Trick or Treat? Celebrating Contentious Festivals

It’s also the time of year when Halloween is traditionally celebrated. It’s become a monster of a festival which is hard to ignore. Shops are packed full of Halloween costumes, pumpkins and spooky themed food. Even our TV bombards us with Halloween specials. It’s an incredibly popular tradition amongst children and teenagers, yet it’s a celebration that many schools are doing their upmost to avoid.

The history of Halloween began over 2,000 years ago, with a Celtic festival called Samhain, where people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off spirits. It was a day that marked the end of summer and harvest, and the beginning of the cold, dark winter months. The orange and black we associate with Halloween, represent the harvest and death. The word ‘Halloween’ comes from ‘All Hallows' Eve’ and means ‘hallowed evening’.  

Years later, the day after All Hallows’ Eve (November 1^st) was chosen by the Anglicans and Roman Catholics as a day to honour the saints. They called it All Saints’ Day.

Since Halloween is considered to be a pagan festival, many schools refuse to celebrate the day in any form. However, some schools approach the celebration in a variety of inventive ways. 

Some focus on the original term of ‘All Hallows’ Eve’ and address it in relation to the following day’s celebration of All Saints’ Day, which has its roots firmly planted in Christian history.

The PTA might wish to organise an end-of-term disco with a creepy-crawly theme, or they might focus on harvest or the broader theme of Autumn instead.

Rather than being addressed directly, Halloween could be linked to other areas of the curriculum, such as science, when covering seasonal changes or light.  

It’s important to remember that Halloween is just one of the many festivals that occur throughout the year. Britain is a multicultural society, and as such, we need to recognise diversity when celebrating any religious festivals. Every child needs to feel that their particular belief or culture has been acknowledged and celebrated in some way, whether it be through an assembly, a designated day, or through normal lesson activities.

Regardless of what your school allows you to do, stay safe this All Hallows' Eve and don’t get too spooked!

- Sue Chattoe

Sue, a mum of three, has sixteen years teaching experience. She joined Classroom Secrets in its infancy and has been creating resources ever since. Her aim is to create stimulating resources that the children will enjoy doing.