Halloween parties and celebrations are becoming more common around the world, but not everyone is familiar with the Halloween traditions that are practiced in the U.S. and Canada. So, we thought we’d answer a few Halloween Frequently Asked Questions.
When is Halloween?
Halloween is always on the 31st of October. Usually, Halloween decorations begin showing up around the end of September. It is the second most popular holiday (after Christmas) for putting up decorations on houses and many people get quite elaborate. Check out this house that sings “Knock Knock, Trick or Treat?”
What is Trick or Treating?
On Halloween night, children get dressed in costumes and go around their neighborhood, usually in groups accompanied by an adult. They knock on the door of their neighbors while yelling “Trick or Treat?” In years past, kids might have played a prank or joke on their neighbors, but now a days, it’s just good fun. The neighbors open the door and give out candy or small treats such as stickers or pencils. Chocolate is very popular and many candy companies make bite size versions just for Halloween.
After you thank the person, you go to the next house for more trick or treating.
What are the Most Popular Halloween Costumes?
Popular costumes vary from year to year, but there are a few favorites. For boys, many choose to be a pirate, vampire, super hero, or cowboy. Girls are often a witch, princess, cat, or ballerina. But don’t let yourself be limited! You can be just about anything you want for Halloween. It’s a great time to use your imagination and get creative. Costumes can be purchased or made at home.
What are Popular Halloween Colors?
Traditional colors used at Halloween are orange, black, and purple. But feel free to add in other colors too, like red, yellow, and brown, to represent fall colored trees.
What are Traditional Halloween Characters?
Halloween is filled with a whole host of characters. Meet vampires, mummies, witches and ghosts, black cats, spiders, monsters and skeletons. Sometimes this can get a little scary for young ones, so focusing on the more fun and playful aspects of the holiday can really help the little ones.
What are Popular Halloween Foods?
In addition to candy, Halloween is also characterized by fall harvest foods such as apples and pumpkins. There are many yummy treats you can make like caramel apples or apple cider. Carving pumpkins into Jack-o’-lanterns is another traditional Halloween activity you might try with your students. If you don’t have pumpkins, use orange paper to make a Jack-o’-lantern craft instead.
Halloween is a much loved holiday that can be used to form the foundation for all sorts of vocabulary lessons. You can choose to be as simple or elaborate as you like in your Halloween celebrations. It’s a great time to incorporate crafts, costumes, games, parties, and a whole lot of fun into your English lessons!
Happy Halloween!
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