产的零食兴起，以及对学习传统手工艺感兴趣的年轻人数量减少，都威胁着糖画的生存。然而，人们也在努力保护这一艺术形式。文化节经常会有糖画展示活动，一些学校将糖画纳入艺术教育课程。此外，一些艺人利用社交媒体推广糖画，吸引了新一代爱好者。

A. In the Tang Dynasty.

B. In the Song Dynasty.

C. In the Ming Dynasty.

D. In the Qing Dynasty.

A. Chocolate.

B. White sugar.

C. Honey.

D. Brown sugar.

A. Because they want to finish early.

B. Because the sugar cools and hardens rapidly.

C. Because they need to serve more customers.

D. Because the marble surface gets too hot.

A. Sadness and regret.

B. Fear and worry.

C. Anger and frustration.

D. Good fortune and happiness.

A. Demonstrations at cultural festivals.

B. Including it in school art education programs.

C. Banning mass - produced snacks.

D. Promotion on social media by artisans.

Explanation: The passage states “Sugar painting can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty.” So the answer is C.

Explanation: According to the text, “Artisans first select high - quality white sugar and mix it with water in a copper pot.” White sugar is the main material, so the answer is B.

Explanation: The article mentions “The key is to work swiftly, as the sugar cools and hardens within seconds.” So artisans need to work quickly because the sugar cools and hardens rapidly, and the answer is B.

Explanation: From “The common themes of sugar paintings, such as auspicious animals and lucky symbols, carry wishes for good fortune and happiness.”, we know that the common themes represent good fortune and happiness. So the answer is D.

Explanation: The passage lists “Cultural festivals often feature sugar painting demonstrations, and some schools have included sugar painting in their art education programs. Additionally, some artisans are using social media to promote sugar painting...” Banning mass - produced snacks is not mentioned as a preservation measure, so the answer is C.