As we move through October and the autumn season, we start to feel a chill in the air as the leaves change colors, falling one by one from the trees. The sun is rising later and setting earlier, as we get used to less sunlight and more darkness at nighttime. Although I am sad that summer is over, I know the extra hours of darkness means that Halloween is right around the corner! Did you know that ´Halloween´ comes from the phrase, ¨All Hallows Eve¨? On the night of October 31, it is believed that the two realms of the living world and the dead world overlap and the spirits of the dead may revisit and haunt the living world.
Did you know that ´Halloween´ comes from the phrase, ¨All Hallows Eve¨? On the night of October 31, it is believed that the two realms of the living world and the dead world overlap and the spirits of the dead may revisit and haunt the living world.
Although Halloween may seem like an American holiday, it actually has roots in Ireland dating back to around 2,000 years ago where the Celtic people celebrated this day with a festival called Samhain (pronounced sow-in). They had this festival because they associated the coming of winter with human death, so they lit bonfires and wore costumes to scare off ghosts. All throughout Europe people celebrated this festival in their own way, many calling it All Souls Day or All Saints Day.
So, how did this turn into the American holiday we all know from the movies? In the 19th and 20th century, many European people migrated to the US and brought this celebration with them, which they continued to celebrate. Halloween turned into what we know it as today, a day to dress up in costumes, carve pumpkins, trick-or-treat for candy and if you dare, go inside haunted houses.
Growing up, in my hometown of West Chester, Pennsylvania, we would celebrate Halloween by coming to school wearing our costumes and the entire school would have a parade around the playground in order of classes, first kindergarten, then first grade, then second grade and so on. The parents would come to watch and take pictures and after the last grade went, fifth grade, the students would return to their classrooms to have a party with snacks and crafts and music. Then at night, trick or treating would begin normally around 6.00pm and go until 9.00pm, with children running around neighborhoods in their costumes, knocking on doorbells for candy.
Here at Alkor, we will be celebrating Halloween similarly by talking about Halloween in the native english classes with the Native Teachers and then by having students wear their costumes to school on Friday, October 28.
Here at Alkor, we will be celebrating Halloween similarly by talking about Halloween in the native english classes with the Native Teachers and then by having students wear their costumes to school on Friday, October 28. All throughout the week of the 24-28, we have a Spirit Week where students dress according to a theme. For example on Monday they have to wear crazy socks, on Tuesday something orange, etc. On that Friday, secondary students will be competing in a Halloween Gymkana and primary students will be doing various halloween activities throughout the day. If you get a chance to walk by the entrance, you will have seen the decorations in the front of the school and in the entrance to the secondary building.
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate at home, I have recommended the following classic kid friendly Halloween movies:
Hocus Pocus (1993)
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Halloweentown (1998)
It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (1966)
The Adams Family (1991)
Halloween recipe
And if you prefer to celebrate in the kitchen rather than on the sofa, here is a pumpkin bread recipe: Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Growing up in my house, my mom would make pumpkin bread at the end of October to enjoy a sweet halloween treat and I highly recommend this sweet, I would compare it to a like a bizcocho. I hope you all enjoy your Halloween holiday and get into the spooky spirit!!
Katlyn
Date de alta en nuestro grupo de telegram de @NoticiasAlcorcon
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