1. Traditions of the Past Halloween Ashley Neff Inquiry Project #1

2. Brief Overview Halloween is something I enjoy decorating for and love to pass out candy for the children who come trick-or-treating at my door. However, it has not always been called Halloween and been celebrated the current way it is today! It is a tradition however, that has been passed around for many years.

4. When did Americans change the traditions to the present day?

7. How did the costumes come into the picture. Many versions tell the same tell in different forms. However the Celts seem to be able to help us connect to the holiday we see now. The Celts celebrated their New Year on November 1st. A festival was created to end the "season of the sun" and the beginning of "the season of darkness and cold." On October 31st after the crops were all harvested and stored for the long winter the cooking fires in the homes would be extinguished. The Druids, the Celtic priests, would meet in the hilltop in the dark oak forest (oak trees were considered sacred). Overall, the village people wanted to scare away the spirits they believed were coming after them on the night of hallows eve or October 31. So they dressed up in all forms of costumes to scare away the spirits. Parading in the streets and making lots of racket. From: http://www.holidays.net/halloween/story.htm

8. America took over in the 1840’s Halloween often was referred to as a harvest or fall party in the beginning to the strong Protestant belief in the area. Parts of the country celebrate more in depth because of their church beliefs. 20th century parties turned into more about children and adults playing together in enjoying the company of others around. At this time, the scary ghost and ghouls were out of the picture and religious matters did not play into effect much at all. From: http://www.novareinna.com/festive/modern.html

9. 1920’s to the present 1920’s -Being still somewhat secular the communities and neighborhoods had parades and entertainment. This is about when the foolish acts reoccurred and vandals became overwhelming. Cows, outhouses, and unbolted down structures began to be tipped over by pranksters. 1930’s-Gate Night and that evening's activities included switching gates among neighborhood fences. 1950s however, most of the silliness was limited and good behavior had over powered the those Halloween had evolved into a holiday which was directed mainly toward the young people. With the 1950s is when schools and houses reintroduced partiesated. From: http://www.novareinna.com/festive/modern.html

10. Continued… “Between 1920 and 1950, the centuries-old practice of "trick-or-treating" was also revived. This provided a relatively inexpensive way for an entire community to share in the Halloween celebrations. In theory, families could also prevent tricks being played on them by providing the neighborhood children with small treats. Thus, a new American tradition was born and continues to grow. In recent years, this practice has been put to even better use since some children collect pennies for UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund) in bright orange, sealed cans instead of asking for candy as they go door-to-door.” http://www.novareinna.com/festive/modern.html

11. Activities: After discussing the history of Halloween and how the people used to act . You will create and dramatic play about yourself going back in a time machine and coming back through these times. (Exp. Arts.) Since you will be writing this out in a story form first you will easily be able to go back and create your characters with what materials you feel comfortable with. We will read aloud the story when finished. (Lang. Arts and Reading) You will be able to create a timeline from the material you just did and record your travels through time. (Mathematics)

12. References WESBITES http://www.theholidayspot.com/halloween/history.htm http://www.novareinna.com/festive/modern.html CHILDREN’S LITERATURE Halloween / by Trudi Strain Trueit The story of Halloween / by Carol Greene ; illustrated by Linda Bronson Videos The haunted history of Halloween [videorecording] / produced by History Television Network Productions ; A&E [New York, NY] : History Channel : New Video, c2005 Fullscreen version Other material The pumpkin book : full of Halloween history, poems, songs, art projects, games and recipes : for parents and teachers to use with young children / written and illustrated by Susan Olson Higgins