Stepping Back in Time
What was Halloween like in Victorian times?
by Hannah Taylor
Suitable for Whole School (Pri)
Aims
To consider how Halloween was celebrated in Victorian times, and how this compares to today.
Preparation and materials
- You will need the PowerPoint slides that accompany this assembly (Stepping Back in Time) and the means to display them.
- Have available the BBC Newsround video ‘Halloween: where did our modern traditions come from?’ and the means to show it during the assembly. It is 2.36 minutes long and is available at: https://tinyurl.com/5cyy5rkr
- Optional: you may wish to have a Halloween screen saver showing while the children arrive. An example is available at: https://tinyurl.com/y8bjr8yv
Assembly
- Finally, we’re in October, which means that Halloween is just around the corner. It’s time for some fun Halloween traditions such as picking pumpkins, trick-or-treating and taking part in themed games and crafts.
- Who can raise their hand and tell me what they like about Halloween?
Listen to a range of responses.
Who can raise their hand and tell me what they don’t like about Halloween?
Listen to a range of responses. - Have you ever wondered why we have these Halloween activities in October, or where Halloween comes from? Let’s find out!
- Halloween has connections with an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain, which dates back over 2,000 years! How incredible is that? During the festival, people would light bonfires, wear costumes and tell fortunes.
As time passed, the Christian celebration of All Hallows’ Day took over. The night before was called All Hallows’ Eve, which led to the name ‘Halloween’. - Let’s all travel back in time to find out more. We can explore how the festival was celebrated in Victorian times, about 200 years ago.
Show the BBC Newsround video ‘Halloween: where did our modern traditions come from?’ (2.36 minutes long). - Now, let’s see who has excellent listening ears.
- What is the name of the special Halloween cake? (Answer: soul cake.)
- What did people in England carve instead of pumpkins? (Answer: swedes or turnips.)
- What is the name of the Celtic Halloween festival? (Answer: Samhain.)
Excellent work, everyone! - Show Slide 1.
Remind the children about the costumes that were worn in Victorian times. - Show Slide 2.
Remind the children about the games that were played at Halloween in Victorian times. - Show Slide 3.
Remind the children about the snacks that were eaten at Halloween in Victorian times.
Time for reflection
We’ve learnt about some wonderful Halloween traditions. Now, let’s think about what traditions we would like to try, like our Victorian ancestors. Let’s also consider how we can stay safe at Halloween, and how we can make sure that we are kind to others.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Please bless all the people we will meet.
Let our visit with them be a pleasant treat.
Whatever the costumes we wear tonight,
May all children be clothed with delight.
Protect and guide us with the people we love.
Look after us as you look from above.
Amen.
Song/music
‘Shine, Jesus, shine’ by Graham Kendrick, available at: https://youtu.be/J3iB30gCqAc (4.18 minutes long)
