Today, Halloween is not only a purely American holiday, but also a theme for most Russian parties. October 31 is the second largest celebration in the United States after Christmas and New Year. In Russia and Europe, this is a relatively new tradition, but nevertheless every year more and more people dress up in the most unusual costumes and organize street processions. How did it all begin and where did this holiday come from?
Halloween story
Where did the tradition come to dress up on this day in costumes and walk around the homes of neighbors, offering "sweetness or muck"? In fact, several centuries ago it was not just a holiday, but an obligatory annual ceremony with its own strict rules. The history of Halloween dates back to the era of the birth of England, Ireland and France. In those days, the year was not divided into 12 months, but consisted of only two parts - winter and summer. Since the population of the countries was predominantly pagan, there was a legend that the God of the Sun was held captive by Samhane every winter, who, in turn, was the lord of darkness. Therefore, it was on October 31 that the Celts prepared offerings to the dark knight in order to appease him so that he would return the sun back.
Also, Halloween, the date of which fell at the end of the harvest season, was a symbol of the transition to a new life. In winter, all living things perished and found themselves under the snow, but then reborn again. In addition, it was believed that Samhane lived in a white desert, where calm and peace reigned. After hard working hours for the Celts, winter was a period when you could take a break from hard work and devote time to your family.
Another legend associated with the lord of darkness says that it is on this night that he opens the gate to other worlds and allows you to see the past and future. In the same way that summer gives way to winter on that day, the Celts hoped that life would change its course and bring them good luck next year.
Ceremonies
In Ireland, it was customary to gather in the main city of the country - Tara. During the holiday, a huge feast was arranged, which began in the early morning, and ended only the next day. Admirers of Samhain extinguished the fire in the houses, and lit it again only from the sacred fire of the Druids. Priests consecrated the flame, and with it all the Celts, promising them prosperity and good fortune.
According to legend, Halloween is a time when other creatures can enter the real world: spirits, demons, goblins, witches and other mystical creatures. In order to prevent dangerous creatures from attacking local residents, the Celts dressed in suits corresponding to these images and went home, threatening residents and demanding food from them.
After the lands of England were captured by the Romans, the holiday remained, since its date coincided with the Roman triumph of the goddess Pomona, who was responsible for all living plants on earth. Gradually, the traditions mixed up, and the popular pumpkin for Halloween appeared in the ceremony.
Where did the name of the holiday come from?
All Saints Day is a holiday dedicated to those saints who do not have their own day to celebrate. In medieval English, the day before November 1 was called All Hallows Even, or All Hallows Eve, after some time the phrase was reduced to Hallowe'en, and ultimately acquired the now-famous Halloween form. Despite the fact that the Pope did his best to eradicate pagan festivals, for some reason it was Halloween that took root so much that it became one of the most popular days of the year.
Buy off, otherwise I'll cast a spell!
“Feast or Punishment” has become a popular gaming tradition. Its meaning is known to all. On October 31, children put on Halloween costumes and begin to walk around the houses of citizens, asking residents for sweets.
Of course, giving little witches and other creations candy is not necessary, but otherwise you can not expect the most pleasant punishment. In ancient England, the little heroes of the holiday smeared the door handles with soot if they were refused. Now you can find your house scattered with eggs or toilet paper. Of course, this does not happen in Russia, but for the United States this is a fairly common occurrence, so urban residents prefer to buy as many goodies as possible in advance.
Jack
Jack lantern is another tradition and an integral attribute that must be included in the script for Halloween.
It all started with one cunning Irish blacksmith. Jack tricked the devil twice into a deal with him. He remained the owner of his soul, but, unfortunately, this did not help him. When Jack died, for his sinful life the gates of paradise did not open before him. Therefore, the stingy blacksmith was forced to wander the earth until the end of the centuries in anticipation of the Day of Judgment. The only thing he got in the afterlife is a small coal, which was protected from rain and wind by a familiar vegetable. So there was the now-famous Jack-o-lanterns lantern, or the well-known Halloween pumpkin.
How is Halloween celebrated in other countries?
In China, on this day it is customary to remember the dead ancestors and put a flashlight and food in front of their photos. Thus, the Chinese help their deceased relatives to illuminate their path in the afterlife. In the evening of October 31, city residents gather and send paper boats to sail, which they then set on fire. The smoke, according to legend, helps souls ascend to heaven.
In Germany, on the night of November 1, residents dress up as monsters and head to Frankenstein Castle. Many are sure that on this day a crazy alchemist appears on the roof of the building.
France is famous for its fantastic parades. Every year, more than 30 thousand tourists and residents of the country dress up in Halloween costumes and go to the suburbs of Paris, Disneyland and Limoges. Thousands of goblins, ghosts, vampires and witches arrange the most colorful shows.
Halloween script for students
In Russia, it is customary not to go home, collecting sweets and scaring guests who come with unusual decorations. Most often themed parties are held in clubs or cafes. Consider one of the options for holding such a theme party.
The host welcomes the guests and briefly tells the story of the origin of this legendary holiday. Then he offers the audience to hide from evil spirits under masks.
Witch exit
The host tells the guests the following story: “Since this night the passage to the other world opens , witches infiltrate us and arrange their coven. From ancient times people tried to catch at least one such sorceress, for this a certain ritual was even invented. In order for a real witch to appear before you, on Halloween you need to go outside in clothes turned inside out, and then a mystical creature will surely meet on your way. Especially for you, we found real witches. Let's greet them! ”
After that, the witches come on stage, who perform the Sabbath dance and pose for a photo. Halloween begins.
After the dance, the presenter tells another story related to the emergence of a pumpkin lantern, and about the Irish blacksmith Jack. Then everyone can try to create the most unique flashlight. A professional decorator shows what unusual things can be cut from a pumpkin.
When the winner is determined and has already received his memorable prize, the host of the evening tells the public about the rest of the mystical creatures that can appear before your eyes at any time. Mummies, mermaids and other creatures appear on the scene. At this time, the hired stylists make everyone the most unusual Halloween makeup, so by the end of the evening all the guests turn into witches and goblins.
After dancing, carving pumpkins and other things, the long-awaited contest "The Best Halloween Costume" is announced. At the end of the evening, a cake and other treats for students are taken to the stage.
Baby Halloween Scenario
Halloween is primarily a children's holiday, since no one likes to dress up in fairy-tale characters more than children.
Little pranksters believe in miracles, so for them such a party can be no less exciting than the New Year or birthday. Moreover, it is not necessary to dress your child with a witch or goblin, it can be any fairy-tale hero and character from a favorite cartoon. How to spend a fun children's Halloween?
It is better to tell the pranksters in advance what this holiday is. It is very important that all participants in the children's party carefully prepare and dress in unusual costumes. You can look into the joke store and buy dummies of worms, eyes and other things. Such paraphernalia will help you fully imbued with triumph. And, of course, we must not forget that you will definitely need to apply makeup for Halloween. Moreover, such makeup is done both for children and adults.
It is better to decorate the room not too ominously, do not get carried away, the holiday is still for kids, so do not scare them very much. It will be best to decorate the apartment with a web, on which toy spiders will sit. You can also hang black balloons. Little children should be warned in advance that all this is not real, but just an idea.
How to make a lantern Jack?
Of course, for a children's holiday, you will definitely need the main attribute of Halloween - a pumpkin lantern. To do this, you will need:
- Buy a pretty big pumpkin.
- With a sharp knife, carefully cut off its upper part.
- Spoon out all the flesh with a spoon and grease the vegetable with vegetable oil so that the pumpkin does not dry.
- Draw eyes and cut an ominous smirk.
- Place a candle inside the lantern.
Halloween Costume Options
Of course, you can buy a ready-made suit in the store, but quite often they are made of low-quality material and do not look very attractive. In addition, the cost of such an outfit can reach 5,000-7,000 rubles, and next year the child will outgrow him, and you will have to buy a new one. Therefore, it is better to sew a suit yourself. So, the most favorite characters in which children like to dress up:
- A vampire. For such an image, you will need to sew a cloak, buy a mouth guard with fangs and white face makeup.
- Koschey. For this, an ordinary black leotard is suitable, on which bones of the skeleton will be drawn or embroidered.
- Shrek. For such a fat man, it will take a lot of foam rubber or other filler to make the monster as believable as possible.
- Spider-man The spiderman also wears a leotard, but besides this, he needs a mask.
- Princess or Fairy. Girls love to dress up as little queens. For such an outfit, any magnificent dress is suitable, which will later come in handy for holidays in kindergarten and birthdays.
- Witch. A wicked or kind witch for Halloween will definitely wear a tall hat.
You can sew a suit together with a child who, most likely, will be very interested to join this fascinating process.
We make potion and other festive dishes
Little pranksters can be invited to brew a "real" witch's potion. To do this, you will need:
- half a liter of milk;
- 1 banana
- 1 kiwi
We mix all the ingredients in a mixer with a terrifying laugh. Of course, the mixture will not look very attractive, but that's the potion. The cocktail tastes nutritious and sweet.
You can also cook "swamp jelly", which will require a mixture to make jelly "Kiwi" or "Tarhun".
A few more secrets to making a terrifying menu for kids:
- If you put marmalade worms in a liquid, they will swell and look very nasty.
- Tomato juice can be called "Vampire drink."
These dishes can be used in competitions, for example, to determine who dares to eat any of the above.
And, of course, we must not forget to make memorable and funny photos during the holiday. Halloween is a very colorful holiday, so the pictures will be very cool. At the end of the fun, you can give children prizes and ask them to talk about their characters and what they liked at the party.
Finally
The night of November 1 becomes very popular all over the world, and every year the inhabitants of many countries with pleasure transform into the most unthinkable characters. Halloween is a wonderful holiday for children and adults, because on this day the kids can get older, and parents will hit their childhood and make their forgotten dreams come true. Girls can turn into princesses, female cats, or ancient Greek warriors. Men can dress up as heroes of their favorite films or characters from popular comics.