Learn by Listening Level 2

[00:00.60]Easter|[00:02.34] Traditionally, Easter has been one|[00:04.40] of the most important holidays of the Christian religion.|[00:07.88] For Christians, the Easter holiday celebrates|[00:11.18] the death of Jesus Christ,|[00:13.17] who died for the benefit of all people.|[00:15.66] The exact date when Easter is celebrated|[00:18.58] is different each year,|[00:20.32] but it is always held in early spring, during March or April.|[00:25.36] There are two very important days|[00:28.47] that make up the Easter holiday,|[00:30.59] which occurs during the spring season.|[00:32.70] The first of these days is called Good Friday.|[00:36.12] Christians recognize Good Friday as the day|[00:39.29] when Jesus suffered and died on behalf of humanity.|[00:43.59] The second of these days is called Easter Sunday.|[00:47.51] Easter Sunday occurs two days after Good Friday.|[00:51.74] Christians celebrate Easter Sunday as the day|[00:55.28] when Jesus rose from the dead and went to Heaven.|[00:59.08] For Christians, Easter is the most solemn holiday of the year.|[01:03.93] Many people attend church services on Good Friday|[01:07.22] and on Easter Sunday.|[01:09.40] Easter is also a time for celebration.|[01:13.01] Some Easter traditions come from old springtime festivals|[01:17.11] that existed even before Christianity.|[01:20.29] One of the traditions associated with Easter|[01:22.90] is the painting of Easter eggs.|[01:25.76] People take chickens' eggs, make them hollow,|[01:28.75] and then paint them with beautiful colours.|[01:31.55] Some people paint very beautiful|[01:33.85] and complex designs on the Easter eggs.|[01:36.90] Another Easter tradition is the Easter Bunny.|[01:40.88] According to tradition, the Easter Bunny|[01:43.55] is a magical rabbit that visits the homes of children|[01:47.29] on the night before Easter Sunday.|[01:49.59] The Easter Bunny hides chocolate candies,|[01:52.51] shaped like eggs, throughout the child's house.|[01:55.44] On the morning of Easter Sunday,|[01:57.37] the children must search throughout the house,|[01:59.91] to find these many hidden treats!|[02:02.47] The Easter holiday is an important time,|[02:05.14] both as a religious holiday|[02:07.19] and as a celebration of springtime.