The Celtic holiday that led to Halloween was actually a celebration of a. an ancient god b. the new year c. the stars
On All Souls’ Day, costumed children usually offered people a. prayers for dead loved ones b. protection from evil c. scary stories
Today, trick-or-treating is most common in a. North America b. Europe c. South America
Discussion/essay questions
Do you believe in ghosts? Why or why not?
In some cultures, traditions about death are very serious. In others, they are more celebratory. How is death viewed in your culture?
Transcript
Every year on Halloween, millions of children put on costumes and ask their neighbours for candy. This tradition began in ancient Scotland and Ireland. The Celtic peoples who lived there celebrated their new year in the fall. They believed that at the end of the year, ghosts could travel into the land of the living. Dressing like a ghost was a way to protect yourself from evil. When Catholicism became the dominant religion in the area, the holiday became All Souls’ Day, a day to pray for the souls of the dead. However, the tradition of dress-up continued. Costumed children would knock on doors and ask for food in exchange for a prayer for dead loved ones. Over time, this practice became secular. Instead of prayers, children offered songs or “tricks.” Today, trick-or-treating is most common in North America, but it has also spread to other parts of the world.
The Battle of Puebla was a battle between Mexico and a. America b. England c. France
The war was caused by a dispute about a. debt repayments b. borders c. political systems
Mexico’s victory in Puebla a. ended the war with France b. became a representation of strength and patriotism c. gained the interest of the American military
See answers below
Discussion/essay questions
Cinco de Mayo has become a very popular holiday in the U.S., but many people who celebrate it do not know the history. Why do you think this is?
Transcript
Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that celebrates Mexico’s victory over France in the Battle of Puebla. The war began in 1861, after Mexican president Benito Juarez paused debt repayments to European countries so he could support the struggling economy in his own country. France invaded Mexico in response. On May 5th, 1862, Mexican troops defeated French troops in Puebla. Their victory did not end the war, but the day came to represent strength and patriotism for the Mexican people. Although Cinco de Mayo originated in Mexico, celebrations in Mexican-American communities introduced the holiday to the U.S. as well. Today, it is more widely celebrated in the U.S. than it is in Mexico.
Do you celebrate Mardi Gras? If so, what kinds of traditions do you have? If not, what other holidays do you celebrate, and what kinds of traditions do you have for those holidays?
Transcript
Mardi Gras is a festive holiday celebrated all around the world. Mardi Gras parades often include colourful floats, feathered masks, and lots of food. The name “Mardi Gras” is French, translating into “Fat Tuesday” in English. The celebration originated as a religious holiday, marking the day before the Christian tradition of Lent. Christians would often make pancakes on this day to use up all of the milk, butter, and eggs in their houses. This became known as Pancake Day, and later as Mardi Gras when people began to celebrate it in France. Today, Mardi Gras is celebrated by people of all cultures. In some places— such as New Orleans, Louisiana— the parties and parades can last for two weeks.
Do you have any resolutions this year? How do you plan to achieve them?
Transcript
The Origin of the New Year’s Celebration Today, New Year’s is a festive holiday celebrated all around the world. The tradition began 4,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia, where the people celebrated each year with an 11-day festival. Even back then, people made New Year’s resolutions. They believed that making promises to improve themselves helped to make sure the gods would stay happy with the kingdom. During that time, the celebration took place in March, but a new calendar was introduced over 1,000 years later in Ancient Rome. Since then, New Year’s has mostly been celebrated on January 1st.
