halloween

Everyday

1. A festival held in the evening at the very end of October, when children dress up in costumes, carve pumpkins and go trick-or-treating. tree →
2. Its old meaning: the evening before All Saints' Day (All Hallows' Eve). tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life in the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand it means costumes, jack-o'-lanterns, spooky stories and sweets. It started from old Celtic and Irish traditions (Samhain). In safety lessons: trick-or-treat with an adult or group, carry a torch, wear bright or reflective costumes, check sweets with an adult, and only visit houses you know. Phrases: Halloween costume, trick or treat, jack-o'-lantern, Halloween party, spooky.

Examples

• We carved a pumpkin for Halloween. tree →
• At Halloween I dressed up as a witch. tree →
• Children go trick-or-treating on Halloween night. tree →
• Carry a torch when you go out at Halloween. tree →
• Halloween began long ago in Ireland and Scotland. tree →
• Our class had a Halloween party with apple bobbing. tree →
• Only knock on doors with a pumpkin or lights on. tree →

Note

Write with a capital H: Halloween (older spelling Hallowe'en). In Australia and New Zealand it falls in spring and is less traditional but growing. «Trick or treat» = give me a treat or I'll play a trick (in fun).