esl: halloween history & vocabulary

Halloween History & Vocabulary

Review

Origins of Halloween

It all began with a society of people called CELTS.

They came from modern-day Ireland, and were the most

powerful people in central and northern Europe during the 8th century

Here’s a landscape painting of their community

Here are some Celtic artifacts and fashion

On November 1st, the Celts celebrated the end of the HARVEST

SEASON ( a time when summer ended, and farmers gathered all of

their crops to prepare for the long, cold winter).

For them, winter was related to human death.

(because of the harsh weather conditions)

November 1st also marked the start of a new year – and the Celts

believed that on the night before the new year, the world between

the living and dead met together.

On the night of October 31st, they celebrated a festival called Samhain.

(Sow-wen). The Celts would light big bonfires, wear scary costumes

and burn some of their crops and animals in order to scare the ghosts

away.

As Catholicism grew more popular in Europe, they looked down on

the Celts for believing in the ghost world. Therefore, the Pope decided

that November 1 will now celebrate ALL SAINTS’ DAY – a day to honor

religious leaders and martyrs (people who died for their belief/religion).

All Saints’ Day = “Hallowmas”

(“Hallow” means “Holy/Pure”)

So this translates to “Mass of the Saints” (all saints)

SO, October 31st was called “All Hallows’ Eve”

Many years later… this changed into

Halloween

Hundreds of yearswent by….

In the 1840’s, Ireland suffered from a potato famine (when crops are

destroyed and there’s not enough food). People were starving and

dying. Millions of Irish families immigrated to America.

They brought many Irish traditions and customs.

customs.

Recall this painting from Van Gogh called“The Potato Eaters”?

Irish Immigrants arriving in America

Like “Bobbing for apples”

Playing tricks / pranks on friends and neighbors

Of course, the “tricksters” wore masks so theywouldn’t be recognized…. However, in the 1930s, it started to get dangerous…Kids startedpainting on houses and demanding candy!

“Give us candy or we’ll trash your house!”

Neighbors and shopkeepers began to give the tricksters candy as bribes… to stop the tricks!

Children were encouraged to go around their neighborhoodto ask for treats as an alternative to troublemaking.

By the end of the 1930s, it became a fun activity for all kidsand “Trick or Treat” became the holiday greeting!

Halloween Vocabulary Review

These are Witches – they’re always women, and they make magic brews to curse people and fly ona broomsticks!

It’s a mummy – from ancient Egypt. They’re normally slowmoving and have supernatural powers!

This is Frankenstein & theBride of Frankenstein.(his real name is Igor)

Igor was a monstercreated by a mad scientist named Frankenstein.

The scientist stole body partsfrom a graveyard and Frankenstein was brought alive by electricity.

Comes out November 25th!

Dracula is a vampire from Transylvania. his mission is to spread his curse and drink the blood of people to turn them into vampires.

This is a skeleton – they are made up of bones and supposedly “come alive” on Halloween.

This is a Jack-o-lantern – It’s a carved pumpkin with a candle inside. The story of the Headless Horseman is a character that uses a jack-o-lantern as a head… then throws it at peoplesetting them on fire!

The Devil is a man who lives in Hell and encourages peopleto do evil things. His rival is…God!

These lovely people are Zombies – they were dead, but they’ve come back to life! Whoever they attack becomesa zombie too!

Look at this puppy! I’m kidding – it’s a werewolf. A werewolf is a man who turns intoa wolf whenever there’s a full moon!

Teen Wolf was a popular 80’s movie

Halloween Objects/Places

The following places and object often appearin horror movies!

Where is this? What are those?

Place: Cemetery or Graveyard

Objects: headstones / gravestones /tombs

This is an abandoned house… it *could be a Haunted house

Where did Van Gogh have to livebefore he ended his life?

This is an abandoned

Mental Hospital

“Insane Asylum”

A place where abandoned children have to live… Often thesetting for scary ghost children movies

Orphanage

A Cave

Magical medicine, drink or poison

Potions

Who’s the lady, what’s the object she’s using?

A Fortuneteller uses a Crystal Ball to seeyour destiny!

Coffin

Axe

Chainsaw

Rope tied into a “noose”

A Spider Web

Creepy Doll