October is fast approaching. Kids everywhere are getting ready to dress up in their spookiest costumes, go trick or treating for candies or play Halloween games for kids. But have you ever wondered why we celebrate Halloween on October 31st? Well, get ready for a fun and educational journey as we dive into the history of this spooktacular holiday!
Halloween originates from the ancient Celtic festival of “Samhain”(pronounced SAH-win), which dates back more than 2,000 years. The Celtic tribes (circa 500 BC), known today as the Irish, Scottish and Welsh, celebrated Samhain.
The Celts worshipped nature and held a belief in the afterlife. Their primary god was the sun, and they celebrated two festivals that revolved around it: Beltane to honor the start of summer and Samhain or Saman to celebrate the beginning of winter. They celebrated Samhain at the end of October to mark the end of the harvest season. It was a time to gather crops and prepare for the cold months ahead.
The Celts believed that at the end of the summer, Samhain, the lord of death gains strength and overcomes the sun god. Samhain gathers all the evil spirits who had passed away the previous year and allows them to go back to their homes to visit those who are still alive on October 31. Spooky, right? (Source: Wikipedia)
One of the most intriguing beliefs of the Celts was that on the night of Samhain, the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred. They thought that the spirits of the deceased would return to Earth to cause mischief. To ward off these mischievous spirits, adults and kids would perform Halloween activities like light bonfires and dress in scary costumes, like animal skins and masks. They also left food and treats outside their homes to please these spirits and prevent them from causing harm.
The Roman Empire had conquered most Celtic lands by the 1st century AD. With the spread of Christianity, the Church decided to Christianize many pagan/Celtic festivals, including Samhain. They introduced “All Saints’ Day” on November 1st to honor saints and martyrs. The evening before became known as “All Hallows’ Eve,” which eventually evolved into our modern Halloween. (Source: Britannica Kids)
Now you might be wondering, why October 31st specifically? Well, the Celts believed that Samhain started at sunset on October 31st and ended at sunset on November 1st. So, it made perfect sense to celebrate the spooky festivities on the eve of the Celtic festival.
Halloween found its way to America in the 19th century. Irish, Welsh and Scottish immigrants brought their Halloween traditions to the United States of America. Over time, Halloween traditions got mixed up with American culture and turned into the Halloween we know today. This day became known as the day of costumes, candy and spooky fun for kids of all ages. Boo-tiful! Is it? Let’s learn more about how modern day Halloween is celebrated.
The tradition of going door to door asking for treats or “trick or treating,” has evolved over the centuries. It likely originated from the practice of leaving food for spirits during Samhain. This tradition was followed to appease the wandering spirits and keep them away from the people’s homes.
Trick or treating is a cherished Halloween tradition that hasn’t lost its charm. Kids, usually accompanied by parents or older siblings, don costumes and hit the streets in search of candy treasures. They go from house to house, ringing doorbells and shouting, “Trick or treat!” In return, kind hearted neighbors offer a variety of sweets, from chocolates to gummy bears.
Dressing up in costumes has evolved from the ancient beliefs of the Celts. They dressed up in animal skins and masks to disguise themselves as evil spirits or creatures to throw off the wandering spirits on October 31st, ‘All Hallow’s Eve’ or ‘Halloween.’ Similarly, in popular culture, people dress up in costumes to celebrate those old traditions observed by the Celts.
From witches and wizards to superheroes and princesses, the possibilities are endless! Kids and adults alike get creative, transforming themselves into characters from their wildest imaginations. Whether you’re going door to door for treats or attending a spooky party, dressing up is a must.
The Celtics/ Europeans lit bonfires in older times to ward off evil spirits away from their homes. They would gather near big stone circles where they made sacrifices or beneath an oak grove. In order to ensure that the sun emerged after the winter, the priests would build a large fire and make sacrifices to Samhain. All fires were put out during the night, with the exception of the Samhain sacrifice fire. The sacrificial fire was kept burning all night long during the so-called Vigil of Samhain. The next morning, flames from this fire were used to light the fires in each household.
Whereas in modern day cultures, Halloween wouldn’t be the same without eerie decorations. Front yards are transformed into spooky graveyards, complete with tombstones and skeletons. Cobwebs drape over doorways, and pumpkins are carved into grinning jack o’ lanterns. Some houses even go all out with synchronized light displays, creating hauntingly beautiful spectacles for all to enjoy.
Speaking of pumpkins, carving them is an essential Halloween tradition. Families gather around the kitchen table, armed with sharp knives and big ideas. From traditional spooky faces to intricate designs, pumpkin carving allows everyone to showcase their artistic talents. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to bond with loved ones and carve the mighty jack o’ lanterns. One of the popular Halloween activities created for families and kids.
Halloween parties are another highlight of the season. Friends and family come together to celebrate in style. Costumes are a must, and so are themed decorations, spooky music and of course, delicious treats. It’s a chance to dance, laugh and make unforgettable memories. This is the time to outshine yourselves and plan awesome Halloween games for kids and adults.
For those seeking a good scare, haunted houses and mazes are aplenty. These attractions are designed to give you goosebumps and make you scream with delight. Actors in creepy costumes lurk in the shadows, ready to startle the bravest souls. It’s all in good fun, but be prepared for a spine-tingling adventure!
Let’s not forget the star of the show – candy! Halloween is the ultimate sweet tooth’s dream. Candy corn, chocolate bars, gummy worms, and more fill trick or treat bags to the brim. Some people even go all out, decorating their houses as candy wonderlands, so you can satisfy your sugar cravings while enjoying the spooky sights.
So there you have it, the fascinating history of why we celebrate Halloween on October 31st! It’s a spooktacular blend of ancient Celtic customs, Christian traditions, and a whole lot of fun. Whether you’re going as a spooky ghost, a wicked witch, or your favorite superhero, Halloween is all about celebrating the mysterious, the magical, and the slightly eerie.
So get ready to don your costumes, light up those jack-o’-lanterns, and enjoy the treats this Halloween. And remember, when you ask, “Why October 31st?” you’ll know it’s because of centuries of history, culture, and a dash of spooky magic!
Talking about such fantastic traditions, we have some spooktacular Halloween themed educational games for your kids at SKIDOS. Your kids can enjoy some of our games with a Free SKIDOS Pass Trial. Once the trial is up, get a SKIDOS Pass to enjoy 40+ learning games that have a little bit of Halloween magic in each of them. With 1000+ activities, 250+ educational videos, 25 online games (added bonus) and more, they will be ready to have some fun spooky fun this Halloween! Every month, our beloved team of experts add new updates to our games to keep them exciting and engaging for your little ones.
Want to know more about fun Halloween games and activities for your kids? Head over to our social media community and YouTube channel for more information.
Happy Halloween, everyone! 🎃👻🍬
© 2024 SKIDOS.
