Halloween is a holiday that's celebrated annually on the night of October 31. Halloween is celebrated in Ireland, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Sweden among others. It's celebrated in a variety of ways and activities including trick-or-treating, ghost tours, bonfires, costume parties, "haunted house" tours, carving pumpkins (Jack-o'-lanterns) and reading / watching scary stories / movies.
Halloween has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain (celebration of the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture) and it is connected with druids. Traditionally, the festival was a time that was used by the ancient pagans to take stock of their supplies and slaughter livestock for winter storage. The celebration of Samhain would frequently involve bonfires, upon which the bones of slaughtered livestock were thrown; costumes and masks were also worn in an attempt to mimic the evil spirits or placate them.
The essential elements of Halloween are bonfires, costumes, trick-or-treat, telling ghost stories and attending parties. „Trick or treat” is an activity that's usually reserved for children; they proceed from house to house in costumes, asking for treats such as sweets, chocolates and snacks and asking the question, "Trick or treat?". The "trick" part of "trick or treat" is a threat to play a trick on the homeowner or his property if no treat is handed over. Trick or treating is now said to be the most popular and socially expected aspect of Halloween celebrations.
Apple bobbing, also known as bobbing for apples, is a game often played in connection with Halloween. The game is played by filling a tub or a large basin with water and putting apples in the water. Because apples are less dense than water, they will float at the surface. Players (usually children) then try to catch one with their teeth. Use of hands is not allowed, and often are tied behind the back to prevent cheating.
The trick or treat activity is extremely popular in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada. It is also spreading quickly to other countries due to the impact and influence of American culture on these societies.
Based upon:
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www.wikipedia.org
