Uncover the Welsh origins of Halloween and trace its journey to becoming the modern, commercialized holiday celebrated in the U.S. today. This no-prep activity worksheet for middle and high school students delves into the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, its adaptation by Welsh, Irish, and Scottish immigrants, and how it transformed into the Halloween we know today. Through engaging reading passages, comparison activities, and critical thinking questions, students will analyze the cultural evolution of this holiday and its shift from honoring the dead to costumes, candy, and fun.

What's Included:

• Reading Passage: The Welsh Origins of Halloween and Its Journey to the U.S. (1 page)
• Critical Thinking Questions on cultural adaptation and commercialization (1 page)
• Venn Diagram for comparing ancient and modern traditions (1 page)
• Discussion Prompts on key Halloween changes (1 page)
• Solution Key for teachers (1 page)

Skills Developed Through This Activity:

• Historical Analysis: Encourages students to explore the cultural transformation of traditions.
• Critical Thinking: Fosters analytical skills by comparing ancient and modern holiday practices.
• Cultural Awareness: Helps students understand how immigration and commercialization shaped modern U.S. holidays.

How to Use the Activity in Your Classroom:

1. Begin with the reading passage to introduce the Welsh origins of Halloween and its evolution.
2. Use the Venn diagram to compare traditional Samhain with modern U.S. Halloween.
3. Assign the critical thinking questions for in-class discussions or independent reflection.
4. Engage students in discussing the cultural and commercial shifts of Halloween using the provided prompts.

Common Core Standards:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.2: Determine central ideas of a text and analyze their development.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasoning.

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Outcomes:

• ELA.9.7(F): Analyze the influence of historical and cultural contexts on literature and traditions.
• ELA.9.9(B): Analyze how cultural traditions evolve over time.