esl: halloween history & vocabulary
TRANSCRIPT
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