106 學年度學測英文 第 36 題

The widespread popularity of onions is not limited to modern-day kitchens. There is evidence of onions being used for culinary and medicinal purposes all over the ancient world. Nonetheless, no culture 31 onions quite as much as the ancient Egyptians. For them, the onion was not just food or medicine; it held significant 32 meaning. Onions were considered to be 33 of eternal life. The circle-within-a-circle structure of an onion, for them, 34 the eternity of existence. According to certain documents, ancient Egyptians also used onions for medicinal purposes, but they likely would have viewed the 35 power of the vegetable as magical, rather than medical.

Onions are depicted in many paintings 36 inside pyramids and tombs that span the history of ancient Egypt. They 37 as a funeral offering shown upon the altars of the gods. The dead were buried with onions and onion flowers on or around various 38 of their bodies. Mummies have also been found with onions and onion flowers 39 their pelvis, chest, ears, eyes, and feet.

Some scholars theorize that onions may have been used for the dead because it was believed that their strong scent would 40 the dead to breathe again. Other researchers believe it was because onions were known for their special curative properties, which would be helpful in the afterlife.