Halloween and Other Scary Things

Halloween and Other Scary Things

Halloween was first celebrated in America in the late 1800s when many young people did pranks or tricks on people because Oct. 31st was thought of as “Mischief Night”. By the 1920s, many of these tricks had turned into violence and destruction of property so community groups and clubs organized safe and fun alternatives to vandalism. Good children were encouraged not to do “tricks”, but to go door to door and receive “treats” from their neighbors and friends. By 1930, this “Trick or Treat” activity was extremely popular.

On October 31st, you may see many strange things if you are new to our country. Some children (and even some adults) dress up in costumes and go to parties, or go to strangers’ homes and ask for candy. Do you have a holiday in your country when children ask total strangers for a treat? What do you think could be some pros and cons for this activity? What is the most interesting costume you have seen somebody wear? If you could choose any costume, what would you wear? Why?

Halloween is thought to have originated from the Celtic people about 2000 years ago in Ireland and Scotland. The religious teachers of the Celts, called the Druids, celebrated the last day of October with a Fire Festival that they believed allowed them to have communication with the dead and spirits. Do you believe that this is possible? What do you think about ghosts and evil spirits?

We all get scared from time to time. What things scare you? Tell about a time you were “scared stiff”. Do you like to watch scary movies? Why or why not? How often do you experience nightmares? Tell about a scary nightmare you once had. What advice would you give to someone who wants to conquer a fear?

(Optional) Here are some verses that talk about what to do when we are scared.

Psalms 56:3, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you [God].”

Psalms 23: 4, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you [God] are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Question: Why would it help to know that God is with you in a scary situation?

NOTE: Some people do not celebrate Halloween. Here are some reasons why…

1) Halloween originated from the Celtic religion which is pagan (meaning the belief in many gods and spirits). Even though this seems like mostly a fun holiday for children, many Christians do not feel comfortable celebrating this holiday because Christians believe in ONE true God.

2) Some parents do not believe it is safe (or healthy) for children to receive lots of candy from strangers.

3) Some people do not like to feel scared by a holiday that starts in the dark and celebrates ghosts, witches and spirits.

Halloween and Other Scary Things

Do you have a holiday in your country when children ask total strangers for a treat? What do you think could be some pros and cons for this activity?

What is the most interesting costume you have seen somebody wear? If you could choose any costume, what would you wear?

Halloween is thought to have come from the Celtic people about 2000 years ago in Ireland and Scotland. The religious teachers of the Celts celebrated the last day of October with a Fire Festival that they believed allowed them to have communication with the dead and spirits. Do you believe that this is possible? What do you think about ghosts and evil spirits?

We all get scared from time to time. What things scare you? Tell about a time you were “scared stiff”.

Do you like to watch scary movies? Why or why not? How often do you experience nightmares? Tell about a scary nightmare you once had.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to conquer a fear?

(Optional) Here are some verses that talk about fear.

Psalms 56:3, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

Psalms 23: 4, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Question: Why would it help to know that God is with you in a scary situation?