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Level 2 – Pre-intermediateHalloween
Halloween takes place at night on 31st October every year. It is a very ancient celebration.
Where does the Halloween custom come from?
It started in Ireland in the 5th Century BC. It was the Celtic New Year and it was a holiday called Samhan. Irish immigrants took the custom to America in the 19th century.
Who celebrates Halloween today?
Today people traditionally celebrate Halloween in Ireland, Great Britain and America. But it is becoming popular in other European countries.
How do people celebrate Halloween?
On 31st October, children dress up as ghosts, skeletons or witches. When it is dark, they go from house to house trying to frighten people.
They knock on doors and say “a trick or a treat”. People give them cake or sweets. If they don’t give them anything, the children play a trick, i.e. they do something a bit naughty. Halloween balls are also popular. People dress up in frightening costumes. In America, it is traditional to make jack-o'-lanterns. You cut a face in a big pumpkin and put a candle in it. This custom also comes from Ireland. But there aren’t any pumpkins in Ireland. The ancient Irish made their lanterns with turnips.