2017-11-30
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At the end of October visitors to Americamay notice something a little strange going on.If the average home does not look as welcoming as it could,it is just part of a growing phenomenon in Americathe celebration of Halloween.
On October 31st,children all over the country will go on costumesand go house-to-house saying the words “trick-or-treat”, so people will give them candy.
This celebration dates back to Celtic ritualswhere people tried to scare away spirits. In the USthe first citywide Halloween celebration was recordedin the northern state of Minnesota in 1921.
The holiday’s popularity is growing fast.According to the National Retail Federation, nearly two-thirds ofAmericansplan on celebrating Halloween this year. Ellen Davis, the Federation spokesperson,says: that is because people do not view the holidayas if it is just one day anymore. “It’s an entire month longer, even aseason-long celebration, and as a resultmore people are getting in on Halloween activities. We are also seeing manybusinesses like theme parks and orchardscreating activities around the Halloween theme”.
Cox farms in the state of Virginia, is one of those places. Hundreds of children pour into the farm every day during the fall to go on rides, enjoy Halloween themed games and of coursepick out the perfect pumpkin.
The growing interest in the holiday has beenanything but scary for American businesses. Consumers are expected tospendnearly five billion dollars on Halloween this year.That money will be spent mainly on a combination of costumes,candy and decorations. Even the National Zoo in Washington is getting in on thecelebration.Zoo spokesman Matt O'Leary says: the zoo has sold thousands have tickets to theirannualHalloween event where the kids dress up but they are not the only ones gettingtreats. “The animals do get treats we give pumpkins tothe elephants, andthe pygmy hippos and some of the other animals… and here in the Great Ape House they get some treats as well.” And the kids get to act like animals.But the most important thing about Halloweenis that everyone has some fun getting a little bit scared.
