Trancy Immersive Translate NBC News 24-11-01: Halloween, Zoo Festivities, & Time Change Explained

Trancy Immersive Translate NBC News 24-11-01: Halloween, Zoo Festivities, & Time Change Explained

This week's news video covers the origins and traditions of Halloween, exploring costumes, candy, and festive customs. It also features a zoo's unique Halloween celebration, where animals and exhibits embrace the holiday spirit. Lastly, the video explains Daylight Saving Time's 'fall back' tradition, shedding light on why clocks are adjusted and offering tips for adapting to the change.

Trancy Immersive Translate NBC News 24-11-01: Halloween, Zoo Festivities, & Time Change Explained

Discover the history of Halloween, festive zoo events, and why we turn back clocks this season.

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Credit: @NBCNews

Vocabulary:

  • Spooktacular: A blend of 'spooky' and 'spectacular,' meaning impressively spooky or related to Halloween. Example: "The haunted house was spooktacular, full of frights and thrills."
  • Tradition: A long-established custom or belief passed down through generations. Example: "Celebrating with costumes and candy is a Halloween tradition."
  • Adapt: To adjust to new conditions or environments. Example: "People need to adapt their sleep schedules when the clocks are turned back."
  • Celebration: A special event or activity to mark a significant occasion. Example: "Halloween is a celebration filled with costumes and candy."
  • Custom: A widely accepted way of behaving or doing something specific to a society, place, or time. Example: "Halloween customs vary, with trick-or-treating being a popular activity."

Phrase Match:

Phrase Meaning Example
Fall back To move the clock back one hour during Daylight Saving Time. Remember to fall back this weekend and enjoy an extra hour of sleep.
In the Halloween spirit Embracing the festive atmosphere of Halloween. The zoo was fully in the Halloween spirit with decorations and costumes.
Daylight Saving Time A practice of setting the clocks forward in spring and back in fall. Daylight Saving Time helps make better use of daylight during certain parts of the year.
Turn back the clock To set clocks to an earlier time, typically referring to fall adjustments. We turn back the clock every fall to end Daylight Saving Time.
Halloween tradition Customs or practices associated with Halloween celebrations. Dressing up in costumes is a popular Halloween tradition.



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G8 Level: Halloween History and Traditions

Reading Material

Title: The History of Halloween

Halloween is a holiday celebrated on October 31st each year, especially popular in the United States. But did you know Halloween started long ago with an ancient festival? Halloween has its roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain, which was celebrated by people in Ireland, Scotland, and other parts of Northern Europe over 2,000 years ago. Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, a time people believed the spirits of the dead could return to Earth.

To ward off these spirits, the Celts would light bonfires and wear costumes. When the Christian Church grew in Europe, it changed many of these customs to fit its own traditions. Eventually, the day before All Saints’ Day on November 1st became known as “All Hallows’ Eve,” which eventually became “Halloween.”

In America, Halloween started to look like what we know today. People began to dress up in costumes and go from house to house asking for treats, a practice now called “trick-or-treating.” Today, Halloween is one of the biggest holidays in the U.S., with millions of people dressing up as ghosts, witches, and other spooky characters. Halloween is also known for its candy, with families giving out treats like chocolate and gummy candies. It’s a holiday full of fun, creativity, and a bit of spookiness!

Vocabulary List

  1. Costume: Special clothes people wear to look like someone or something else.
    Example: "On Halloween, I wore a witch costume."

  2. Festival: A celebration or special event.
    Example: "Halloween is a festival that many people enjoy."

  3. Tradition: A custom or belief passed down over time.
    Example: "Trick-or-treating is a Halloween tradition."

  4. Spirits: Ghosts or supernatural beings.
    Example: "Some people believe spirits visit on Halloween night."

  5. Harvest: The time when crops are gathered from the fields.
    Example: "Samhain marked the end of the harvest season."

Grammar Focus

  1. Past Tense: Used to describe things that happened in the past.
    Example: "Halloween started as an ancient festival called Samhain."

  2. Sequencing Words: Words like "first," "next," and "finally" to show order.
    Example: "First, the Celts celebrated Samhain. Next, it became Halloween."

  3. Modal Verbs: Words like "could" and "would" to show possibility or suggestion.
    Example: "People believed spirits could return to Earth on Samhain."

Synonym Match

Word Synonym
Costume Outfit
Festival Celebration
Tradition Custom
Spirits Ghosts
Harvest Gathering

Phrase Match

Phrase Meaning
Dress up Wear a costume
Trick-or-treating Going door-to-door for candy
Spooky characters Scary people or creatures
All Hallows’ Eve Another name for Halloween
Light bonfires Start large outdoor fires

Gap Fill Exercise

Fill in the blanks with the correct word from the reading passage:

  1. Halloween is a popular __________ (1) in the U.S.
  2. Halloween started from an ancient __________ (2).
  3. Samhain was celebrated by the __________ (3).
  4. Trick-or-treating is a __________ (4) where people get candy.
  5. People wear __________ (5) to look like ghosts or other characters.
  6. Halloween is on __________ (6) 31st each year.
  7. In Samhain, people believed that __________ (7) could return.
  8. All Saints’ Day is on __________ (8) 1st.
  9. The __________ (9) marked the end of the growing season.
  10. Many families give out __________ (10) on Halloween night.

Answers:

  1. holiday
  2. festival
  3. Celts
  4. tradition
  5. costumes
  6. October
  7. spirits
  8. November
  9. harvest
  10. candy

Listening Questions

  1. What date is Halloween celebrated on?

    • A. October 31
    • B. November 1
    • C. December 25
    • D. January 1

  2. What was the name of the festival that Halloween came from?

    • A. Christmas
    • B. Thanksgiving
    • C. Samhain
    • D. Easter

  3. What do people wear on Halloween?

    • A. Uniforms
    • B. Costumes
    • C. Pajamas
    • D. Suits

  4. What do people do when they go trick-or-treating?

    • A. Ask for gifts
    • B. Ask for candy
    • C. Ask for money
    • D. Ask for toys

  5. What is Halloween also known as?

    • A. All Saints’ Day
    • B. All Hallows’ Eve
    • C. Harvest Day
    • D. Spirit Day

Answers:

  1. A
  2. C
  3. B
  4. B
  5. B

Speaking Exercises

  1. Discussion: Share your favorite Halloween costume. Why did you choose it?
  2. Role-Play: Pretend you are a character (like a ghost or a witch). Describe what you see and feel on Halloween night.
  3. Short Presentation: Explain why Halloween is a fun holiday and why people enjoy dressing up.

G11 Level: Halloween History and Traditions

Reading Material

Title: The Origins and Evolution of Halloween

Halloween, celebrated on October 31st each year, has a fascinating history that dates back over two millennia to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Samhain marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, a season associated with death. During Samhain, people believed that the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, allowing spirits to roam the Earth. To avoid these spirits, the Celts lit large bonfires and wore costumes to disguise themselves from any wandering ghosts.

In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as All Saints’ Day, shifting some pagan traditions into a Christian context. The evening before All Saints’ Day became known as “All Hallows’ Eve,” eventually evolving into “Halloween.” Halloween customs gradually spread to America, and by the late 19th century, Irish and Scottish immigrants helped popularize the holiday in the United States.

As Halloween continued to evolve, so did its customs. Trick-or-treating, a major Halloween tradition today, likely originated from an old European practice where people went door-to-door on “All Souls’ Day” collecting “soul cakes” as offerings. In the early 20th century, Halloween began to shift from a spooky, ghostly holiday to a more family-friendly celebration. Today, Halloween is characterized by colorful costumes, decorations, and of course, candy, with billions of dollars spent annually on the holiday. What began as an ancient Celtic ritual has transformed into one of the most beloved holidays in America, mixing tradition, fun, and a touch of mystery.

Vocabulary List

  1. Boundary: A line or limit that marks the edge of something.
    Example: "Halloween is when people believed the boundary between life and death was blurred."

  2. Blurring: Making unclear or indistinct.
    Example: "On Halloween, the line between the living and the dead was thought to be blurred."

  3. Designate: To officially choose or name something for a particular purpose.
    Example: "The pope designated November 1 as All Saints’ Day."

  4. Transform: To change completely in form or appearance.
    Example: "Halloween has transformed from an ancient festival to a modern holiday."

  5. Ancestor: A person from whom one is descended.
    Example: "Halloween has customs that honor ancestors."

  6. Ritual: A ceremony or set of actions regularly followed, especially for a cultural or religious purpose.
    Example: "Samhain was an important ritual in Celtic culture."

  7. Immigrant: A person who moves to another country to live permanently.
    Example: "Irish immigrants helped bring Halloween to America."

  8. Festival: A public celebration with music, dancing, and other entertainment.
    Example: "Samhain was a Celtic festival celebrated at the end of the harvest."

Grammar Focus

  1. Passive Voice: Used to focus on the action or what happened rather than who did it.
    Example: "Halloween customs were brought to America by Irish immigrants."

  2. Relative Clauses: To add information about a noun in the sentence.
    Example: "Halloween, which originated from Samhain, is now widely celebrated."

  3. Comparative Structures: To show the evolution and change of traditions over time.
    Example: "Halloween today is more commercialized than it was in the past."

Synonym Match

Word Synonym
Boundary Border
Designate Assign
Transform Change
Ancestor Forebear
Ritual Ceremony
Immigrant Newcomer
Blurring Obscuring
Festival Celebration

Phrase Match

Phrase Meaning
Dress up Wear a costume
Trick-or-treating Going door-to-door for candy
Soul cakes Small cakes given to honor the dead
Blurred boundary A line that is not clear or distinct
Colorful costumes Bright and varied outfits for Halloween

Gap Fill Exercise

Fill in the blanks with the correct word from the reading passage:

  1. The ancient Celts celebrated __________ (1) at the end of the harvest.
  2. __________ (2) marked the boundary between the living and the dead.
  3. Pope Gregory III __________ (3) November 1 as All Saints’ Day.
  4. Halloween customs were brought to America by __________ (4) immigrants.
  5. Halloween has __________ (5) from a spooky holiday to a family-friendly event.
  6. Today, Halloween is full of __________ (6) costumes.
  7. Trick-or-treating may have started from the tradition of __________ (7) cakes.
  8. Halloween’s __________ (8) include costumes, candy, and spooky decorations.
  9. __________ (9) are people from whom we are descended.
  10. Many people celebrate Halloween with family __________ (10).

Answers:

  1. Samhain
  2. Samhain
  3. designated
  4. Irish
  5. transformed
  6. colorful
  7. soul
  8. rituals
  9. Ancestors
  10. rituals

Listening Questions

  1. What ancient festival is Halloween originally based on?

    • A. Yule
    • B. Samhain
    • C. Midsummer
    • D. Beltane

  2. What did the Celts believe about October 31st?

    • A. It was a day to celebrate life
    • B. The boundary between life and death was blurred
    • C. It was the beginning of summer
    • D. Spirits would protect them

  3. Who designated November 1 as All Saints’ Day?

    • A. Pope Gregory I
    • B. Pope Benedict
    • C. Pope Gregory III
    • D. Pope Francis

  4. What did Irish immigrants bring to the U.S.?

    • A. Christmas traditions
    • B. New Year celebrations
    • C. Halloween customs
    • D. Thanksgiving traditions

  5. Trick-or-treating may have started from a practice of giving out what?

    • A. Apples
    • B. Soul cakes
    • C. Bread
    • D. Milk

  6. How is Halloween mainly celebrated today in the U.S.?

    • Short Answer

  7. What does “All Hallows’ Eve” mean?

    • Short Answer

  8. Why did people wear costumes during Samhain?

    • Short Answer

  9. How has Halloween changed over time?

    • Short Answer

  10. Explain why Halloween is popular in the U.S. today.

  • Short Answer

Answers:

  1. B
  2. B
  3. C
  4. C
  5. B
    6-10. Short answer explanations based on the reading passage.

Speaking Exercises

  1. Discussion: Talk about the reasons people enjoy Halloween and share a memorable Halloween experience.
  2. Role-Play: Imagine you’re a Celtic villager celebrating Samhain. Describe what you see, feel, and do during the festival.
  3. Debate: Some people believe Halloween is too commercialized today. Do you agree or disagree? Explain your point of view.
  4. Short Presentation: Explain the origin of trick-or-treating and why it became popular in America.
  5. Group Discussion: Halloween is celebrated differently around the world. Discuss how Halloween might look if celebrated in your culture.

University Level: Halloween History and Cultural Impact

Reading Material

Title: Halloween: From Ancient Rituals to Modern Cultural Phenomenon

Halloween, celebrated each year on October 31st, is a holiday with origins that span millennia. Its roots lie in the Celtic festival of Samhain, a celebration marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter—a time seen as the transition from life to death. The Celts believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead thinned, allowing spirits to roam. To protect themselves, the Celts would light massive bonfires, make offerings of food, and wear costumes to disguise themselves from wandering spirits.

In the 8th century, the Christian church began to transform pagan festivals, incorporating them into the church calendar. Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as All Saints’ Day, a day to honor saints and martyrs. The night before, October 31, became known as “All Hallows’ Eve” or “Halloween.” This adaptation allowed the church to both integrate and influence the traditions of Samhain.

Halloween’s journey to America began with Irish and Scottish immigrants in the 19th century, who brought their customs across the Atlantic. By the early 20th century, Halloween celebrations in America had shifted to focus on community gatherings, games, and festivities. Trick-or-treating emerged, possibly linked to a medieval European tradition called “souling,” where people would go door-to-door offering prayers in exchange for food. Over time, Halloween evolved into a secular, family-friendly holiday marked by costumes, candy, and decorations.

Today, Halloween is deeply embedded in American culture and is celebrated globally, influenced by media, marketing, and a shared interest in the mysterious. The holiday’s commercialization generates billions of dollars annually, making it one of the most lucrative holidays for businesses. Despite its ancient roots, Halloween continues to evolve, reflecting the social and economic changes of modern society.

Vocabulary List

  1. Secular: Not related to religion.
    Example: "Halloween has evolved into a largely secular holiday."

  2. Martyr: A person who is killed for their religious beliefs.
    Example: "All Saints’ Day honors saints and martyrs."

  3. Commercialization: The process of making something into a business or commercial activity.
    Example: "The commercialization of Halloween generates billions in revenue."

  4. Embedded: Firmly fixed in a surrounding mass.
    Example: "Halloween is deeply embedded in American culture."

  5. Ritualistic: Relating to or characteristic of rituals.
    Example: "Samhain had ritualistic elements to protect from spirits."

  6. Phenomenon: An observable event or trend, especially one of cultural or social significance.
    Example: "Halloween is a phenomenon observed in various cultures."

  7. Transition: A process or period of changing from one state to another.
    Example: "Samhain marked the transition from harvest to winter."

  8. Adaptation: A change to fit a new purpose or environment.
    Example: "Halloween is an adaptation of ancient Celtic traditions."

  9. Harvest: The gathering of crops, especially as a seasonal event.
    Example: "Samhain marked the end of the harvest season."

  10. Influence: The capacity to have an effect on the character or development of something.
    Example: "Media has a significant influence on how Halloween is celebrated worldwide."

Grammar Focus

  1. Complex Sentence Structures: To express detailed ideas and show relationships between them.
    Example: "While Halloween began as a festival to ward off spirits, it has transformed into a global celebration with secular customs."

  2. Passive Voice in Historical Contexts: To focus on the actions or changes over time rather than on individuals.
    Example: "Halloween traditions were brought to America by Irish immigrants."

  3. Present Perfect for Ongoing Influence: To emphasize changes or impacts that started in the past and continue to the present.
    Example: "Halloween has evolved from an ancient ritual into a cultural phenomenon."

Synonym Match

Word Synonym
Secular Non-religious
Commercialization Marketing
Embedded Fixed
Ritualistic Ceremonial
Phenomenon Event
Transition Change
Adaptation Modification
Influence Impact
Harvest Gathering
Martyr Sacrifice

Phrase Match

Phrase Meaning
Dress up in costume Wear outfits to look like someone or something
Boundary between life and death A time when spirits could roam freely
Trick-or-treating Going door-to-door asking for treats
All Hallows’ Eve The evening before All Saints’ Day
Cultural phenomenon An event widely recognized and celebrated
Media influence The effect of media on people’s actions
Secular holiday A non-religious celebration
Economic impact Financial effect of an event
Ancient roots Origins that date back centuries
Seasonal transition The change from one season to another

Gap Fill Exercise

Complete the sentences using the correct word from the passage:

  1. Halloween was influenced by the Celtic festival of __________ (1).
  2. Samhain marked the __________ (2) from harvest to winter.
  3. Pope Gregory III __________ (3) November 1 as All Saints’ Day.
  4. The __________ (4) of Halloween can be seen in many parts of the world.
  5. Halloween’s __________ (5) to the U.S. was helped by Irish immigrants.
  6. Trick-or-treating may have originated from a __________ (6) called “souling.”
  7. Halloween generates billions of dollars due to its __________ (7).
  8. Halloween is a __________ (8) holiday today, mostly celebrated for fun.
  9. The boundary between life and death was thought to __________ (9) on Samhain.
  10. Halloween’s __________ (10) is rooted in both ancient and modern customs.

Answers:

  1. Samhain
  2. transition
  3. designated
  4. influence
  5. adaptation
  6. ritual
  7. commercialization
  8. secular
  9. blur
  10. evolution

Listening Questions

  1. Which ancient festival is Halloween originally based on?

    • A. Easter
    • B. Samhain
    • C. Beltane
    • D. Midsummer

  2. What was the primary purpose of Samhain for the Celts?

    • A. To celebrate life
    • B. To mark the end of winter
    • C. To prepare for winter and ward off spirits
    • D. To start the harvest

  3. What action did Pope Gregory III take regarding November 1?

    • A. Made it a festival
    • B. Named it All Saints’ Day
    • C. Declared it a day of feasting
    • D. Combined it with Samhain

  4. What did people traditionally do during “souling”?

    • A. Give out candies
    • B. Offer prayers in exchange for food
    • C. Plant crops
    • D. Wear costumes

  5. Which holiday is Halloween most associated with today?

    • Short Answer

  6. Why did the Celts wear costumes during Samhain?

    • Short Answer

  7. Explain how Halloween became popular in the United States.

    • Short Answer

  8. How has Halloween been commercialized in modern times?

    • Short Answer

  9. Describe the evolution of Halloween from a ritualistic festival to a secular celebration.

    • Short Answer

  10. What impact does Halloween have on the economy today?

  • Short Answer

Answers:

  1. B
  2. C
  3. B
  4. B
    5-10. Short answer explanations based on the reading passage.

Speaking Exercises

  1. Debate: Discuss whether Halloween’s commercialization has impacted the meaning of the holiday. Does it still carry cultural significance?
  2. Panel Discussion: Examine Halloween’s impact globally. How do different cultures interpret or celebrate Halloween, if at all?
  3. Presentation: Research and present the influence of Halloween on the economy, particularly in terms of consumer spending.
  4. Role-Play: Imagine you are part of a community deciding on whether to celebrate Halloween. Discuss potential activities and consider if any traditions should be modified.
  5. Group Analysis: Halloween has evolved from a religious festival to a secular celebration. Analyze what this change suggests about cultural adaptation over time.

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