Halloween - a Horrible History

Fascinating facts, folklore, and some fab fireworks thrown in for good measure...

Halloween was originally a Celtic holiday celebrated on October 31st. The ancient Celts thought that spirits and ghosts roamed the countryside on Halloween night and began wearing masks and costumes to avoid being recognized as human.

Jack-o-lanterns originated in Ireland where people placed candles in hollowed-out turnips to keep away spirits and ghosts on the Samhain holiday. Pumpkins were later adopted into the tradition when Europeans arrived in the New World. They took seeds back to Europe where they quickly became popular.

The Irish are also believed to be responsible for instigating the tradition of 'Trick or Treating': townsfolk would visit neighbours - in preparation for All Hallow's Eve - and ask for contributions of food for a town feast.

Orange and black are the traditional colours of Halloween. Orange is associated with the autumn harvest and black is associated with darkness and death.

Halloween the movie was made in only 21 days in 1978 on a shoestring budget. The film was shot in the springtime and used fake autumn leaves.

If you see a spider on Halloween, it is said to be the spirit of a loved one watching over you.

The common little brown bat of North America, myotis lucifugus, is the longest-lived mammal of it's size, with a life span averaging 32 years. Don't worry though, there's no need to stay indoors after dark: it eats insects, chomping its way through a staggering 1,200 mosquitos per hour at peak feeding periods.

In the USA, Halloween is the second biggest seasonal money-spinner behind Christmas. Each year 2 billion dollars are spent defensively stocking up on trick-or-treaters' candy (the same amount that Canada has pledged to combat global warming!)

Halloween Events & Fireworks - North Norfolk

Blickling Hall Friday 31st October

Halloween Spooktacular!

Timed entry between 6pm & 8.30pm. Family Halloween event with spooky story telling and ghoulish happenings in the Hall. Children’s fancy dress competition and seasonal food in the Restaurant. Adult £7.50, child £4, family (2 + 2) £21 Booking advisable on 0844 800 4308

Felbrigg Hall Friday 31 October, 11am – 3.30pm

Halloween Trail. Follow the trail around the grounds and solve the 'spooky' clues. Normal admission prices apply. £1.50 for the trail. No booking necessary.

Holt Country Park Friday 31st October-Sunday 2nd November

Gruesome creatures trail, from Visitor Centre, also Toddlers pumpkin trail, 10am-4pm free.

Bewilderwood, Hoveton Friday 31st October

Giggling Pumpkin Parade and launch of Bewilderbats, 10am-4.30pm adults and children over 4 years £10/concs £7.50/children (3-4) £5, family ticket £45, 01603 783900.

Saturday 1st November and Sunday 2nd November

Monster Party, old fashioned party games, Twiggle disco and all the fun of the treehouse adventure park for final open weekend of the season, 10am-4.30pm (last admission 3.30pm) £10 (five-59), senior citizens (60 plus) £7.50, children (three-four) £5, under threes free/family ticket £45 (six people, one of which must be an adult, extra person £7.50).

Letheringsett King's Head Friday 31st October

Children's Fancy dress Halloween party 5-7.30pm.

North Walsham, Sadlers Wood Friday 31st October

Friends of Sadlers' Wood Halloween event, spooky stories and chestnut roasting over bonfire, meet by the dip in the woods, 5.30pm.

Overstrand, White Horse Friday 31st October

Fancy dress Halloween party, led by the Audio Junkies, 7pm.

Aylsham, Bure Valley School Saturday 1st November

Fireworks display, barbecue, toffee apples, gingerbread men and hot drinks available, gates 6pm, Guy Fawkes competition 6.30pm, bonfire lit 6.45pm, fireworks 7pm £3.50/children £1.50 advance from JP Post and Martin's in Aylsham, on gate £4/children £2.

Corpusty Saturday 1st November

Traditional family bonfire and procession, refreshments and tombola available, procession 6pm, bonfire and fireworks 8pm. Collection for local charities.

Sheringham Sports Field Saturday 1st November

Firework display organised by Sheringham & Beeston Scouts, bar, food and hot soup available, gates 6.30pm, display 7.15pm £2/children £1/family ticket (two adults, three children) £5 advance from Blyth & Wright, Whistle Stop and Starlings in Sheringham, on the gate £3/children £2/family ticket £10.

Spixworth, Grange Farm, Buxton Road Saturday 1st November

Firework display organised by 1st Spixworth Sea Scouts, barbecue and side stalls, gates 6-9.30pm, bonfire lit 6.30pm, displays 7.15pm and 8.15pm £3/children (five-13) £2 advance from Spixworth Post Office and Co-operative Store or £3.50/children £2.50 on gate (under fives free).

Worstead Village Hall, playing field Saturday 1st November

Firework display, children's entertainer Stevie Spud (village hall) 5.30pm, performance of fire stick twirling and dancing by Amber Hale, 6.30pm; children's firework display 6.45pm; main display 7pm £3/accompanied children £1.

Bodham Playing field Sunday 2nd November

Fireworks display and bonfire, barbecue and soft drinks available, gates 6pm, bonfire 6.45pm, fireworks 7pm £2/children £1/family ticket £5 (two adults, two children).