Have
you ever wondered how important is it to let kids know something
about the history of Halloween? The Halloween history dates
back to the time when ancient Celtic people used to worship
and celebrate Samhain
– the end of Summer. It all started in what is now known as France
and Britain by those Celtic people, who celebrated the night of
October 31st until sundown November 1st - the beginning of Celtic
new year and the time spirits and witches come out to play. It
is known that the Celtic priests (Druids) held the fire rituals
and bonfire dances.
Why
on October 31st? This is because they believed that the spirits
were allowed to roam free on this particular night and they
became wild and powerful on this night. So they thought that
the spirits should be treated right. Some of those spirits
were evil so the Celts made jack-o-laterns made from carving
turnips and gourds. They didn't have pumpkins in Europe. The
Celtic people dressed up with spooky costumes during the Samhain
festival, because they wanted to frighten the spirits and by
this the spirits wouldn't be able to recognize them as 'humans'.
When
you know about what happened in the ancient times, Halloween
history seems really fascinating. Dr. Carl Sagan -- the American
astronomer, writer and scientist (1934 – 1996) said “I worry
that, especially as the Millennium edges nearer, pseudo-science
and superstition will seem year by year more tempting, the
siren song of unreason more sonorous and attractive.” History
of Halloween is a real fascinating story and it'll make kids
appreciate more. It is really important to let today's kids
know the origin of Halloween and letting them take part in
the celebration that has been treasured for centuries.
Knowing
and letting the kids know the history of Halloween should be
an eye-opener for the present generation, as it can help them
understand what to believe and what not to. This is because
the story of Halloween's origin has been a real mystery for
centuries and has been confusing people throughout the world.
If really there was a Power called God, He would never claim
innocent lives like the way the Druids used to do. |