Halloween

Halloween

by Tr Phyu, Tr Phyu Sin , Tr Hsu Yati

​Halloween is a shortening of the words “All Hallows’ Evening.”

​Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31

​Halloween’s origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago, mostly in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1.

​This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred.

​Ireland is typically believed to be the birthplace of Halloween. The tradition spread across the world after the Irish immigrated due to the potato famine.

​Costumes are worn because it was believed that the worlds between the living and the dead were the thinnest on October 31st and ghosts could walk the earth for that one night only. People wore masks and costumes to avoid being recognized as humans.

​Using pumpkins as jack-o’-lanterns is a Celtic custom intended to welcome home the spirits of deceased ancestors while also warding off evil spirits.

​The trick-or-treating for candy tradition began in the United States over 100 years ago and has spread to Canada, Australia and Western Europe.

​Orange and black, colors typically associated with Halloween, have deeper meanings: orange is a symbol of strength and endurance, while black is typically a symbol of darkness.

​Many Americans celebrate the traditions of Halloween by dressing in costumes and telling tales of witches and ghosts. Pumpkins are carved into glowering jack-o'-lanterns. Children parade from house to house, knocking on doors and calling out "Trick or treat!" hoping to have their bags filled with candy.

​Today, many people celebrate Halloween at masquerade parties. Sometimes, those who are at the party vote for the best costume. Have you ever been to a Halloween party? What costume will you be wearing this year?

Multiple Choice

When is Halloween day?

• 25th December

• 1st November

• 31st October

• 1stJanuary

Multiple Choice

Which colours are associated with Halloween?

• black and white

• black and yellow

• black and purple

• black and orange

Multiple Choice

The birthplace of Halloween is______________.

• Ireland

• Scotland

• American

• Finland

Multiple Choice

Trick or treat tradition began in the ______ .

• UK

• USA

• France

• Ireland

Multiple Choice

People wear masks and costumes on Halloween to avoid being recognized as humans.

• yes

• no

Multiple Choice

Children parade from house to house, knocking on doors and calling out "Trick or treat!" hoping to have their bags filled with toys.

• yes

• no

Multiple Choice

Orange is a symbol of ________ and endurance.

• Darkness

• Strength

• Spirit

Multiple Choice

How do they choose the best costume at the Halloween parties?

• voting

• Judges

Multiple Choice

People shout--------------at Halloween  party.

•  trick or treat

• happy Halloween