Vocabulary-in-context practice
Read the article about Halloween and choose the word or phrase that best completes each sentence.
Halloween is an exciting and colorful celebration in America. Every year on October 31st, people of all ages dress up in , their homes, and enjoy spooky .
Halloween is a holiday whose go back 2,000 years to a Celtic tradition called Samhain. It was a festival that the end of the season and the start of winter. It was traditionally held on the nightfall of October 31st.
It was also a day when the people honored their ancestors. During this time, people believed that the between the living and the dead was very thin, allowing both kind and evil spirits to the earth.
While attending the harvest festival, people wore costumes to themselves so that they wouldn't be or hurt by evil spirits. They dressed as animals, monsters, or the dead. This was thought to confuse spirits by making it who was living and who was dead. At the festivals, they also large . These fires were thought to keep away evil spirits and were also a symbol of warmth and light as the days became colder and shorter.
Samhain also happened to be on the same day as a different religious holiday called "All Hallows' Eve." The traditions became mixed and today it is known as Halloween.
The first Halloween celebrations in America began in the 1800s when Irish brought their traditions to the United States.
The most Halloween tradition is trick-or-treating. Children in costumes and go from house to house in their neighborhoods, knocking on doors and saying "trick or treat!." The then give them candy or small treats.
People wear costumes of all kinds - from scary monsters and ghosts to superheroes and cartoon characters. Many adults also enjoy dressing up for Halloween parties or workplace .
Popular costume choices include: witches and wizards, vampires and werewolves, ghosts and monsters, fantasy and superhero characters, and animals. Some even dress up like crazy things such as a hamburger, a fridge, or even a toilet!
Many people their homes for Halloween. Common decorations include: jack-o'-lanterns (carved pumpkins with faces), fake spider webs, skeletons, black cats, witches' hats and brooms, ghosts, and orange and black .
Halloween isn't just for children. Many adults enjoy Halloween parties, houses, and watching scary movies. Some cities have Halloween parades and festivals. Universities and schools often organize special Halloween events for students.
Whether you're young or old, Halloween is a time to have fun, be creative, and maybe experience a few friendly scares!