Reading Task 1. Read the text and circle True (T) or False (F) for the statements 1-6.
Hallowe'en
Hallowe'en is a popular festival in many countries all over the world, and every year it seems
to get bigger. Find out some more about the traditional festival of Hallowe'en.
The origins of the name
The festival of Hallowe'en has its (0) roots in Celtic and Roman traditions. Over 2,000 years
ago the Celts in Britain, Ireland and parts of France celebrated Samhain to (1) 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 Saints Day, or "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 been transformed into a modern Hallowe'en game for children in America, who dress up
as ghosts, witches and monsters and go around people's houses, asking for sweets. This game is
called “Trick or Treat'.
Witches
Halloween wouldn't be fun without witches. Witches have always been part of popular
folklore. Shakespeare's (2) play "Macbeth" opens with three witches. A witch was someone
usually
who had special powers and had dealings with the devil. The American
town,Salem, in the state of Massachusetts, is famous for the "witchcraft trials", which took place
there in 1692.
Pumpkins
The pumpkin is a symbol of Hallowe'en. People empty a pumpkin, cut a face into the side,
and put a candle inside. It's known as a Jack O' Lantern, from an Irish legend about a man called
Jack, who made a deal with the devil.
a woman
T F
T F
T
F
T
F
1. Lots of people like Hallowe'en.
2. The Celts celebrated Samhain at the end of autumn.
3. The Christian Church took over the older pagan festivals.
4. Only poor people play 'Trick or Treat'.
5. Witches are modern characters.
T
F
T F
6. Jack O'Lantern was another name for the devil.​

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