Several countries around the world acknowledge October 31 as the day that their citizens celebrate Halloween, a holiday that began in ancient Britain. Initially Halloween marked the end of summer and the conclusion of the harvest season. Ancient Celtics believed that souls of the dead returned to their homes on this night. As time went on and the holiday continued to be celebrated its association with darkness broadened.
Worldwide History and Halloween
Halloween is one of the oldest celebrated holidays. According to Halloween Around the World, more candy is sold on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Only Christmas trumps Halloween in total holiday sales annually. It is estimated that 65% of Americans celebrate the holiday each year.
Many beliefs are held about Halloween. For example, in Austria some people put bread, water and a lit lamp outdoors in order to welcome souls of the dead back to earth. In China some people place food and water in front of photographs of departed family members.
Lanterns are also lit to provide a path for the souls of the dead who are believed by some in China to return to travel the earth on Halloween. Sweden acknowledges Halloween from October 31 through November 6 with shortened work and school days.
Fun Not Fear on Halloween
Despite its origins, adults, children and families can celebrate Halloween absent the intent to scare or frighten. Parents can visit crafts stores and create hand made costumes for their children that depict their favorite cartoon or super hero characters.
Churches and other community organizations host fun activities on October 31 that allow children to connect with their peers, play games, watch light hearted movies and enjoy refreshments for one to three or more hours at no charge to parents.
Adults who are interested in having their children participate in these or similar activities are encouraged to contact their local place of worship, community recreation centers or local youth agencies like the Boys and Girls Club or the YWCA or the YMCA.
Check Out Exciting Local Events
Local newspapers also list fun Halloween community events that the entire family can participate in and enjoy. Search the events section at the back of the newspaper for a list of upcoming area activities. Some apartment community centers will hold special events for children that include game playing, lively music and passing out free candy.
For a minimal expense, parents and guardians can purchase small bottles of facial paint from discount and crafts stores. They can invite their children’s friends and parents to stop by their home to have their face painted, win costume prizes, carve pumpkins and enjoy warm apple cider.
Weather permitting families can hold block parties and bring pot luck dinners to a central location. Create a committee to record who will bring what types of food, games and prize awards to the block party several months in advance of Halloween. This avoids putting the responsibility for the block party on a handful of people. It also allows children to witness their parents having healthy fun while they busy themselves playing with neighborhood friends.
Neighborhood Fun on Halloween
Hold talent contest for adults, teens and children. For example, a singing contest similar to American Idol can be held at the block party for each age level with a grand prize being a gift certificate for a free family dinner to one of the local favorite restaurants. Neighborhood friends can partner up and compete in relay races, apple bobbing or pumpkin carving contests.
Block party committee members can hide small trinkets throughout the area. Whoever finds the most trinkets could win a prize like a discount to an area bookstore or game store.
Halloween does not have to be a holiday filled with fear and fright. Parents and community organization leaders can host games, costume contests and face painting events for adults, teens and children to participate in and enjoy. Neighbors can connect with each other by holding block parties on Halloween to have lots of light hearted fun and to enjoy delicious home cooked dishes.
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