History of Halloween for Kids
- Jon Seymour
- Oct 15
- 2 min read
The History of Halloween for Kids
Halloween is one of the most popular celebrations in the world, but where did it come from? In this post, we explore the fascinating roots of Halloween, the traditions that shaped it, and how people around the world celebrate similar events in different ways. To see how we brought this story to life, check out our recent episode of Hook Book Barrel all about Halloween and masks.
Where Halloween Began
The story of Halloween starts more than 2,000 years ago with the Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated in what is now Ireland and parts of the United Kingdom. Samhain marked the end of harvest season and the beginning of winter—a time when people believed the boundary between the living and the spirit world grew thin. To protect themselves, people lit bonfires and wore costumes to confuse wandering spirits. When Christianity spread across Europe, Samhain merged with All Hallows’ Eve, a night before All Saints’ Day, and over the centuries, it evolved into the modern Halloween we know today.
Why We Wear Masks and Costumes
Wearing masks has always been a big part of Halloween. In ancient times, masks were thought to hide people from ghosts or spirits that might visit during Samhain. Today, masks and costumes are about imagination and fun—becoming someone or something new, even for a short time. In our episode, we talked about how pretending can teach kids creativity and empathy, whether dressing up as a fisherman, a bee, or even a character from their favourite storybook.
Halloween and Día de los Muertos
While Halloween is about costumes and spooky fun, Mexico’s Día de los Muertos—the Day of the Dead—is about remembering and celebrating loved ones who have passed away. Families make colourful altars, cook traditional foods, and decorate with sugar skulls and marigolds. The two holidays share similar symbols, like skulls and costumes, but have very different meanings. Halloween celebrates imagination and play, while Día de los Muertos honours love and remembrance.
Book Feature: Neigh Kid by Alan Mayfair
In this episode, we also read Neigh Kid by Alan Mayfair, illustrated by Gabi Moraes and published by Tielmour Press. The story celebrates imagination and identity—perfect for a conversation about masks, pretending, and creativity. Just like Halloween, the story reminds us that stepping into a new role can help us see the world in a new way.
How Kids Can Learn from Halloween
Halloween isn’t just about candy and costumes. It’s an opportunity for children to learn about culture, history, and creativity. By understanding where traditions come from, kids can connect more deeply with the stories and celebrations around them. Whether dressing up, crafting a mask, or exploring global traditions, Halloween helps children appreciate how imagination connects people across time and culture.
To learn more about these ideas in action, check out our Hook Book Barrel Halloween episode.
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