The Irish Origins of Halloween

The Irish Origins of Halloween

Discussion

With a partner or group, discuss your thoughts on the following questions:

1. What do you think about Halloween?

2. What do you know about the history of Halloween?

3. What do pumpkins have to do with Halloween?

4. Why do people trick-or-treat on Halloween?

5. Do you light a bonfire on Halloween?

6. Do you think it’s dangerous these days to open your door to a trick-or-treater?

7. How did Halloween get its name?

8. What’s the best Halloween movie you’ve seen?

9. What are the best Halloween games?

10. What is the best Halloween food?

Vocabulary

Match the words to their definitions

Listen here: http: //engagingireland. com/index. php/2014/10/26/ep-31-a-history-of-halloween-traditions/

Or search on the Podcast app: Engaging Ireland Ep 31. – A History of Halloween Traditions

First Listen

a) Listen and make notes on the following topics:

Contemporary traditions we can trace back to the Irish festival of Samhain

What did the Irish Celt’s believe about the Spirits on Samhain

Make notes on the origin of turnip carving

Make notes on the origins of Trick R’ Treating

b) Using your notes can you answer any of the following questions? Listen again if needed.

1. When was Halloween introduced in North America?

2. What 3 names is ‘Halloween’ short for?

3. When was Samhain observed?

4. How did the ancient Celts pass down their traditions?