presentation halloween

Halloween

(according to a Kiwi)

What is ´Halloween´?It is a holiday celebrated by children and adults all around the world on the night of October 31st.

Where did it come from?It originated from the Samhain Festival of the Ancient Celts in Ireland approx. 2000 years ago. It is also called ´Summer´s End´ because it was a celebration of the end of summer and the harvest season.

Saman: Lord of DeathThe Ancient Celts also believed that on the night of October 31st the border between the dead and the living worlds disappeared and that Saman, Lord of Death, would give the spirits afterlife if they repossessed a body.

Bones and masksPeople used to burn bones on bonfires as a way of bribing Saman (nowadays we roast marshmallows on bonfires instead) and they would wear masks and costumes to mimic evil spirits.

Halloween in NZHalloween has not always been a popular celebration. It is mostly for kids but anyone can join in! It has no religious or national significance in NZ, it is more American. For Kiwis it is about having fun and being together!

Trick or Treat?! What does it mean NOW?

The children who say ´Trick or Treat?!´ want you to give them treats, but if you don´t, they might play a trick on you or your house!

Kiwi kids love to celebrate Halloween!

Halloween is more popular in NZ nowadays. Children love to dress up as ghosts, witches, vampires, pirates, werewolves and fairies and go ´trick or treating´ and visit ´haunted houses´ together.

Teenagers and adults can celebrate

too!Teenagers and adults don´t go ´trick or treating´ but they like to dress up and go to parties with their friends.

Bonfires and roasted

marshmallowsWe don´t carve pumpkins or burn bones, but we do like to roast marshmallows on bonfires!

Haunted HousesSome people like to decorate their houses like haunted houses and they invite neighbours and children to come for a fright!

School GalasSome primary schools in NZ celebrate Halloween by holding a School Gala. The children decorate a classroom like a haunted house for everyone to visit. There are stalls, face-painting, candyfloss and toffee apples. Even the teachers dress up! All fun and games!

By the New Zealander/KiwiNatalie Kemp

Cultural Language Assistant at I.E.S. La Rosaleda, 2011-2012