Halloween is an annual holiday, celebrated each year on October 31. Although it is mainly celebrated is USA,it  has roots in age-old European traditions. It originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints; soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating and carving jack-o-lanterns. Around the world, as days grow shorter and nights get colder, people continue to usher in the season with gatherings, costumes and sweet treats.

Trick-or-treating with my family! Image by Kasia Scontsas

In Poland, Halloween is not celebrated as loudly as in the West, and in English-speaking countries the history of this holiday is as rich as the vocabulary and expressions associated with it. Learn Polish words and expressions related to Halloween!

Let’s play trick or treat – zagrajmy w cukierek albo psikus

Let’s make a Jack–o–lantern – zróbmy halloweenową dynię

Let’s dress up! – Przebierzmy się!

Who are you going to dress up as? – Za kogo się przebierzesz?

What’s your favourite monster? – Jaki jest twój ulubiony potwór?

Let’s make a halloween party! – Zróbmy imprezę halloweenową!

What is that spooky thing behind the window? – Co to za straszydło za oknem?

Tell me about your worst nightmare. – Powiedz o swoim najgorszym koszmarze.

Can you see that shadow behind you? – Widzisz ten cień za tobą?

The night is neverending. – Ta noc się nie skończy.

There is a full moon tonight. – Dziś jest pełnia księżyca.

That’s scary! – To straszne!

Did you see that ghost? – Widziałeś tego ducha?

Light up the candles! – Zapal świeczki!

You know you are a witch because whenever I need you … you turn up! – Wiedz, że jesteś czarownicą, ponieważ gdy cię potrzebuję, od razu się pojawiasz!

Night has just come and all spirits will come from afterlife to dance with us – Noc nadeszła, a z nią duchy, by z nami tańczyć

Fear of death? One must fear life, not death – Strach przed śmiercią? Powinno się bać życia, nie śmierci

No matter how gruesome is your costume, you will always be the most beautiful monster for me – Nieważne, jak straszny jest twoje przebranie, dla mnie zawsze będziesz najpiękniejszym potworkiem

Luck and death no one can escape – Nikt nie ucieknie szczęściu ani śmierci

They that are born on Halloween shall see more than other folk – Urodzeni na halloween widzą więcej niż pozostali

Happy Halloween!