Halloween

back to articles by speakers of other languages

Halloween - 31st October

This is also known as All Saints Day and All Hallows Eve.

It has its pagan origins in a Celtic festival of Samhain which was celebrated in ancient England and Ireland to mark the beginning of the Celtic New Year.

The souls of the dead are supposed to revisit their homes on Sumhain eve and witches, goblins, black cats and ghosts were said to roam.

The night was thought to be the most favourite time for divinations concerning marriage, luck, health and death.

The pagan observances influenced the Christian Festival of All Hallows Eve celebrated on the same date.

It is all associated with evil spirits and the supernatural. Children dress up and go trick or treating, which is a custom that comes from America.

“Dooking for Apples” is a popular party game at this time. This involved placing apples in a large basin of water. Participants are invited to take an apple from the basin by means of their mouth only. It is very difficult to get an apple out of this basin without getting (at least) your face wet.

Apples & nuts are given at Halloween as they are plentiful.

by Uddingston ESOL Group

Webmaster replies

It is even more difficult to get the apples out when your teeth are a bit slack.

Contact us if you want to comment on this article.