Halloween
Tuesday 27 October 2009
Ever wondered why people dress up as ghosts, gouls and goblins on Halloween? Discover the history on the scariest night of the year.
Halloween history
On 31st October people from all over the world put on their scariest outfits, don their ugliest masks and carve up their pumpkins all in the name of Halloween.
Halloween originates from a 2,000 year old ancient Celtic culture who believed that the worlds of ghosts, spirits and humans were starting to come together. Some people also believed that strange creatures with even weirder powers were already walking amongst them.
To scare these creatures away the Celts took part in an end of summer festival called Samhain. The point of the festival was to make such a racket that they chased away any uninvited creatures.
Original celebrations
During the celebrations people used to worry so much that they dressed up in costumes, chopped up pumpkins, lit bonfires and walked around with broom sticks to stop the creatures from bothering them.
Trick or treating came about in the same way too. The Celts used to leave food on their doorsteps for the visiting creatures, hoping that they’d get into their good books. By AD 1000, trick or treaters started to dress up as witches, goblins and ghosts and visit their neighbours hoping to get sweets and chocolate.
Fright nights
Want to celebrate Halloween the right way? Here are some ways you can have some spooky fun.
Trick or treaters
If you’re thinking about knocking on your neighbours door to get a few treats then make sure you do it safely. If you’re not up for going out on your own then get some of your friends on it too. Maybe you could drag your older brother or sister with you.
Don't leave your house without telling someone your route and the houses you're planning to visit. To be extra safe, only knock on the doors of people you know. Of course, never enter a stranger’s home!
Try not too go to far either. Trick or treating can be really fun, so always keep track of the time or you could be at it for hours.
Costume party
Halloween is the perfect time for a party. Pick out as many Halloween themed treats as you can and if you’re not up for providing alcohol then how about non-alcoholic cocktails and punch with spooky stringy ingredients mixed in?
Set the scene by selecting a Halloween themed playlist. A few cool tracks like Michael Jackson’s 'Thriller', Ray Parker Jr’s 'Ghostbusters' and, for some pure pop cheese, Backstreet Boys' 'Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)' should get everyone in the mood.
Dressing up
Remember, no matter what you decide to be this Halloween, make sure you dress up warm. October isn’t exactly known for its scorching temperatures so pick out an outfit that is layered and durable and, don't forget, scary. Head down to your local fancy dress shop for more spooky ideas.
Make-up can really make your outfit stand out too. Here's a short tutorial on how to create the 'unzipped' look.
Zombies about
Ever wondered what it would be like to go to a haunted theme park? Well now you can. Every year Thorpe Park hosts Fright Night and allows visitors to come to the park way after normal closing times. Up until 1st November, ghosts, zombies and witches take over the rides hell bent on giving you a fright! Find out more here.
