THE HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN
In Room 21 we have been learning about “Celebrations Around The World” and the reasons why people celebrate them.
Long ago, Celtic people who lived in Ireland, Scotland and England celebrated their most important holiday on the 31st October. It was called Samhain (Sah-ween). The Celts believed that on this night people who died crossed over into the other world. The Celts lit bonfires to help the dead make their journey.
Many centuries later, the leader of the Catholic Church, The Pope, named November 1st All Saints, or All Hallows Day. “ Hallow” is the old word for “Saint. The night before All Hallows Day was called “All Hallows Eve”. This was shortened to “Halloween”.
Over the years more customs were added to celebrate Halloween. People put out food for wandering spirits, or ghosts and for other spooky creatures said to be about. Children and adults started dressing up as those creatures and doing tricks so they could get goodies.
In Room 21 we played some traditional games that are played in Scotland to celebrate Halloween. First of all Miss Adamson tied doughnuts on a string. We had to stand with our hands behind our backs and try to eat the doughnut. It was not as easy as it looked as the doughnut kept on swinging round and round on the string. It was good fun. 
Once we had eaten our doughnut we went to the Art area. There we had to Duck for Apples. That involves putting your hands behind your back and trying to catch a bobbing apple in your mouth. It was really difficult as the apple wouldn’t stay still and kept on rolling around in the water. The apples that had long stems on them were the easiest to grab hold of with your teeth. 
Straight after ducking for the apples with our faces soaking wet we then had to find a smartie that was hidden in a tray of flour. It was really funny as the flour stuck to all the wet bits on our face. The flour got everywhere. We had lots of fun watching and laughing at everyone trying to get a smartie. We all really enjoyed celebrating Halloween.
November 3rd, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I am glad that you all had fun learning about why we celebrate Halloween and playing the games that I used to play with my family in Scotland. I had great fun watching you and lauging at you trying to catch the doughnut spinning around. It was also hilarious seeing the looks on your faces once you had ducked for apples and found the smartie as you were covered in flour!!!
November 6th, 2008 at 2:10 am
Wow, what an exciting Halloween it was in Room 21 and to think all this was going on right next door! Looks like you learnt LOTS about what it is like to celebrate Halloween in Scotland. Thank you for sharing your learning! Miss S.
November 21st, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Dear Room21, I really enjoyed reading about your fun day at Hallowe,en. We always celebrated that day ,in Scotland by ducking for apples and trying to eat pancakes and jam which we hung from the kitchen ceiling .We made silhouettes of witches and black cats too, and decorated the walls with them.It was also the day that Miss Adamson,s grandpa celebrated his birthday so we had lots of party games as well. I thought your work about the other cultures around the world ,was very important, as it allows you to be more tolerant of other people and the way they live. I could not see what Miss Adamson wore to school when you all dressed up—I hope it was a kilt!!!!!Your work is enjoyed by lots of my friends in Scotland and we especially enjoy your pictures . Best wishes from Scotland Miss Adamson,s Mum.
February 19th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
That was fun!!! [Even though I never really participated in these 'games']
BUT the most funniest bit is… I get to take photos while they get messy!!!!
HAHA HAHAHAAHAHAHAHAH!!!!