Have you marked your calendars for October 31st for a spooky, fun-filled night? Halloween is a holiday celebrated throughout the world on October 31st every year. The tradition of this holiday began 2,000 years ago with the Celts, marking it as an ancient holiday.
Halloween History for Kids
Where Did Halloween Originate From?
- You probably didn’t know but Halloween originated from Samhain.
- Samhain is celebrated at the end of summer which is considered the end of the harvest season.
- It was first observed by the Celtic Pagans as it marked the Celtic new year.
- When Christianity began to spread in Celtic lands, Pagan and Christian traditions began to blend.
- Which led to The Catholic Church establishing November 1st as “All Saints’ Day”.
- On November 2nd “All Souls’ Day” was established. This strategically placed it near Samhain.
- Christianity eventually blended and adapted Samhain traditions.
How Did Halloween Become a Modern Holiday?
The tradition of Halloween began long ago but many factors have changed along with time. During the time of “All saints day” and “All souls day”, poor people went to richer households asking for food and praying for the homeowners dead family. The tradition was soon picked up by children who asked for food or candy and that began the history of trick or treating.
The History of Trick-or-Treating
Speaking of traditions, modern day trick-or-treating is defined as people (mostly children) going door to door asking for candy or sweet treats. The tradition has ancient roots.
- Trick or treatings origin traces back to the 16th century to Ireland and Scotland.
- This tradition has its roots from medieval Christian times.
- This activity is called “guising” in Ireland and Scotland.
- The phrase “Trick or Treat” actually began in Canada around the 1900’s.
Halloween Around the World
Halloween is celebrated throughout the world, but every country has different traditions like:
- Latin America:
In Latin America, Halloween is celebrated differently as a 3 day celebration begins from the night of October 31, it is known as “Day of the Dead”. These days are celebrated to honour the dead who are believed to return to earth during this time. People create an altar with food, candy and flowers to welcome back their loved ones’ souls.
- Ireland
In Ireland Halloween is celebrated similarly to how it is in the United States. Children go trick or treating, adults hold parties and in rural areas bonfires are lit as well. Did you know Halloween originated in Ireland?
- Japan
Halloween follows different traditions in Japan, instead trick or treating is ditched and people focus on creating eye-catching costumes. Events like flash mobs and zombie runs are a center of attention in Japan and public spaces like trains follow a scary Halloween theme.
Easy Halloween Activities for Kids
Here are some Halloween activities that kids can be a part of:
- Apple bobbing: you can try grabbing apples with your teeth from a bucket full of water. This activity is called apple bobbing.
- Trick or treating: You and your friends can dress up as characters and go door to door asking for candy by joyously saying “Trick or Treat”.
- Halloween makeup: You can always paint your face into a character with a skin friendly paint, you can do this with your friends and family as well.
- Escape rooms: with Halloween’s spooky spirit kids can try solving escape rooms in a controlled and safe environment.
- Pumpkin carving: Pumpkin carving history has its origin from an Irish myth. You can also be a part of this activity by carving scary characters into pumpkins safely with your family.
- Watch scary movies: Halloween seems to be the perfect time to binge watch animated scary movies like:
- The Nightmare Before Christmas released in 1993
- Monster House released in 2006
- Coraline released in 2009
- ParaNorman released in 2012
- Hotel Transylvania released in 2012
It is vital that these activities are performed with adult supervision
Conclusion – Why Do We Celebrate Halloween Today?
Halloween is celebrated throughout the world in different ways. It unites many people under one holiday and is a fun activity to remember and appreciate ancient activities that still live on.
Fun Facts About Halloween for Kids
- Did you know candy corn existed since the 1880s?
- Can you imagine people carving turnips instead of pumpkins on Halloween? Before the use of pumpkins it was tradition to use turnips for carving.
- Fun fact, trick or treating existed since the medieval times.
- The world’s largest Halloween parade takes place in New York City.
- Halloween has been celebrated for 2,000 years!
- Did you know the fear of Halloween is called Samhainophobia?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Halloween originally?
Halloween began 2,000 years ago as a tradition to ward off ghosts.
What is apple bobbing?
Apple bobbing is an activity that is done on Halloween where a tub of water is filled with apples that players are supposed to grab with their teeth.
What can you do with scraps left from pumpkin carving?
You don’t have to throw away the scraps and inside of the pumpkin after carving, instead you can make delicious pumpkin cookies, pancakes, muffins and even soup.
Why are black cats associated with the holiday of Halloween?
It was common belief that a fairy creature that looked similar to a large black cat would bless the house that left it a bowl of milk and curse the house that didn’t. This is where the association of black cats and Halloween began.
External Links
History.com – Halloween 2024: Origins, Traditions & Facts
National Geographic – The surprising origins of Halloween traditions
Smithsonian Magazine – The History of Trick-or-Treating
Day of the Dead vs. Halloween – National Geographic
Irish Central – Halloween’s Irish Origins
