BOO! By RodriguezUC

The Celts Kingdom were the first ones to have a tradition related to Halloween. They had a celebration at the end of October, which they called called "Samhain," a festival to recognize the end of summer. This holiday was also commonly referred to as "All Hollows" Eve. In celebration of the recently completed harvest, Celts gave offerings of food to the Gods. They often went from door to door to collect food to donate to their deities. The focus of Halloween has changed in USA. It is seen as a ¨get-together.´ In fact, many Halloween Parties are planned in neighborhoods or clubs. Colombia has called this day ¨Children´s day¨ what gives children the importance to enjoy this day.
Halloween is not an official holiday in the US or Colombia. However, children and adults enjoy this time and make the most of it. The three most common traditions are costumes, pumpkins, and ¨Trick -or- treat¨. Children and adults wear not only spooky costumes but also fairy tales, tv characters or period costumes. Children accompanied by an adult go from door to door saying¨Trick or treat!¨ people give treats to the children so they avoid any trick. The last tradition is the pumpkin. Families carve faces into pumpkins and illuminate them with a candle. These pumpkins have their origin back in Britain when ´jack-o- lanters were believed to scare evil spirits.
How to make a Jack – o- Lantern.

1. Carving the pumpkin

2. Step 1
Mark the features on the pumpkin using a pen or pencil. Draw them slightly smaller then you want them to be.
3. Step 2
Cut the top off. Put the knife or carving tool all the way through the shell into the pumpkin. Saw a clean circle around the stem and lift off.
4. Step 3
Clean the pumpkin. Discard the seeds and sticky interior. Make sure the inside of the face area is free of clinging tissue.
5. Step 4
Cut the face. For each feature, push the knife or carving tool through, then cut on the line until the piece comes out.
6. Step 5
Clear away the rough edges.
7. Light up the candle or turn on the light. You can either put a little candle or a battery operated light inside the pumpkin to create the pumpkin glow.
The following information was taken from :
http://www.novareinna.com/festive/world.html and it explains how the Halloween tradition is celebrated around the world.

As one of the world's oldest holidays, Halloween is still celebrated today in several countries around the globe, but it is in North America and Canada that it maintains its highest level of popularity. Every year, 65% of Americans decorate their homes and offices for Halloween...a percentage exceeded only by Christmas. Halloween is the holiday when the most candy is sold and is second only to Christmas in terms of total sales.
Austria
In Austria, some people will leave bread, water and a lighted lamp on the table before retiring on Halloween night. The reason for this is because it was once believed such items would welcome the dead souls back to earth on a night which for the Austrians was considered to be brimming with strong cosmic energies.
Belgium
The Belgians believe that it is unlucky for a black cat to cross once's path and also ulucky if it should enter a home or travel on a ship. The custom in Belgium on Halloween night is to light candles in memory of dead relatives.
Canada
Modern Halloween celebrations in Canada began with the arrival of Scottish and Irish immigrants in the 1800s. Jack O'Lanterns are carved and the festivities include parties, trick-or-treating and the decorating of homes with pumpkins and corn stalks.
China
In China, the Halloween festival is known as Teng Chieh. Food and water are placed in front of photographs of family members who have departed while bondires and lanterns are lit in order to light the paths of the spirits as they travel the earth on Haloween night. Worshippers in Buddhist temples fashion "boats of the law" from paper, some of which are very large, which are then burned in the evening hours. The purpose of this custom is twofold: as a remembrance of the dead and in order to free the spirits of the "pretas" in order that they might ascend to heaven. "Pretas" are the spirits of those who died as a result of an accident or drowning and whose bodies were consequently never buried. The presence of "pretas" among the living is thought by the Chinese to be dangerous. Under the guidance of Buddhist temples, societies are formed to carry out ceremonies for the "pretas," which includes the lighting of lanterns. Monks are invited to recite sacred verses and offerings of fruit are presented.
Czechoslovakia
In Czechoslovakia, chairs are placed by the fireside on Halloween night. There is one chair for each living family member and one for each family member's spririt.
England
At one time, English children made "punkies" out of large beetroots, upon which they carved a design of their choice. Then, they would carry their "punkies" through the streets while singing the "Punkie Night Song" as they knocked on doors and asked for money. In some rural areas, turnip lanterns were placed on gateposts to protect homes from the spirits who roamed on Halloween night. Another custom was to toss objects such as stones, vegetables and nuts into a bonfire to frighten away the spirits. These symbolic sacrifices were also employed as fortune-telling tools. If a pebble thrown into the flames at night was no longer visible in the morning, then it was believed that the person who tossed the pebble would not survive another year. If nuts tossed into the blaze by young lovers then exploded, it signified a quarrelsome marriage. For the most part however, the English ceased celebrating Halloween with the spread of Martin Luther's Protestant Reformation. Since followers of the new religion did not believe in Saints, they saw no reason to celebrate the Eve of All Saints' Day. However, in recent years, the American "trick or treating" custom, together with the donning of costumes for going door-to-door, has become a relatively popular pasttime among English children at Halloween, although many of the adults (particularly the older generations) have little idea as to why they are being asked for sweets and are usually ill-prepared to accommodate their small and hopeful callers.
France
Unlike most nations of the world, Halloween is not celebrated by the French in order to honor the dead and departed ancestors. It is regarded as an "American" holiday in France and was virtually unknown in the country until around 1996.
Germany
In Germany, the people put away their knives on Halloween night. The reason for this is because they do not want to risk harm befalling the returning spirits.
Hong Kong
The Halloween celebration in Hong Kong is known as "Yue Lan" (Festival of the Hungry Ghosts) and is a time when it is believed that spirits roam the world for twenty-four hours. Some people burn pictures of fruit or money at this time, believing these images would reach the spirit world and bring comfort to the ghosts.
Ireland
In Ireland, believed to be the birthplace of Halloween, the tradition is still celebrated as much as it is in the United States. In rural areas, bonfires are lit as they were in the days of the Celts and children dress up in costumes to spend the evening "trick-or-treating" in their neighborhoods. After the visiting, most people attend parties with neighbors and friends. At these parties, many games are played, including "snap-apple," in which an apple on a string is tied to a doorframe or tree, and players attempt to take a bite out of the suspended apple. In addition to bobbing for apples, parents often arrange treasure hunts with sweets or pastries as the "treasure." The Irish also play a card game where cards are laid face-down on a table with sweets or coins beneath them. When a child selects a card, he or she receives whatever prize might be found there. A traditional food is eaten on Halloween called "barnbrack." This is a type of fruitcake which can be baked at home or store-bought. A muslin-wrapped treat is baked inside the cake which, so it is said, can foretell the future of the one who finds it. If the prize is a ring, then that person will soon be wed and a piece of straw means a prosperous year is forthcoming. Children are also known to play tricks upon their neighbors on Halloween night. One of which is known as "knock-a-dolly," where children knock on the doors of their neighbors but then run away before the door is opened.
Japan
The Japanese celebrate the "Obon Festival" (also known as "Matsuri" or "Urabon") which is similar to Halloween festivities in that it is dedicated to the spirits of ancestors. Special foods are prepared and bright red lanterns are hung everywhere. Candles are lit and placed into lanterns which are then set afloat on rivers and seas. During the "Obon Festival," a fire is lit every night in order to show the ancestors where their families might be found. "Obon" is one of the wo main occasions during the Japanese year when the dead are believed to return to their birthplaces. Memorial stones are cleaned and community dances performed. The "Obon Festival" takes place during July or August.
Korea
In Korea, the festival similar to Halloween is known as "Chusok." It is at this time that families thank their ancestors for the fruits of their labor. The family pays respect to these ancestors by visiting their tombs and making offerings of rice and fruits. The "Chusok" festival takes place in the month of August.
Mexico, Latin America And Spain
Among Spanish-speaking nations, Halloween is known as "El Dia de los Muertos." It is a joyous and happy holiday...a time to remember friends and family who have died. Officially commemorated on November 2 (All Souls' Day), the three-day celebration actually begins on the evening of October 31. Designed to honor the dead who are believed to return to their homes on Halloween, many families construct an altar in their home and decorate it with candy, flowers, photographs, fresh water and samples of the deceased's favorite foods and drinks. Frequently, a basin and towel are left out in order that the spirit can wash prior to indulging in the feast. Candles are incense are burned to help the departed find his or her way home. Relatives also tidy the gravesites of deceased family members, including snipping weeds, making repairs and painting. The grave is then adorned with flowers, wreaths or paper streamers. Often, a live person is placed inside a coffine which is then paraded through the streets while vendors toss fruit, flowers and candies into the casket. On November 2, relatives gather at the gravesite to picnic and reminisce. Some of these gatherings may even include tequila and a mariachi band although American Halloween customs are gradually taking over this celebration. In Mexico during the Autumn, countless numbers of Monarch butterflies return to the shelter of Mexico's oyamel fir trees. It was the belief of the Aztecs that these butterflies bore the spirits of dead ancestors.
Sweden
In Sweden, Halloween is known as "Alla Helgons Dag" and is celebrated from October 31 until November 6. As with many other holidays, "Alla Helgons Dag" has an eve which is either celebrated or becomes a shortened working day. The Friday prior to All Saint's Day is a short day for universities while school-age children are given a day of vacation.

YOUR TURN!
1. The following web sites have Halloween quizzes. Test yourself!
http://parentingteens.about.com/library/sp/quiz/halloween/blhalloween_quiz.htm
http://www.theholidayspot.com/halloween/quiz.htm
2. What are you doing for Halloween day?
3. Write a spooky story. Share it with your class.

IT IS MY BELIEF THAT......!

IT IS MY BELIEF THAT…!

Second Midterm Exams

Students need to study for their exams! From October 13th until October 17th Languages students will take their second midterm exams. If students need help, they can attend tutoring sessions or ask for extra materials to review.

Tuesday the 13th

Tuesday the 13th is the best day ever! This month is our second Tuesday 13th in the year. Many people believe this day means bad luck. The origin goes back to Greek times. Greeks used to believe Tuesday was a bad day and 13 was a great number. However, by having Tuesday and 13 together, it will be an unlucky day. In Christianity, 13 is linked to Judas, the 13th apostle. Another reference notes that the Antichrist appears in chapter 13 of the Apocalypse in the Bible, and that Adam ate the apple on a Tuesday. In some other countries, Friday the 13th has been considered an unlucky day to begin projects. It does not matter if it is Friday or Tuesday 13th, the truth is that many people are affected by a fear of these days. Tuesday, or Martes which takes its name from Mars, the God of War. Anglo-saxon tradition took on Friday for the religious commemoration of Good, aka "Killer", Friday. Killer or War, everything depends on where you are and what you believe.

Colors
Colors matter! Symbolism of colors varies from culture to culture. People need to understand those differences to avoid mistakes when interacting with others. Although colors are the same, people´s reactions are different. As a result, the effects of colors can be categorized in two groups: natural associations and cultural associations.

Colors may have both positive and negative symbolism. For example, although green is the beautiful color of nature, it can be symbolic of good luck. In fact, Saint Patrick´s color is green. Red is another example of dual symbolism. On one hand, as the color of blood, it is an energizing and aggressive color. In contrast, red expresses passion and love. Psychological or Cultural Associations everything depends on our country of origin. The following website provides the meaning of colors in different cultures:
http://webdesign.about.com/od/color/a/bl_colorculture.htm

Red
China: Good luck, celebration, summoning
Cherokees: Success, triumph
India: Purity
South Africa: Color of mourning
Russia: Bolsheviks and Communism
Eastern: Worn by brides
Western: Excitement, danger, love, passion, stop, Christmas (with green)
Orange
Ireland: Religious (Protestants)
Western: Halloween (with black), creativity, autumn
Yellow
China: Nourishing
Egypt: Color of mourning
Japan: Courage
India: Merchants
Western: Hope, hazards, coward
Green
China: Green hats indicate a man's wife is cheating on him, exorcism
India: Islam
Ireland: Symbol of the entire country
Western: Spring, new birth, go, Saint Patrick's Day, Christmas (with red)
Blue
Cherokees: Defeat, trouble
Iran: Color of heaven and spirituality
Western: Depression, sadness, conservative, corporate, "something blue" bridal tradition
Purple
Thailand: Color of mourning (widows)
Western: Royalty
White
Japan: White carnation symbolizes death
Eastern: Funerals
Western: Brides, angels, good guys, hospitals, doctors, peace (white dove)
Black
China: Color for young boys
Western: Funerals, death, Halloween (with orange), bad guys, rebellion


YOUR TURN!

The following are songs with colors in the title. Choose one, listen to it and talk to your classmates about its message and the meaning of the colors:

Purple Rain - Prince
Red Light – U2
Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley
Black Keys – The Jonas Brothers
Yellow Submarine – The Beatles
Yellow – Coldplay
Paint It Black – The Rolling Stones
Pink Cadillac – Bruce Springsteen
Baby Blue- The Dave Matthews Band
Ballad of the Boy in the Red Shoes – Elton John
Behind Blue Eyes – The Who
Big Yellow Taxi – Joni Mitchell
Crabsody in Blue – AC/DC
White Man- Queen

How do you say ------? Study the following chart.

Sharing portfolios (1)

Language students at Universidad Central have the opportunity to practice their language skills by writing portfolios. Last August, first and second semester students wrote their perceptions about the photograph exhibition at UCentral. Students wrote a first draft, then teachers proofread and provided some feedback, finally students wrote a final draft. These portfolios were the first ones of a series of papers students have been writing during the semester.
Our blog today has the first paper some of these students wrote. At the end of the semester other portfolios will be shared so that our readers can see the improvement in this skill (writing. There may be some mistakes which have been addressed in each class.

Portfolio1

By. CAMPOS SAENZ
Central University had a photographic exhibition displaying approximately 33 pictures and 10 photographers. Some photographers were: Oscar Silva, Andres Diaz, Sergio A Medina, Alexander Vela, Lorena Urzola and Natalia Suarez. Some themes were: the children, the grandparents and the city.
The pictures that attracted my attention were: “Abuelos calle” by Alexander Vela, “Instantes de vida” by Sergio Medina and “Limpieza social” by Andres Diaz.The pictures were excellent and time of the exhibition.
I don`t like the time and the place, the place should be for example, “el Malecon”.

Central University had a photographic exhibition displaying approximately 33 pictures and 10 photographers. Some photographers were: Oscar Silva, Andres Diaz, Sergio A Medina, Alexander Vela, Lorena Urzola and Natalia Suarez. Some themes were: the children, the grandparents and the city.
The pictures that attracted my attention were: “Abuelos calle” by Alexander Vela, “Instantes de vida” by Sergio Medina and “Limpieza social” by Andres Diaz.The pictures were excellent and time of the exhibition.
I don`t like the time and the place, the place should be for example, “el Malecon”.


PORTFOLIO 2

By Sierra Páez

The exhibition began at 12:00 o’clock at the university. There were so many photographers such as Gerardo Botero, Johanna Bohorquez, Alfredo Morales, Maribel Murcia, Diego Sandoval, Mariana Guerrero, Camilo Herrera, Yessid Rojas, etc.; The Central themes were the childhood, old age. There were thirty three pictures.

In general my favourite pictures were: “Gabriela” and “Andrés Diaz”. They are beautiful and amazing; my suggestion is to change the size of photos because some pictures were small.

I think that the exhibition could be better.Some pictures were small and the place was noisy for this activity.


Photography
By. Guauque Dueñas

Central University, for two weeks had approximately 10 photographers, some of them were:

 Andres Diaz
 Sergio A. Medina.
 Oscar Silva.
 Alexander Vela
 Natalie Suarez.

Some central themes of the exhibition were: the children, the city, the nation, and the grandparents. In the exhibition there were approximately 33 photographs.

The most important highlight was the social subject and the picture that attracted my attention was “Limpieza Social” by Andres Diaz. For the exhibit I would like to change the location, the advertising and organization.

The exhibition is very good, but I prefer more advertising, better location and call more photographers and then take it to other places.

Photo Exhibition Review
By. Rojas Ávila

The past 14 of August I was in a photo exhibition at Central University. The photographers were Gerardo Botero, Johana Bohorquez, Maribel Murcia, William Castro and others. The central themes of the exhibition were kids, old people, and Indian people. There were a number of approximately 70 photos.

The photos of the kids that I saw was what I liked the most. The photographers are Vladimir Cordero, Diego Sandoval, Tatiana Sabogal and i liked too “Social Clean” by Andres Diaz.
I think one aspect to improve was the presentation of the photos, because some are dirty and written in pencil. The location of the exhibition was really good, but the illumination wasn’t the appropriate for that kind of cultural exhibition.

Finally the photos were very good, but the presentation of the photos was not. This type of exhibition helps to increase culture and people get interest in this kind of stuff rather than been on msn or drinking.

ADDED VALUES
By. GUERRERO MORENO
The photographic exhibition arises with the motive of exposing the works of the students who are in basic photography or in advertising photography; this exhibition is a permanent event of the Season of Art of the Central University, which is carried out from August three until August fourteen, the photos are exhibited in the corridors or the most frequent sites where the students and the guests are.
The central topics of this exhibition are the portrait, where they prove to be to us children, elders and aborigens, which express different emotional and daily experiences of his diary to live, another topic is that of landscapes, demonstrating natural beauty to the maximum and also another topic is that of the urban style showing an activity in the sport of the skaters, This exhibition has more or less fifty photos of the already mentioned topics.
The photos that I liked were some that base on the experiences of a few children and girls, where they express innocence and happiness, the topic of these photos is entitled to survive and they were taken by Jhoana Báez; other photos that I liked are some that show the action of the skaters in his table; since the photographer I plug the precise instant, achieving a so called technology frozen.
On having done an evaluation of the photographic exhibition, my recommendations are the following ones: In relation of the presentation of the photos to the public, some they are with a bit of dirt as the walls in which they are exhibited, some of the photos have low resolution in the image, and some of them exceed the digital retouch and others present bad composition and they were not in perfect conditions of cleanliness to show to a public.


YOUR TURN!

Do you like writing? Why?
Are you writing portfolios in your English class?

Write a portfolio about an event you recently attended?