英语课程计划-Good Friday（在线收听）

Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday. It is one of the most important celebrations in the Christian calendar. It commemorates the death of Jesus, who was crucified on a cross. Good Friday is a day of mourning in church. Churches all over the world hold special services. Christians think about the meaning of Jesus' suffering and his death on the cross. In many countries, religious groups re-enact the final hours of Jesus’ life, leading up to his death. Part of this is the reciting of Jesus’ final words. No one agrees which saying was his last. They include “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do”, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” and “Into your hands I commit my spirit.”

Good Friday is a public holiday in many countries with a strong Christian tradition. Many shops and businesses close for the day. In America and India, the stock markets close on Good Friday. In many English-speaking countries, people eat hot-cross buns. These are sweet raisin buns with a cross on the top. They are usually toasted and buttered. Many Catholics, however, are supposed to fast on this day. In reality, most practicing Catholics will avoid meat. There is a very unusual custom in Bermuda. People fly kites that are shaped like a cross. The kites flying in the sky symbolize Jesus going up to heaven. Many people stay at home and watch TV. There are many religious shows on, and movies about the Bible.