811 halloween

HALLOWEEN
Pagan festival, supernatural, coincide, in honour of, to herald,
hordes of witches, the predominance, veil, is partially lifted,
goblin, lantern, spine-chilling tales, prank, superstitious spells

Halloween is a festival that takes place on October 31. The holiday is
symbolically associated with death and the supernatural. It is the eve of the
Festival of All Hallows, better known as All Saints, it also coincides with a much
older pagan festival - Samhain - which was celebrated by the Druids in honour
of the Celtic New Year. And because Samhain marked the end of summer
sunshine and the beginning of winter's darkness, it was supposed to herald the
arrival of hordes of witches, ghosts and demons. Added to this, the ancient
Romans held their Festival of Pomona at about this time of year. Pomona was
the goddess of fruit-trees and apples that explains the predominance of apples at
Halloween party games. All these ceremonies were grafted one upon the other
over the centuries to become our modern Halloween.
All Saints' Day was established by the Catholic Church in the 9th century
to honor Christian saints. All Souls' Day, a holy day established by the Catholic
Church in the 9th century, is also closely linked to Halloween. Though it is not
a public holiday, it is very dear to those who celebrate it, especially to children
and teenagers. This day was originally called All Hallow's Eve because it fell
on the eve of All Saints' Day. The name was late shortened to Halloween.
According to old beliefs Halloween is the time, when the veil between the
living and the dead is partially lifted, and witches, ghosts and other supernatural
beings are about. Well, that's the traditional story. A long time ago people were
afraid and stayed at home on Halloween. But now in Britain it’s a time for fun.
There are always a lot of parties on October 31st. At these parties people wear
masks and they dress as ghosts and witches, and other supernatural beings as
Dracula or Frankenstein's monster.
The most celebrated Halloween decoration is the jack-o'-lantern,
traditionally a hollowed-out pumpkin carved to resemble a grotesque face and

illuminated by a candle placed inside.


In Britain Halloween celebrations have, until recently, been confined largely
to the younger generation. Now it is not only children but adults who hold
witchy dances and ghost parties, and listen to spine-chilling tales of the ghosts,
goblins and witches of Halloween.
Now children celebrate Halloween in unusual costumes and masks. Dressing
in costume is one of the most popular Halloween customs, especially among
children.

Trick-or-treating is another Halloween tradition, in which costumed children
go from house to house soliciting candy or other treats from their neighbours.
According to this custom, children greet each homeowner with the cry "Trick
or Treat," suggesting that some sort of prank will be played
unless
treats are provided. Today, many parents accompany
children when they go trick-or-treating.

Trick or treat, trick or treat,
Give us something good to eat.
Give us candy, give us cake,
Give us something sweet to take.
Give us cookies, fruit and gum,
Hurry up and give us some.
You had better do it quick
Or we’ll surely play a trick.
Trick or treat, trick or treat,
Give us something good to eat.
A traditional feature of the children's Halloween party is «love magic». In

modern Aberdeen young girls stand in turn a looking glass at the stroke of
midnight and each brushes her hair three times. A face is then supposed to
materialize in the mirror - that of the boy whom fate has decreed she will one
day marry.
It is a festival of merrymaking, superstitious spells, traditional games and
pranks. Halloween is a time for fun.
Questions.
1. When does this festival take place?
2. Is it a public holiday?
3. Try to explain the name of this holiday.
4. What were the old beliefs concerning the time of Halloween?
5. Why do thousands of people through all over the world enthusiastically
celebrate this holiday?


6. What is the main symbol of the holiday?
7. What costumes do children and teenagers wear on this day?
8. Do you know any traditional song, games or tricks typical for the day?
9. What do yon know about the history of this festival?
10. Do Russian people celebrate this funny holiday?
Read the text and select information about:
1) the origin of Halloween;
2) the Halloween traditions.