Halloween 万圣夜

Halloween is one of the world’s oldest holidays. It was celebrated in several countries around the world including the USA, Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, Mexico, Latin America, and Spain. October 31st is Halloween

Origin Halloween is a festival which began in Ireland thousands of years ago called Samhain( 夏末节 ). Halloween is a festival which began in Ireland thousands of years ago called Samhain( 夏末节 ). For the ancient Celtic people(people lived in ancient Ireland), the New Year was celebrated on November 1st of every year. So Halloween marked the end of Summer and the beginning of Winter. This time of year was often associated with human death. For the ancient Celtic people(people lived in ancient Ireland), the New Year was celebrated on November 1st of every year. So Halloween marked the end of Summer and the beginning of Winter. This time of year was often associated with human death.

Origin The Celtic believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred as the dead searched for the afterlife. So Halloween is also called the day of death.(在新年前一晚，阴间和阳间的大门不再门禁 森严，此时阴间的鬼魂会趁机跑出来，为阳间的人们 带来厄运) The Celtic believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred as the dead searched for the afterlife. So Halloween is also called the day of death.(在新年前一晚，阴间和阳间的大门不再门禁 森严，此时阴间的鬼魂会趁机跑出来，为阳间的人们 带来厄运) Thus, on the night of October 31 st, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to Earth to cause mischief and trouble. Thus, on the night of October 31 st, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to Earth to cause mischief and trouble.

To commemorate the event, people built huge sacred bonfires where animals and crops were sacrificed to the Gods for protection, and to help scare ghosts away. The Celtic also wore costumes to disguise themselves, in order to confuse the spirits roaming the Earth. 人们借着神圣的营火，燃烧献祭的动物和尸体，以赶走可怕的鬼 魂并祈求神的保护。同时，人们也会假扮成鬼的样子，企图混淆 跑到阳间的鬼魂。

The Halloween celebration comes from All Hallows Day or All Saints Day, the 1st of November. This was originally a pagan festival of the dead, but later became a holiday to honor Christian saints.( 它原先 是异教徒们纪念死者的节日，但是逐渐演 变成一个纪念基督圣者的节日。 ) The Halloween celebration comes from All Hallows Day or All Saints Day, the 1st of November. This was originally a pagan festival of the dead, but later became a holiday to honor Christian saints.( 它原先 是异教徒们纪念死者的节日，但是逐渐演 变成一个纪念基督圣者的节日。 ) The name Halloween comes from a contraction of All Hallows( 圣徒 ) Eve (Evening), the day before All Hallows Day. On this night it was believed that the spirits of the dead would try to come back to life! 人们认为在当天晚上， 亡者的灵魂会重新复活！

Symbols of Halloween In Modern days, Halloween celebrations use many symbols to make the holiday more festive. In Modern days, Halloween celebrations use many symbols to make the holiday more festive.

Black cats Black cats Cats, for centuries, have been considered to be spiritual animals that have the ability to sense good and bad spirits. Cats, for centuries, have been considered to be spiritual animals that have the ability to sense good and bad spirits. Black is also the color most commonly associated with evil. Black is also the color most commonly associated with evil.

Witches were thought to be tellers of fortune and to cast spells(施法), both good and bad. This frightened many because it was believed that these powers were strongest on Halloween night. Witches were thought to be tellers of fortune and to cast spells(施法), both good and bad. This frightened many because it was believed that these powers were strongest on Halloween night. Witches

Because bats only fly at night and live in tombs, caves, and abandoned churches and buildings, they are believed to be omens( 预兆 ) of evil. They are commonly associated with witches and vampires. Bats

Ghosts & Skeletons Ghosts are universal symbols for the departed. Skeletons and bones are symbols of death and shortness of life. Since Halloween’s origins lie as the festival of the dead, it seems only fitting that ghosts and skeletons would be used.

Other symbols Other symbols Spider & cobweb vampire Crow

Owls Werewolf

Traditions of Halloween

Costume Dressing up in costumes is one of the most popular Halloween customs, especially among children. According to tradition, people would dress up in costumes (wear special clothing, masks or disguises) to frighten the spirits away. Dressing up in costumes is one of the most popular Halloween customs, especially among children. According to tradition, people would dress up in costumes (wear special clothing, masks or disguises) to frighten the spirits away.

Costume

Trick or Treat is a modern Halloween custom where children go from house to house dressed in costume, asking for treats like candy or toys. If they don't get any treats, they might play a trick (mischief or prank) on the owners of the house. Trick-or-treat

Trick-or-treat Give us something sweet Give us something sweet to eat or we will trick !!>_ _<

Pumpkin Lantern (Jack O' Lantern) The tradition of the Jack o' Lantern comes from a folktale about a man named Jack who tricked the devil and had to wander the Earth with a lantern. The Jack o' Lantern is made by placing a candle inside a hollowed-out pumpkin, which is carved to look like a face. The tradition of the Jack o' Lantern comes from a folktale about a man named Jack who tricked the devil and had to wander the Earth with a lantern. The Jack o' Lantern is made by placing a candle inside a hollowed-out pumpkin, which is carved to look like a face.

How to make a pumpkin lantern? Step 1. Remove the inside flesh of a pumpkin

Step 2 Carve a smiling and devil face on the pumpkin Step 3 Light a candle and put it into the pumpkin

Food pies pies candies candies toffees toffees cakes cakes

Around the world Not celebrated in all countries and regions of the world United States and Canada it has had a significant impact on how the holiday is observed in other nations

Happy Hallowmas !!!