Halloween in the Word

Wpisał: Katarzyna Rajs klasa ID

30.10.2007.

Halloween Halloween is one of the world’s oldest holidays. It comes from America but was brought there by the Irish. Halloween marks the end of autumn and the start of winter. It is the time of memories, of hopes and of fears. The word Halloween comes from the Christian festival, All Hallows’ Eve. ‘Eve’ is short for ‘evening.’ ‘Hallow’ means a saint or holy. ‘All Saints Day’ is on 1st November, so Halloween means the evening before All saints’ Day. These days it is celebrated in many countries in different ways. England: Halloween is celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd . These three days are perfect example of superstition struggling with religious belief. People light their houses pumpkin laterns and put them outside their homes to frighten away witches and ghosts. What is more people placed bowls of food outside their homes to appease the ghosts and prevent them from attempting to enter. Children like this holiday very much. They disguise themselves as witches, ghosts and spunkies and knock on doors demanding a treat (Trick or Treat). They usually obtain sweats from their neighbours. China: The Halloween festival is known as Teng Chieth. Food and water are placed in front of photographs of relatives who passed away. Bonfires and lanterns are lit to light the spirits path back to earth. Worshippers in Buddhist temples make “boats of the law” from paper. The aim of this custom is to free the spirits of the “pretas”-people whose bodies were never burned. The Chinese believe that after burning these “boats of the law” the deads ascend to heaven. Poland: November 1st has become a public holiday. On All Saints Day people attend churches in order to service in honor of the saints and martyrs who have died for the Catholic faith. People visit their relatives’ graves, bring wreaths and small lanterns. On November 2nd or All Souls’ Day people attend a special masses and remember those who were close to them. Mexico: Halloween is celebrated on November 2nd. People bake bread and make candies in the shape of skull and crossbones, or skeleton. They have picnic, lunches on the graves of their relatives. At home people assemble little altars, stocked with the departed loved ones favourite foods and drinks, their photos, and other memories. Children run through the streets with lanterns and ask for coins. This is a day of remembrance, happiness and celebration. Sources: Vincent M., Time For English, Book 2A. http://www.novareinna.com/festive/world.html http://www.jackolanterns.net/mexicanhalloween.htm http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/Halloween.html http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/Halloween/why.htm Katarzyna Rajs klasa I D

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