以下是对万圣节在中国和英语中的全面概述:
万圣节概述(中文版):
一、基本概念:
万圣节涵盖了10月31日的万圣节前夕和11月1日的万圣节当天。在中文中,我们通常将Halloween称为万圣节,而All Saints' Day称为诸圣节。这个节日源于凯尔特人的丰收节——Samhain,象征着夏季的结束。后来,到了公元八世纪,这个节日被转化为纪念圣徒的节日。“Hallow”这个词来源于中古英语的“神圣”一词。
二、节日习俗:
孩子们会装扮成鬼怪挨家挨户索要糖果(“不给糖就捣蛋”)。制作南瓜灯是传统的活动之一,黑色象征夜晚,橙色代表南瓜。南瓜灯的制作过程也是万圣节的一大乐趣,人们会将南瓜切开,雕刻出各种形状,点亮后放置在门口或室内,增添节日氛围。而穿上传统的万圣节服装也是万圣节的重要组成部分,人们会选择各种恐怖的服装和面具来装扮自己,迎接节日的到来。这些传统习俗体现了人们对节日的热爱和对传统文化的尊重。同时南瓜灯、糖果和服饰等也成为了万圣节的重要元素和象征符号。三、常见误解:值得注意的是,“Halloween”实际上仅指十月三十一日这一天,而十一月一日则被称为诸圣节。英文中常用的是All Saints' Day而非Halloween来称呼这一天。
万圣节资讯(英文版):
Halloween Overview:
Key Facts: Halloween, on October 31st, is the eve of All Saints' Day, which falls on November 1st. The term "Hallow" originates from Middle English and means "holy." The festival has its roots in the Celtic harvest festival Samhain, which marked the end of summer. Later, in the 8th century, it was Christianized by Pope Gregory III. Costumes originally intended to frighten away spirits have become a central aspect of Halloween celebrations.
Traditions: Children dress up in costumes and engage in "trick-or-treating," a tradition where they visit houses to receive candy. Carving jack-o'-lanterns from pumpkins is another traditional activity. The colors black and orange symbolize night and pumpkins respectively.
Historical Background: Halloween's origins can be traced back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, which celebrated the harvest. It later evolved into a day to honor all saints when Christianity began to influence Western culture. The practice of wearing costumes to frighten away evil spirits is a central aspect of Halloween celebrations. However, it is important to note that "Halloween" refers specifically to October 31st, while November 1st is properly called All Saints' Day. This common misconception often leads to confusion about the true meaning and origins of Halloween.