Halloween

1. Halloween PR-RKH Assembly Dydd Mercher 24 Hydref 2012

2. The Origins of Halloween In ancient times, winter was the season that was associated with hunger and death. Celts believed the last day of October marked the end of summer and November was the beginning of winter. So, they celebrated the eve of New Year on October 31, of each year, with a festival called "Samhain". This festival was presided by Celtic priests called Druids. Celts also believed the spirits of the dead would visit them. Therefore, they left delicious food and drinks on the front porch for the spirits. With the spreading of Christianity, November 1st of every year, is celebrated as "All Saint's Day". The eve of November 1st, is known as "All Hakkiwe'en" or "Halloween".

3. The Origins of Halloween Halloween was also celebrated during Roman times. They worshipped various gods and on the 31st of October, a special feast was arranged in honour of the goddess of the fruit trees, Pomona. An apple is the symbol of Pomona, so perhaps this is the origin of the tradition of bobbing for apples: whoever bit into an apple first, would be married first the next year!

4. Why we wear Costumes at Halloween Many, many years ago, in times past, adults began dressing in elaborate costumes for Halloween parties, also known as Masquerade parties, long before it became an annual event for children. Dressing up in Halloween costumes is a recent tradition that developed in the twentieth century. The first store bought Halloween costumes were not available before the 1930's People wear costumes because they want to scare off bad spirits, but that is just an old myth that people just started to follow.

5. Where did Trick or Treating come from? Trick-or-treating was thought of hundreds of years ago in Ireland. An old Irish peasant practice called for farmers to go around nearby houses. They begged for food, such as bread cake, cheese, eggs, butter, nuts and apples in the name of their gods. This food was then used at the Halloween celebration in their village. People who refused to give food would be replied to with "You treat me, or else I will trick you.“

6. Halloween in other countries Austria In Austria, some people will leave bread, water and a lighted lamp on the table before retiring on Halloween night. It was once believed that these would welcome the dead souls back to earth on a night that Austrians considered to be magical. Belgium The Belgians believe that it is unlucky for a black cat to cross one's path and also unlucky if it should enter a home or travel on a ship. The custom in Belgium on Halloween night is to light candles in memory of dead relatives. Canada Modern Halloween celebrations in Canada began with the arrival of Scottish and Irish immigrants in the 1800s. Jack O'Lanterns are carved and the festivities include parties, trick-or-treating and the decorating of homes with pumpkins and corn stalks.

7. Halloween in other countries China In China, the Halloween festival is known as Teng Chieh. Food and water are placed in front of photographs of family members who have departed while bonfires and lanterns are lit in order to light the paths of the spirits as they travel the earth on Halloween night. Worshippers in Buddhist temples fashion "boats of the law" from paper, some of which are very large, which are then burned in the evening hours. The purpose of this custom is twofold: as a remembrance of the dead and in order to free the spirits of the "pretas" in order that they might ascend to heaven. Czechoslovakia In Czechoslovakia, chairs are placed by the fireside on Halloween night. There is one chair for each living family member and one for each family member's spirit.

8. Halloween in other countries Germany In Germany, the people put away their knives on Halloween night. The reason for this is because they do not want to risk harm to (or from) the returning spirits. Hong Kong The Halloween celebration in Hong Kong is known as "Yue Lan" (Festival of the Hungry Ghosts) and is a time when it is believed that spirits roam the world for twenty-four hours. Some people burn pictures of fruit or money at this time, believing these images would reach the spirit world and bring comfort to the ghosts.

9. Halloween in other countries Korea In Korea, the festival similar to Halloween is known as "Chusok." It is at this time that families thank their ancestors for the fruits of their labor. The family pays respect to these ancestors by visiting their tombs and making offerings of rice and fruits. The "Chusok" festival takes place in the month of August. Sweden In Sweden, Halloween is known as "Alla Helgons Dag" and is celebrated from October 31 until November 6. As with many other holidays, "Alla Helgons Dag" has an eve which is either celebrated or becomes a shortened working day. The Friday prior to All Saint's Day is a short day for universities while school-age children are given a day of vacation.

10. Some tips for Halloween • The elderly are likely to be especially vulnerable on Halloween. If you have an elderly relative or neighbour who would otherwise be alone on Halloween, consider inviting them round for part of the evening, or pop around to them, so that they do not have to deal with being hassled or frightened. • Respect people’s privacy and avoid homes with ‘Do not Disturb signs.

11. Some Tips for Halloween: Here is a video about the story of an elderly man locally who has been a victim of anti-social behaiviour, posted by gwent police to raise awareness of halloween: http://www.youtube.com/user/gwentpolice?feature=watch

12. Time for a quick quiz …

13. Who first celebrated Halloween? • The Victorians • The Christians • The Tudors • The Celts

14. Who first celebrated Halloween? • The Victorians • The Christians • The Tudors • The Celts

15. What do we traditionally ‘bob’ for at Halloween? • carrots • apples • fish • pumpkin

16. What do we traditionally ‘bob’ for at Halloween? • carrots • apples • fish • pumpkin

17. Do pumpkins grow on… • a tree • a stalk • a vine • an underground stem

18. Do pumpkins grow on… • a tree • a stalk • a vine • an underground stem

19. In Scotland, what vegetable is traditionally carved to make a lantern? • potato • turnip • melon • carrot

20. In Scotland, what vegetable is traditionally carved to make a lantern? • potato • turnip • melon • carrot

21. In stories, witches usually fly through the air by riding on a? • surfboard • broomstick • magic carpet • dragon

22. In stories, witches usually fly through the air by riding on a? • surfboard • broomstick • magic carpet • dragon

23. A male witch is called a… • morlock • warlock • man witch • sorceror

24. A male witch is called a… • morlock • warlock • man witch • sorceror

25. Why were people given ‘soul cakes’? • because they were hungry • to go to church • to pray for the relatives of the wealthy • because they had no bread

26. Why were people given ‘soul cakes’? • because they were hungry • to go to church • to pray for the relatives of the wealthy • because they had no bread

27. Pryderi House Prayer Give me the courage to make the right choices and the resilience to keep on trying. May your faith support you.

28. Thank you for listening