31st October Intermediate English Practice (B1/B2) - Halloween

Today's episode is about my favourite holiday, Halloween. Listen here to find out more about it.  If you want to read along with the audio find the article ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please help support the production of this podcast and the written articles by joining me on Patreon. This can be done for as little as £1 per month. Without your support, we won't be able to continue. Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more details. If you want more information about private lessons at whatever level you need email me at [email protected] Check your understanding What is the historical background of Halloween, and how does it connect to ancient Celtic traditions? How did the Celts view the transition from the end of the harvest season to the start of winter, and why was Samhain, October 31st, significant in their beliefs? Why did the Celts light bonfires on Samhain, and what purpose did these fires serve? How did the tradition of wearing costumes on Halloween originate, and what was its original purpose? What is the origin of the tradition of carving pumpkins into Jack-o'-Lanterns, and why did it shift from turnips to pumpkins in North America?