Dive into Halloween history for kids to unravel myths and superstition! It’s the time of the year when the dead rise again and Jack-O-Lanterns are carved to ward off evil spirits. But the story behind Halloween still remains a mystery to many of us.
This kid-friendly guide will delve into history of Halloween, popular legends and Halloween fun facts to make this spooky holiday all the more fun!
Halloween History & Origins For Kids
Halloween or Allhalloween or All Hallows’ Eve, or All Saints’ Eve, is observed every year on October 31 – on the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows’ Day, also known as All Saints’ Day.
It is believed Halloween originated nearly 2000 years ago from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced ‘sow-in’ in Gaelic language) of meaning ‘Summer’s End’ and was celebrated the end of harvest season. The holiday started in the region which now comprises of the United Kingdom, Ireland and Northern France.
The Celtics believed that the boundaries between world of the living and the dead become blurred, allowing spirits to pass through and come back to life and damage their crops.
Places were hence set at the dinner table to appease and welcome the spirits. Huge bonfires were lit and crop & animal were made to appease the dead and the Celtic Gods. It is believed that the Celts wore costumes made of animal skin & head to celebrate the occasion.
Quick Tip: Throw in some silly Halloween Jokes For Kids to add spooky humor!
How Halloween Evolved
Around 43 A.D, with Romans gaining control of the Celtic lands, the festival of Samhain merged with two Roman festivals Feralia & Pomona. Feralia observed passing of the dead while the latter honoured the Roman goddess of fruits & tress Pomona.
Fun Fact: The symbol of Pomona is an apple. The game of Apple bobbing on Halloween perhaps explains this blending in on festivals.
Later around 8th century, 1st November was set as All Saints’ Day to honour saints by the church and the night before became All Hallows’ Eve.Gradually, Christian influence spread to Celtic lands around the 9th Century and the Church blended with Celtic traditions to pave the way for modern day Halloween.
Around 10th century, the church designated 2nd November as “All Souls’ Day” to honour the dead. Much like Celtic Pagan festival of Samhain, bonfires were lit and costumes were worn.
A day before All Souls Day was All Saints’ Day, also known as All-Hallows. With time the night before – All Hallows’ Eve, which was linked to the Celtic Samhain festival eventually came to be known as Halloween!
The holiday over time merged the boundaries of Celtic, Roman and Christian traditions. In 1800’s travelled to America, with Irish and Scottish immigrants, where it became a popular holiday.
Today it is best known for children donning costumes & masks to scare others and collect treats.Whatever may be the Halloween origins (or reason!), it is now synonymous with scary, silly pranks, pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating.
Why Do We Carve Jack-o’-Lanterns?
Pumpkin carving is uniquely associated with Halloween. So much that it is impossible to think about Halloween without envisioning a carved pumpkin. A must in the Halloween décor, the tradition of carving a pumpkin has a spooky story behind it.
According to Irish folklore, a drunk farmer named ‘Stingy Jack’ was refused entry in both heaven and hell after his demise. Lost in darkness, he carved a lantern out of a turnip to guide his soul.
The Irish, thus, placed these carved lanterns outside their houses to guide lost souls wandering during this time. That’s how the tradition of making ‘Jack O’ Lantern’ came into being. But that was in Ireland, where mostly turnips and potatoes were used to carve out lanterns.
Pumpkin was popularised in America, when the Irish immigrants bought the tradition of vegetable carving with them. Pumpkins, being in plenty at the time of Halloween, soon became a popular choice when potato famine of 1845-1852 hit. Today, pumpkins are distinctly associated with Jack O’ Lantern and Halloween!
Related: Test your newly acquired knowledge with Halloween Trivia.
Halloween Fun Facts For Kids
Halloween is celebrated in many countries around the world, each one having its own Halloween traditions. Here are some of the weird Halloween traditions around the world that are sure to stupefy you:
Also check out 150+ Fun Facts for Kids for amazing, weird but true facts!
If a ring is found, it means that the person will soon be wed; a piece of straw means a prosperous year is on its way; a pea means the person will not marry that year; a stick means an unhappy marriage or dispute; a coin represents good fortune.
Quick Tip: Include Free Halloween Printable Activities for Kids to elevate the fun!
If you fancy top down approach, watch this Ultimate Halloween Quiz video that will have you covered with the history, traditions and everything under the sun about the holiday.