English

Reading Comprehension
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Date

Instructions:
 Read the text below and answer all the questions in FULL sentences.

The origins of Halloween

Halloween, celebrated on the night of
October 31st, has ancient roots that trace
back to several cultures and traditions. The
holiday as we know it today, with costumes,
pumpkins, and trick-or-treating, is a blend of
customs that evolved over time.

One of the earliest influences on Halloween

comes from the Celtic festival of Samhain.
Samhain marked the end of the harvest
season and the beginning of winter in what
is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and
France. It was believed that on the night of
Samhain, the boundary between the living
and the dead was blurred, allowing spirits to
roam the earth. To ward off these spirits,
people would light bonfires and wear
costumes.

As Christianity spread, the Church adapted

existing traditions to fit its own religious
calendar. November 1st was designated as
All Saints' Day, and October 31st became All Hallows' Eve, eventually shortened to
Halloween. This Christian holiday retained elements of Samhain's supernatural beliefs.

Irish immigrants brought Halloween to America in the 19th century, and it began to take
on a more modern form. The tradition of carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns, for
instance, was influenced by the Irish practice of carving turnips. Trick-or-treating evolved
from European customs of going door-to-door during holidays, asking for food or money
in exchange for prayers or songs.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Halloween started to become more community-
focused and child-friendly. It became a holiday known for costumes, parties, and candy.

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The Halloween we celebrate today is a blend of these historical influences, combining
ancient Celtic beliefs with Christian traditions and the more recent customs that have
developed over the years. It's a time for fun, creativity, and a bit of spooky excitement as
people of all ages come together to celebrate this unique and ever-evolving holiday.

1. What is the historical origin of Halloween, and in which regions did it originate?

2. How did the Celtic festival of Samhain influence the modern Halloween
celebration?

3. What belief about the boundary between the living and the dead is associated
with Samhain?

4. How did Christianity influence the development of Halloween, and what role did All
Saints' Day play?

5. Explain the connection between All Hallows' Eve and the modern term "Halloween."

6. How did Irish immigrants contribute to the spread of Halloween traditions in the
United States?

7. What is the significance of carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns, and where did
this practice originate?

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8. What is the historical precursor to the modern practice of trick-or-treating, and how
has it evolved over time?

9. How did Halloween change in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and what
made it more child-friendly?

10. In your own words, describe the evolution of Halloween from its ancient origins to
the modern celebration we know today.

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ANSWER KEY – SUGGESTED ANSWERS

1. Halloween has its historical origin in the Celtic festival of Samhain, and it originated
in regions such as Ireland, the United Kingdom, and France.
2. The Celtic festival of Samhain influenced the modern Halloween celebration by
introducing the idea that on the night of Samhain, the boundary between the living
and the dead was blurred, allowing spirits to roam the earth. This contributed to the
tradition of wearing costumes to ward off these spirits.
3. The belief associated with Samhain is that on the night of Samhain, the boundary
between the living and the dead was blurred, allowing spirits to roam the earth.
4. Christianity influenced Halloween by designating November 1st as All Saints' Day
and October 31st as All Hallows' Eve, which eventually became Halloween. All
Saints' Day was meant to honor the saints and martyrs.
5. All Hallows' Eve is the historical precursor to the modern term "Halloween."
6. Irish immigrants brought Halloween to America in the 19th century and contributed
to its spread.
7. The significance of carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns is influenced by the Irish
practice of carving turnips. Jack-o'-lanterns are used to ward off evil spirits.
8. The historical precursor to the modern practice of trick-or-treating is the European
custom of going door-to-door during holidays, asking for food or money in
exchange for prayers or songs. Over time, this evolved into children going door-to-
door asking for candy.
9. Halloween changed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, becoming more
community-focused and child-friendly. It transformed from a holiday of more adult-
oriented activities to one that included costumes, parties, and candy for children.
10. The evolution of Halloween took it from ancient Celtic beliefs about Samhain to
Christian influence and eventually to a modern celebration characterized by
costumes, jack-o'-lanterns, and trick-or-treating. It has become a holiday known for
its creativity, community, and spooky excitement.

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