Halloween Origins

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For years now, you have heard about this strange Western holiday called "Halloween". It appears in tv shows and movies. You know it involves costumes and candy. You have even discussed several Halloween words with your teacher. But, how did it start? Why do children wear costumes? Why do people think October 31st is a scary night? Read to find out!

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Halloween History

Halloween's origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter -  a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31 they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. In addition to causing trouble and damaging crops, the ghosts made it easier for the Druids (Celtic priests) to predict the future. These prophecies, or fortunes, were comforting, during the long, dark winter.

To celebrate the event, the Druids built large bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals. During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes of animal heads and skins, and told each other's fortunes. When the celebration was over, they lit their house fires from the bonfire to help protect them during the coming winter.

 

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Questions:
1. What was the original name of the Halloween festival?
2. Where was Samhein originally celebrated?
3. Who celebrated Samhein?
4. What were the Celtic priests called?
5. Why was the festival held on October 31st?
6. What kinds of costumes did the Celtics wear during the festival?
7. Name something important that was part of the festival.
8. CHALLENGE QUESTION: According to Halloween legend, October 31st is the one night of the year when the dead can walk the earth, as the separation between life and death is at its thinnest. Why do you think this was?

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