 |
|---|
| www.studenthandouts.com > Fun Stuff > Holiday Games & Worksheets > Halloween |
|---|
 |     |
|---|
This free printable word search puzzle features 22 terms related to Halloween: Celtic New Year, corn maze, costume, creepy, Devil's Night, frightening, ghost, Halloween, haunted house, jack-o'-lantern, macabre, mummy, party, pumpkin, Samhain, scary, spooky, treats, tricks, vampire, witch, zombie. Click here to print this puzzle. The answer key is below. |
|---|
|
Halloween is a widely celebrated holiday known for its spooky and festive traditions. Here are some interesting facts about Halloween:
Ancient Origins: Halloween has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced SOW-in), which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It was believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred, and spirits could roam the Earth. 
Jack-o'-Lanterns: The tradition of carving pumpkins into Jack-o'-lanterns comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack. He was said to have tricked the devil and was condemned to wander the Earth with only a hollowed-out turnip with a burning coal inside as his lantern. Trick-or-Treating: The practice of going door-to-door for candy on Halloween can be traced back to the medieval European tradition of "souling," where the poor would visit homes to receive food in exchange for prayers for the deceased. Halloween Colors: Orange and black are the traditional colors of Halloween. Orange represents the harvest and autumn, while black symbolizes darkness and death. Halloween Costumes: The tradition of wearing costumes on Halloween dates back to the belief that disguising oneself as a ghost or other supernatural beings would protect individuals from malevolent spirits. Largest Pumpkin: The world's heaviest pumpkin on record weighed over 2,600 pounds (1,179 kilograms). Pumpkins are a significant part of Halloween, often used for carving and decoration. Candy Sales: Halloween is one of the biggest candy-selling holidays in the United States. Billions of dollars are spent on Halloween candy each year. Haunted Houses: Haunted attractions and haunted houses are popular during the Halloween season, providing spooky experiences for thrill-seekers. Bats: Bats are often associated with Halloween due to their nocturnal nature and connection to vampires in folklore. Halloween in Pop Culture: Halloween has inspired numerous movies, books, and TV shows, including classics like Halloween, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Hocus Pocus. Halloween Controversy: Some communities have debated whether Halloween is appropriate due to concerns about safety and cultural sensitivity, leading to alternative celebrations or changes in how the holiday is observed in certain areas. Haunted History: Many places around the world are believed to be haunted, and ghost tours and visits to supposedly haunted locations are popular Halloween activities. Halloween Spending: Halloween spending includes not only candy but also costumes, decorations, and even pet costumes. It's a significant economic event in many countries. These are just a few intriguing facts about Halloween, a holiday that combines history, folklore, and contemporary traditions in a unique and captivating way. |
| www.studenthandouts.com > Fun Stuff > Holiday Games & Worksheets > Halloween |
|---|
