到神秘的鬼屋去探险，拜访那些可爱的精灵鬼怪，听听那些古老的或新鲜的鬼故事，学学做个吓人的南瓜灯笼，咬一口吊在空中的苹果。快乐来得就这么简单，这就是万圣节！
Hallowe’en is a popular festival in many countries all over the world, and every year it seems to get bigger.
It’s getting dark earlier and it’s starting to get cold. Christmas is stilla long way away. We need something to cheer us up and take our minds of the fact that winter is nearly here. See how much you know about the traditional festival of Hallowe’en.
The origins of the name
The festival of Hallowe’en has its roots in Celtic and Roman traditions. Over 2,000 years ago the Celts in Britain, Ireland and parts of France celebrated Samhain to mark the beginning of winter. When the Romans invaded, they merged this with Feralia, their celebration of the passing of the dead. As Christianity spread, the Church tried to replace these pagan feasts with official Church holy days. One of these was November 1. It was called “All Hallows”, and October 31 was known as“All Hallows’ Eve”, and then Hallowe’en.
Hallowe’en traditions
In the past there was a tradition called “souling”. Poor people went around houses asking for food. In exchange, they promised to say prayers for the dead. People no longer go souling, but the habit has beentransformed into a modern Hallowe’en game for children in America,who dress up as ghosts, witches and monsters and go around people’shouses.
Witches
Hallowe’en wouldn’t be fun without witches. Witches have alwaysbeen part of popular folklore. Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth” opens withthree witches. A witchwas someone — usually a woman— who hadspecial powers and had dealings with the devil. The American town,Salem, is famous for the “witchcraft trials”, which took place there in1692.
Pumpkins
The pumpkin has become a symbol of Hallowe’en.People empty a pumpkin, cut a face into the side, and puta candle inside to make a lamp. It’s known as a Jack O’ Lantern, from a story about a man called Jack, who made a deal with the devil.
Animals
Black cats, frogs, mice and spiders are just some of the animals associated with Hallowe’en. Generally, the more unpleasant the animal,the stronger the Hallowe’en connection. Nocturnal animals like bats are particular favourites, and if, as is the case with vampire bats, they like drinking blood, they are highon the Hallowe’en list.