The earliest records of Halloween come from ancient Celtic
records. “Samhain” was celebrated on November 1st and marked the
Celtic New Year. This was the beginning of the “dark half” of the year, which
ended May 1st. The Celtic people also used this time to celebrate
the harvest with a time of feasting. At the same time though, it was a
celebration of death as well. Crops were harvested, livestock were butchered, and
Winter was coming. Winter was when most human deaths happened because of cold
and food shortages made people especially vulnerable. In New Year tradition,
life was celebrated as well. The Celtic people believed all good things started
in the darkness. It was not scary or frightening. Halloween was adopted by
Catholics as All Saints Day, which is celebrated on Nov. 1st.
Dressing up became popular in France during the 14th and 15th
centuries. Many other cultures and religions vary on how they celebrate the
holiday, but they all mirror the early Celtic celebrations.
To some people, Halloween might also mean the start to the
Holiday Season, or the coming of the cold. The Museum has some really great
upcoming programs to help you celebrate and keep warm.
Oct. 30th-
deadline to bring in wreaths for Festival of the Wreaths
Nov. 14th
- Get Ready for Thanksgiving
Learn about how Thanksgiving would have been celebrated
differently for the early residents of Arlington Heights. We will explore the
traditions and how the food was prepared. Kids will also make a centerpiece
that they get to take home for their celebrations. One adult must be attend
this program with children.
Nov. 27-29 – Festival of the Wreaths (viewing of wreaths,
open to the public)
Dec. 1st -
Holiday Fairy Door
Every house should have a fairy or two, so shouldn't they
have a door of their own. Paint your own fairy door and add some holiday trim
for a unique decoration that you can change with the seasons.
Dec. 5th-
Get ready for the Holidays
Get in the holiday spirit and make some decorations, a
wreath and personalized wrapping paper for the season.