【綜合測驗】the Charm of the Hot Cross Bun

Hot cross buns are a British institution♦ with a long history and a lot of mythology♦. Spiced2 buns have been around for millennia♦, but this particular cross-marked bread is believed to __1__ the 15th century. According to a copy of Ye Booke of St. Albans, printed in 1480, a monk at the cathedral♦ created the cakes and __2__ them to the poor on Good Friday♦. St. Albans Cathedral still serves up the sweet buns today, following the original3 recipe4.

While their history is interesting, the legends5 of the hot cross buns are their most noteworthy detail6. As they were produced by a Christian church, the cross on the top of the bun is a clear nod to their __3__ origin. However, while today's mark is often made with icing♦, the cross was originally created by slashing7 the dough♦ before it was baked. This was also supposed to let the devil out, according to folklore♦. __4__ they came out of the oven, the buns were said to help cement8 friendships through the simple action of sharing the treat. Often, these baked goods♦ weren't even eaten, but were hung in a kitchen to protect against evil spirits. Sailors __5__ took the protective9 nature of this charm to heart. There is even a seaside pub in London where buns decorate the ceiling, with a new one being added each year. So next time you spot hot cross buns, buy an extra to hang in your home.

1. (A) cut down on (B) make room for (C) date back to (D) keep pace with

2. (A) persuaded (B) represented (C) commanded (D) distributed

3. (A) religious (B) political (C) literary (D) financial

4. (A) Though (B) Once (C) Unless (D) Since

5. (A) by chance (B) in particular (C) at present (D) on purpose

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