Introduction
The festive season of Halloween is celebrated globally on the night of 31st October. It is a unique occasion when people dress up in spooky costumes, go trick-or-treating, attend costume parties and decorate their homes with carved pumpkins. The roots of this festival go back over 2000 years when the ancient Celts celebrated the festival of Samhain. In this article, we will discuss the history and significance of Halloween in the English language.Origin and Significance of Halloween
Halloween was originally celebrated by the Celts in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, who observed their new year on November 1st. They believed that on the night before the new year, the barrier between the living and the dead became blurred, and ghosts could return to the earth. To ward off the spirits, the Celts would dress up in ghoulish costumes and light bonfires. The tradition of trick-or-treating began in the 9th century, when children would go door-to-door, reciting prayers for the dead in exchange for food.Vocabulary and Expressions Related to Halloween
Halloween has given rise to many spooky and ghostly vocabulary words and expressions. For instance, the term 'jack-o-lantern' refers to a carved pumpkin with a candle inside, while the phrase 'ghost town' refers to a deserted town. Another word commonly used during Halloween is 'haunted,' which means being visited or possessed by spirits. Additionally, people also use expressions like 'devil's advocate,' 'witch hunt,' 'skeletons in the closet,' and 'mummy's curse' in their conversations.Celebrating Halloween Around the World
Today, Halloween is celebrated in various countries across the world, although the traditions and customs may differ from one place to another. For example, in Mexico, they celebrate the Day of the Dead (Diá de Muertos), during which people prepare altars for their deceased loved ones and parade through the streets in skeleton costumes. In China, the Hungry Ghost Festival takes place in August or September, where people offer food and gifts to the ghostly spirits who wander the earth. In the United States, Halloween is widely celebrated with costume parties, haunted houses, and homes, decorated with fake spider webs and skeletons.Conclusion
In conclusion, the festival of Halloween is an exciting and colorful occasion that has evolved over the years into a global celebration. The holiday provides an opportunity to dress up in costumes, indulge in sweet treats, and honor those who have passed on. It has given rise to a rich vocabulary and expressions that are used in everyday conversation. Whether you are in the US or in a remote corner of the world, Halloween is a fun time for all ages, and a great way to celebrate the eerie and unsettling aspects of life.
