Activity 1: Halloween’s history

1.       Where is the celebration of Halloween thought to have come from?

       It is came from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain

2.       The Celts occupied an area of land covering three modern day countries. Name all three.

       Ireland, United Kingdom and France

3.       Why did the Celts celebrate”samhain” on the night of 31^st October?

       Because it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth.

4.       What did the Celts believe the ghosts of the dead would cause damage and trouble to?

       It was believed that they causing trouble and damaging crops.

5.       To commemorate the event, what did the Druids build?

       The Druids(a priest of an ancient Celtic religion) built huge cacred bonfires.

6.       What costumes did they wear?

       They wore typically consisting of animal head and skins

7.       What did they re-light to help protect them from the coming winter?

       Thei re-light their health fires in order to help protect them during the coming winter.

8.       By 43AD, who had conquered the Celts?

       Roman Empire

9.       What two other festivals were combined with “Samhain”?

       1.Feralia 2.a day honor Pomona( the Roman goddess of fruit and trees.)

10.   After many changes due to the spread of Christianity, what new celebration was created in 1000 AD?

      All souls'Day Nov 2nd

11.   What were the similarities between this day and “Samhain?
       Both are the religious, passing of the dead, and bobbing apple game.

12.   What was another name given to this celebration?
       Pomona

13.   What was the night before called and what did this finally become?
       Night before called "All-hallows Eve" and eventually become called "Halloween"

Discussion

·         Are you surprised by the history of Halloween?
       I was quite surprised by it's long history and interesting background.

·         Do you know any other stories about its origins?
       Unfortunately not.

·         Are there any celebration in your country that have a strange and uncertain history?
       We have an event call "Obon" It is an annual buddist event for commemorating one's ancestors.It is believed that every year during this event, the ancestor's spirits return to this world to visit relatives.We hang the lanterns in front of houses to guide the ancestor's spirits.Obon dance are performed. We visit graves and offer some food and drink to the ancestors.
·         Do you believe in ghosts and the supernatural?
       Yes. I do believe in ghosts and the supernatural.There is so many mysterious things that can't be proof by science.