The document outlines the origins and traditions of Halloween, tracing its roots back to the ancient Celtic festival Samhain, which celebrated the transition from summer to winter. It describes rituals conducted by Celtic druids to ward off evil spirits and contemporary Halloween practices, such as costumes, trick-or-treating, and jack-o-lanterns. The document also touches on the influence of Christianity, specifically the observance of All Saints' Day.

1. The History of
Halloween
Created by Sergio Viñals

2. The origins of Halloween
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Celtic origins.
The ancient Celtic
festivity of Samhain
celebrated the end of
summer and the
beginning of winter.
The festival started on the
evening of October 31st
and continued until the
next day.

3. RITUALS
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Celtic druids organized religious rituals.
They believed that ghosts, witches and evil
spirits returned on the night of October 31 st.
They made bonfires and wore frightening
costumes to send evil spirits away.
Ghost
Witch
Evil Spirits Bonfire
Costume

4. Halloween: past traditions
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The colours of Halloween are orange and black.
The Celts believed black cats had special powers.
They used Jack-o-lanterns to frighten evil spirits.
People make Jack-o-lanterns with pumpkins and put
them in their gardens.
Black cat
Jack-o-lantern
Pumpkin

5. Halloween: present traditions
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People put costumes and masks on.
People go to Halloween parties.
Halloween parties
Costume
and mask

6. Halloween: present traditions
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
Children play trick or treat.
People play bobbing for apples
Trick or treat
Bobbing for apples.

7. Goodwill conquers Evil
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The Roman Catholic Church called
November 1st “All Saints’ Day”.
Christians believe Jesus defeats Evil.

8. Now it’s your turn

What are the origins of Halloween?
A) American
B) Irish
C) Celtic

9. Now it’s your turn

When do we celebrate Halloween?
A) On 1st November
B) On 31st October.
C) On 30th October.

10. Now it’s your turn

When was Samhein?
A) At the end of winter
B) At the beginning of summer
C) At the end of summer

11. Now it’s your turn

What is “bobbing for apples”?
A) A Halloween game.
B) A Halloween mask
C) A Halloween song

12. Now it’s your turn

A traditional Halloween vegetable is…
A) Apple.
B) Pumpkin.
C) Orange.

13. Now it’s your turn
Try this webpage to check your Halloween
words.
Halloween activities

14. THE END
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