Halloween History and Traditions
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Halloween History and Traditions
A short history
More than 2,000 years ago, Celtic communities in parts of Europe marked Samhain (pronounced sow-in), a seasonal festival at the end of harvest and the beginning of winter. Later Christian observances included All Saints’ Day on 1 November. The evening before became known as All Hallows’ Eve, shortened over time to Halloween. The customs people associate with Halloween developed over many centuries; they did not all begin at the same time. In the 1800s, many people from Ireland and Scotland moved to North America and brought traditions with them. In the United States, pumpkin carving became a popular custom. Today, Halloween is observed in different ways around the world. In Aotearoa New Zealand, some people go trick-or-treating, dress up or attend parties, while others do not celebrate it. Customs vary between families and communities.
Read, connect and think
Use the history above to answer questions about change, continuity and how traditions travel.
- Samhain
- Matariki
- Lunar New Year
- Midsummer
- Samhain
- All Saints’ Day
- Pumpkin carving
- B. Became a popular custom in the United States
- A. Observed on 1 November
- C. A seasonal festival at the end of harvest and beginning of winter
- Halloween traditions have changed and spread over time.
- Halloween has always been celebrated in exactly the same way.
- Everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand celebrates Halloween.
- Pumpkin carving began with the ancient Celts.
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