What is Halloween? + Free Printable Worksheet Lesson (for ESL Teachers & Learners)

Summary

Halloween is a widely celebrated occasion on October 31st, originating from ancient European traditions where it was believed that ghosts visited the living. In the U.S. and Canada, it involves children dressing in costumes and going door-to-door for candy, saying 'trick or treat.' Costumes range from funny to scary, and even pets join the fun. Jack-o'-lanterns, carved pumpkins with lights, are popular decorations. While Halloween is festive, Mexico's Day of the Dead similarly honors deceased loved ones. The celebration brings joy to people of all ages, highlighting the fun and communal aspects of the holiday.

Takeaways

• 🎃 Halloween is celebrated on October 31st in the United States, Canada, and some other countries.
• 👻 The origins of Halloween date back hundreds, even thousands, of years in Europe, associated with beliefs about visiting ghosts.
• 🧙‍♀️ People celebrate by wearing costumes, which can be funny or scary, often including face masks or makeup.
• 🍬 Children participate in 'trick or treat' by going door-to-door to ask for candy.
• 🎉 Adults and older kids also enjoy dressing up and attending Halloween parties.
• 🐾 Pets often join the fun, with many dressed in costumes like pumpkins or hot dogs.
• 🎃 Jack-o'-lanterns, carved pumpkins with lights, are a common decoration during Halloween.
• 🇲🇽 A similar celebration in Mexico is called the Day of the Dead, honoring deceased loved ones over three days.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Halloween is a time for fun for people of all ages, often involving scary stories and horror movies.
• 👍 The video encourages viewers to like and subscribe for more content and offers free downloadable lesson plans.

Q & A

What is Halloween?

Halloween is a traditional celebration that originated in Europe, where people believed that the ghosts of the dead visited the living.

When is Halloween celebrated?

Halloween is celebrated on October 31st every year.

Is Halloween a holiday?

No, Halloween is not a public holiday, so people typically go to school and work on that day unless it falls on a weekend.

What do children do on Halloween?

Children wear costumes and go door-to-door asking for candy by saying 'trick or treat.'

What types of costumes do people wear?

Costumes can be funny or scary and often include masks or face paint. Common themes include animals, monsters, or famous people.

What are jack-o'-lanterns?

Jack-o'-lanterns are pumpkins with lights inside and faces cut into them, commonly placed in windows or outside doors during Halloween.

How do adults celebrate Halloween?

Many older kids and adults dress up in costumes and attend Halloween parties.

What is the significance of the Day of the Dead in Mexico?

The Day of the Dead is a similar celebration in Mexico where families come together for three days to pray for and remember deceased loved ones.

Can pets participate in Halloween festivities?

Yes, it's common for pets to be dressed up in costumes during Halloween, often resembling pumpkins or other fun themes.

What kinds of activities are popular on Halloween?

Popular activities include telling scary stories, watching horror movies, and enjoying various Halloween-themed events and parties.