【明報專訊】Eason hears that Dr Panda has a "very important plan" for springtime. To find out the secret, he is sneaking into Dr Panda's house.

“ Eason: Dr Panda's there! Why isn't he in bed yet? I'll wait here. ”

“ Eason: How come he's still there? No, I must be patient... ”

“ Bill: Good morning! Your new straw man looks cool. ”

“ Dr Panda: Thanks! I'm sowing to welcome spring. It can scare off those annoying birds. ”

■Culture tips

The Drowning of Marzanna

Drowning of Marzanna is a celebration of death and rebirth in Poland. On that day, people make straw dolls called Marzanna which represent winter, plague (瘟疫) and death. Through the ritual of drowning the straw doll into the river, they say goodbye to the unbearable season and anticipate the timely arrival of spring.

You may be surprised to know — students there welcome spring by playing truant! 21 March is also known as the Truant's Day. It's an unofficial yet popular occasion on which children skip classes and walk around the city to enjoy the first warm days.

■English highway﹕scare off

It means to frighten somebody so that it would go away.

e.g. Look! The lion scares those goats off. It's so frightening!

■Glossary

sow (v) 播種

anticipate (v) 期望

timely (adj) 及時的

play truant (v phr) 逃學

[Smarties' Power English 第212期]