But when did we start celebrating Valentine’s Day?  And why?  Do you believe it actually involves a priest, a Greek God, and a duke, plus goats, dogs, and birds?  Well, it’s true, so let’s dive into the past and uncover the hidden history behind this love-filled holiday.

First, we must go back many, many centuries – to the third century in fact – to the thriving city of Rome, the bustling center of Italy and the heart of Catholicism.  The country is ruled by a Roman Emperor named Claudius II.  Claudius is a strict ruler who does not allow disobedience.  He makes a law that states that unmarried men must fight in his wars because they make better soldiers – they are free of wives and children and they fight fiercely.  He strongly believes that married soldiers, on the other hand, are lackluster fighters because they are constantly worried about losing their lives and never returning to their wives and children.  

Also at this time, there is a clergyman – a priest or a bishop – in Italy named Valentine or Valentinus, who travels around Italy preaching the Catholic faith.  At one point, he is imprisoned because of his preaching.  Valentine is brought before Judge Asterius and the judge dares him to prove his faith.  Judge Asterius orders Valentine to heal his blind daughter.  Valentine prays and then puts his hands on the daughter.  Immediately, the daughter’s eyesight returns.  The judge is so grateful to Valentine that he releases him from prison, as well as all the other inmates in his city.  

Valentine continues on his travels and learns about Emperor Claudius’ laws regarding single men being sent into battle.  He thinks this law is unfair, so he secretly performs wedding ceremonies for single men and their sweethearts, thus going around Claudius’ rules.  

Valentine eventually meets Emperor Claudius, who likes him at first, but when the emperor learns that Valentine is performing secret wedding ceremonies, he becomes enraged.  And when Valentine tries to convert him to Catholicism, he orders that Valentine be thrown into prison. He orders Valentine to give up his faith, but Valentine does not do so.  Some stories state that while Valentine is in prison, he writes a letter to Judge Asterius’ now-healed daughter and signs it, “From Your Valentine.”  

Unfortunately, Valentine’s kind acts and constant preaching anger Emperor Claudius and he orders Valentine to be killed on February 14^th.  By the following century, Valentine is one of the most celebrated saints in France and England.

In the 5^th century, a pope named Gelasius I became increasingly worried about the pagans – or non-Catholics – and their strange ceremonies.  These pagans did not believe in one God, but rather fairies, gods, goddesses, and goblins.  The pope decides that the pagan celebrations need to be banished and replaced with a Catholic celebration instead.  So, he orders that the pagan holiday of Lupercalia – held every year on February 15th – will now be the feast day of St. Valentine and celebrated on February 14th.

So, what is Lupercalia?  Lupercalia is a pagan – or non-religious – holiday honoring Faunus, the god of agriculture and the founders of Rome, named Remus and Romulus.  

During Lupercalia every year, a group of religious men used to gather in a secret cave in Rome where they believed that the infants Remus and Romulus were raised by a she-wolf or “lupa.”  The men would offer a goat and a dog as a sacrifice to the god Faunus.  They would then make strips out of the animals’ hides, dip them in fluid, and walk around town touching women and fields with the wet hides!  I am sure you and I would find this practice very strange today, but in those days, women liked to be touched by these hides as they believed it would bring them healthy babies and a bountiful harvest.  Later in the day on Lupercalia, single women would write their names on a piece of paper and put the paper into a large urn or container.  Young bachelors would pick a woman’s name out of the urn and live with that woman for a year.  I wonder if this is where blind dating got its start?!

Later, during the Middle Ages in France and England, it was believed that birds started their mating season in mid-February, around the feast day of St. Valentine. These mating birds and St. Valentine were mentioned in a 1375 poem by English poet Geoffrey Chaucer, who wrote: “For this was Seynt Valentine’s Day/When every foul cometh ther to choose his mate.” 

And just like Queen Victoria and Prince Albert made Christmas trees in homes a popular holiday tradition, another noble couple made love letters a St. Valentine’s Day tradition.  In 1415, Charles, the French Duke of Orleans, fought in the Battle of Agincourt against King Henry V of England.  The French lost the battle and the duke was captured and imprisoned in the Tower of London, and other British castles, for the next 25 years.  While in prison, he wrote a poem to his wife called “A Farewell to love,” thinking he would never be released nor see her again.  He called her, “My very gentle Valentine.”  His poem is now considered the oldest valentine in existence.  

So, now we know about the priest and the pope who started St. Valentine’s Day and the noble who wrote a historic valentine.  But how did a chubby little cupid make it into our Valentine’s Day celebrations?  Well, in Greek history there is a handsome god of love named Eros, who shoots golden arrows into people to inspire love or stop others from doing evil acts.  But at some point in history, sometime after the death of Alexander the Great and Queen Cleopatra, images of Eros changed from a handsome god to a chubby cherub.  Eros remains the same to this day – possibly because a cheery cherub is less threatening as a symbol of love than a muscled man with arrows!

So, little by little, through the centuries, mid-February has become the time of year to celebrate love. By the 17^th century, Valentine’s Day had become quite popular.  And in the 18^th century, people started exchanging small tokens of love, like candy, flowers, and handwritten notes.  Then, in the early 1900’s, Valentine’s Day cards arrived in stores due to the popularity of the printing press.  People found it easier to select a preprinted card with a Valentine’s greeting than writing their personal feelings in a handwritten letter. Today, Valentine’s Day is the second largest card-sending holiday, behind Christmas, with approximately 145 million cards sent every year.  

Couples still give each other boxes of chocolate, bouquets of flowers, and Valentine’s Day cards.  Children create handmade cards – or purchase cards – and give them to their classmates at school.  Sometimes they hold celebrations with tasty treats like cookies, cupcakes, and punch.  

In the United States, we also enjoy a popular candy called “Sweethearts.”  They are tiny, heart-shaped candies with words etched on them like “Be Mine,” “Kiss Me,” or “Miss You.”  They come in different colors like pink, yellow, blue, and green.  And the romantic expressions on the hearts change through the years – some sayings are kept and some are abandoned.  Since the language of young love is always changing, so the sayings on the hearts change, too.  Today, the hearts have expressions like “LOL” stamped on them.

The Sweethearts’ candy maker produces over 100,000 pounds (or 45 kilograms) of candy hearts every day.  That’s much heavier than a hippo, an elephant, or a Tyrannosaurus Rex – and almost as heavy as the space shuttle!  And over 8 billion hearts are made every year.  

So, what do you think of Lupercalia and Valentine’s Day?  Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day where you live?  What do you like most about Valentine’s Day?  Do you hold celebrations at home, school, or church and, if so, what do you do?  Do you have a favorite treat on Valentine’s Day?

The post History of Valentines Day for Kids appeared first on Bedtime History: Podcast and Videos For Kids.

The walls of the trench were scarred with the remnants of past battles, and every shadow seemed to conceal unseen dangers. It was a harsh world, where the constant threat of enemy gunfire echoed in the air, and the only safety was found in the tight, makeshift shelters. As James huddled in the trench, the memory of home seemed a distant dream, drowned out by the harsh reality of trench warfare in World War I.

World War I began in 1914 because different countries in Europe had a conflict and couldn’t figure out how to sort things out through negotiations, so tragically they turned to war. The major players were divided into two groups – the Allies, which included countries like Britain and France, and the Central Powers, with Germany and Austria-Hungary.

World War I took place during The Industrial Revolution, a period of massive technological change, which transformed the way things were made and powered. Those changes played a new role in how the war was fought. The Industrial Revolution had ushered in a new era of machinery and innovation. Factories churned out weapons, tanks, and airplanes at a fast pace, powered by steam and later electricity. The introduction of assembly lines made production faster and more efficient. This change, called mechanization altered the nature of warfare, as nations now had access to powerful and technologically advanced weapons. The Industrial Revolution essentially turned the gears of progress, and the impact of this transformation could be seen on the battlefields of World War I, where machines played a significant role in shaping the course of history.

During the war, soldiers on both sides had a horrible job. They fought in trenches, which were long, narrow ditches in the ground. Imagine living in a muddy, wet hole, facing constant rain, and dealing with cold weather. On top of that, there were rats, lice, and the fear of enemy attacks always hanging over their heads.

In the year 1914, during the winter, the holidays were approaching. The soldiers missed their families. They thought of how nice it would be to be home, in a warm home with those they loved. They didn’t want to be fighting and cold and suffering. This was the holidays and Christmas time for them. It was supposed to be a delightful time of year of family, friends, and giving.

On December 24th, Christmas Eve 1914, as the moon shone brightly, a British soldier named James heard the singing coming from the German side. The enemy soldiers were singing Christmas carols. James peaked his head out of the trench and saw candlelights twinkling in the distance. 

Soldiers from both sides cautiously stepped out of their trenches, meeting in the space between, called no man’s land. At first, they were cautious, but then they started sharing things. A German soldier named Franz offered James a piece of chocolate – a rare treat in those times.

In No Man’s Land, the tension between enemies faded, and soon, soldiers from both sides were sharing food and exchanging small gifts. One British soldier set up a makeshift barbershop. Someone pulled out a soccer ball and the ground in between was very icy, but both sides started playing the game together, laughing and enjoying this moment of peace. Soon a couple hundred soldiers were playing together.

One officer later wrote:

“How marvelously wonderful, yet how strange it was. The English officers felt the same way about it. Thus Christmas, the celebration of Love, managed to bring mortal enemies together as friends for a time.”

This was a Christmas truce. A truce is an agreement of peace between enemies.

One British soldier, Tommy, wrote in a letter home, “It was a Christmas miracle! We sang, we laughed, and for a brief moment, the war seemed to disappear. We realized that the men on the other side were just like us, missing their families and longing for peace.”

Word of the truce spread, and soon, other soldiers along the Western Front joined in the Christmas celebrations. The spirit of goodwill and humanity triumphed over the hatred and violence of war.

As Christmas morning arrived, the soldiers exchanged more than just gifts. They shared stories of home, pictures of loved ones, and dreams of a future where they could live without fear and anger. For a short time, the war was forgotten, and the soldiers saw each other not as enemies but as fellow human beings.

Private Albert Moren of the British 2nd Queen’s Regiment later wrote, “On Christmas morning, we stuck up a board with ‘A Merry Christmas’ on it. The enemy had stuck up a similar one. Platoons would sometimes go out for twenty-four hours’ rest – it was a day at least out of the trench and relieved the monotony a bit – and my platoon had gone out in this way the night before, but a few of us stayed behind to see what would happen. Two of our men then threw their equipment off and jumped on the parapet with their hands above their heads. Two of the Germans did the same and commenced to walk up the river bank, our two men going to meet them. They met and shook hands and then we all got out of the trench.”

From the German side, Lieutenant Kurt Zehmisch later wrote, “How marvelously wonderful, yet how strange it was. The English officers felt the same way about it. Thus Christmas, the celebration of Love, managed to bring mortal enemies together as friends for a time.”

These accounts offer a glimpse into the unique and unexpected moments of camaraderie and humanity that emerged during the Christmas truce of 1914.

But as the sun set on that magical Christmas day, the soldiers knew they had to return to their trenches to fight. The war would continue for another 4 long years, and the truce would become a memory. Yet, the Christmas truce of 1914 left a lasting mark on those who experienced it.

As the war continued, the soldiers carried the memory of that special Christmas with them. They remembered the warmth of friendship, the joy of shared laughter, and the hope that even in the darkest times, humanity could prevail.

The story of the Christmas truce teaches us that even in the middle of a conflict, there is room for kindness and understanding. It reminds us that, despite our differences, we are all human, with the same hopes and dreams for a better world.

So, as you spend time with your family and friends during the holiday season, think about the Christmas truce of 1914. Consider how a simple act of kindness can bring people together. Is there someone you have had disagreements with but want to be close to again? Or someone you need to forgive? Finding harmony in life isn’t easy but something we should work toward and just like those brave soldiers on the Western Front, let the spirit of peace and goodwill fill your heart.

And who knows, maybe, just maybe, the inspiration from the Christmas truce will encourage a world where kindness triumphs over hatred, and where the spirit of unity prevails, not just during the holidays but every day of the year.

The post Christmas Truce of 1914 for Kids appeared first on Bedtime History: Podcast and Videos For Kids.

Not only do these holidays mean special foods, traditions, and gatherings, they also each have their own history and stories to go with them. For millions of Jews around the world, early December means celebrating Hanukkah for eight nights. 

Hanukkah is Jewish holiday that has its own meaning and history. Judaism is a very old religion that started in the part of the world we now call the middle east. Jews believe in one god, just like Christians and Muslims. Judaism actually uses the same Bible as Christians,  though only the first part – the old testament,  which they call the Tanakh. They also have a special name for the first five books of the bible: the Torah. They don’t use the New Testament, which has the parts about Jesus. Jews celebrate their sabbath, or holy day, on Saturday. On that day, they might go to a worship service at a Synagogue,  and many avoid work and buying things. 

Even though it happens around the same time of year, Hanukkah is not a Jewish version of Christmas. Christmas celebrates the birth of the Christian savior, Jesus. Hanukkah celebrates a miracle that happened for the Jewish people over 2 thousand years ago. Even though the Jews believe in the old testament of the Bible, this story isn’t in the Bible. Even though it’s very old, it happened long after the stories told in the Torah. Let me tell you the story. 

A long time ago, in the middle of the second century BCE, the Jewish homeland, in what is now called Israel, was ruled by a Syrian-Greek power called the Seleucid Empire. The Seleucids thought that Greek culture and customs were the best in the world. The king, Antiochus, made it illegal to practice the Jewish religion and customs. He put an altar to the Greek god Zeus in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem, even though the Jews believed in only one God (and it wasn’t Zeus). He allowed his priests to sacrifice a pig to the Greek gods in the temple. The Jews believed that pigs are unclean. Jews could be punished very severely if they were caught practicing their religion. 

The Jews did not want to give up their religion or abandon their belief in one god. And they didn’t believe it was okay to pretend to follow the Greek gods, either. But they had to hide their religion. Jews would gather to pray and study the Torah in secret. If a Seleucid patrol passed by, they would quickly hide their books and pretend to play a game with a spinning top. 

King Antiochus began to send soldiers to all the villages in the area to make sure that the Jews were sacrificing to the Greek gods. When they reached a small town called Modi’in though, the Jewish priest there, Mattathias, refused to cooperate. He and his five sons fought off the soldiers and destroyed the pagan altar they’d set up. 

After that, Mattathias knew they’d be in trouble. He and his sons – John, Simon, Judah, Eliezer, and Jonathan – ran to the nearby hills to hide. 

But they weren’t done fighting for their right to practice their religion. The family returned with many other Jews who had fled persecution and started a revolt. Mattathias asked his son Simon, who was known for his wisdom, to guide the others in their decisions. He asked Judah, who was nicknamed “Maccabee”, which means “the hammer”, to lead the people into battle. Later, the whole family and their followers would also come to be known as the Maccabees.

The revolt lasted nearly 20 years. King Antiochus sent many armies to fight the rebels, but the Maccabees defeated every one, and eventually took back Jerusalem and their temple. For the Jewish people, Jerusalem is a special place, and the temple there was the most important one of all. Mattathias’ last living son, Simon, became the ruler of Judea. 

But the price of all the fighting was high. 

Even though they had taken back Jerusalem, the  temple had been nearly destroyed in the fighting. The temple lamp, called a menorah, had been stolen by the Seleucids. This lamp had seven branches, each with its own flame: one in the middle, higher than the rest, and three on either side of it. The temple menorah was made of gold, had beautiful decorations, and was supposedly as tall as a grown-up! 

The Jews cleaned up the temple, getting rid of the statues of the Greek gods. They built a new altar and a new menorah. They performed a special ceremony to rededicate the temple to their god. 

But it seemed their problems weren’t at an end. Priests were supposed to light the menorah lamps each morning, letting them burn all day and night, until the next morning. One candle from the previous day was always used to light all the others each morning, so the flame never went out completely. These flames were fed by the purest olive oil, but after all the fighting, there was only enough oil to light the lamp for one day. 

But then a miracle happened: the flames didn’t die out by the next morning. Instead, the oil lasted for 8 days! This gave the Jews enough time to make more oil, and ensured that the lamp wouldn’t go out again. More importantly, the miracle gave them hope that their god was still there, protecting them and caring for them. He had literally given them light in a very dark time. 

The priests decided that every year, the Jews would remember this miracle and their rededication of the temple by lighting candles for eight nights. The celebration starts on the 25th day of the month Kislev on the Jewish calendar. The Jewish calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, so it doesn’t always fall on the same day in the western calendar, but it’s between late November and mid-December.

So how is Hanukkah celebrated today?

The lighting of candles is probably still the most recognizable part of the celebration. Each night, for eight nights, families light candles on a menorah, one for each night. Usually, the oldest son in the family gets to light the menorah, and they say a blessing as they light the candles. So on the first night, you light one candle, the second night two, until the eighth night when all the candles are lit. 

If you’ve been paying really close attention, you might remember that I said the temple menorah had seven lamps on it, not eight. Good catch! On Hanukkah, a special menorah, called a Hanukkiah is used. A Hanukkiah actually has nine candles. Traditionally, one is higher than all the others. This is called the shamash candle, and it’s used to light the other candles each night. So each night, there’s actually one extra candle lit – the shamash.

Jewish families often place their menorahs in a window, showing that they won’t hide who they are, like they had to when they lived under Seleucid rule. In many cities throughout the world, you might also see giant menorahs set up in public places, lit with an extra lamp each night of Hanukkah.

But Hanukkah is more than lighting candles. Jewish families also gather together to reconnect and eat special meals. For Hanukkah, the tradition is to eat foods that are fried in oil to commemorate the miracle of the oil lamp. People eat fried potato pancakes called latkes, often topped with sour cream or applesauce. They also eat delicious jelly donuts called sufganyot. 

Some families give small gifts to their children, though gifts aren’t a big part of Hanukkah like they are for Christmas. One traditional gift is chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil called gelt. 

The gelt are also used in a game called dreidel at Hanukkah. A dreidel is a spinning top with four sides. If you remember, the Jews would often pretend to be playing with a spinning top if a Syrian passed by while they were praying. The dreidel has four Hebrew letters on it: Nun, Gimel, Hay, and Shin. These letters stand for the Hebrew words “Nes Gadol Hayah Sham”, which means “A great miracle happened there.” 

I won’t go into all the details, but players each put a token, or piece of gelt, into a central pile or “pot.” Then, they take turns spinning the dreidel. Depending on which letter is facing up when the dreidel falls, the player has to take a specific action. They might have to put another token in the pot, do nothing, take half the tokens, or all the tokens (or candy!) in the center pot.  

Hanukkah offers people a sense of hope and pride in their beliefs. Beliefs and traditions can keep people going in dark, troubling times. The story of Hanukkah helps Jews remember that they’ve gone through tough times, but they’ve survived and built new traditions while holding on to their beliefs and their culture.

Whatever holidays you celebrate at this time of year, or if you don’t celebrate any, I hope you can take a few minutes with someone you love to look at the light of candles, or Christmas lights, or even the stars, and feel the warmth of peace, hope, and love.

https://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/article_cdo/aid/102978/jewish/The-Hanukkah-Story.htm

https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/5971678/jewish/The-Menorah-Its-Story-and-Mystery.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seleucid_Empire

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So, in thanks, they scurry to prepare a feast fit for a chief: fish, turkey, bread, corn, fruits, and vegetables.  Soon, they hear rustling in the bushes and a tribe of 90 Wampanoag Indians enter the clearing, a great chief leading the pack.  They are dressed in feathers, leather, and beads.  They are a striking group with strong bodies, painted faces, and long flowing hair.  They walk with pride and grace.  Between 12 proud warriors are strung the carcasses of five deer tied to wooden poles.  The poles are perched atop bronzed shoulders and the sight of these plump deer reminds the pilgrims how hungry they are.

Greetings are exchanged – a mixture of hand signals, English, and Wampanoag words – as well as gifts of food, beads, clothing, and tools.  One Wampanoag knows English and he acts as an interpreter between the leaders of the Pilgrims – William Bradford, Miles Standish, Edward Winslow, Stephen Hopkins and John Carver – and the Chief.  The interpreter’s name is Tisquantum (later nicknamed “Squanto”).  On previous visits with the pilgrims, he stated that the Chief’s name was “Massasoit Ousamequin.”  The pilgrims mistakenly think that “Massasoit” is his first name, but it is his title, meaning “great leader.”  This mistake by the pilgrims is further compounded when they write down the chief’s name as “Massasoit” in their journals.  From then on, the chief is known by the name “Massasoit” by the pilgrims – and later by history.

Pilgrim Edward Winslow is awed and a little anxious at the site of this sturdy, striking chief. He describes the leader “in his best years, an able body, grave of countenance, and spare of speech.  His attire is a great chain of white bone beads about his neck, and behind his neck hangs a little bag of tobacco.  His face is painted red and he oils both head and face.” 

The Wampanoags get to work building fires and erecting spits to roast the venison.  The pilgrims help them prepare the carcasses and position them above the flames.  The men then go hunting.  They gather turkey, ducks, deer, and rabbits.  The teenagers scramble along the rocky shore harvesting seafood: mussels, clams, and lobsters.  The woman and children mash corn porridge and fill wooden bowls with berries and nuts.  

The hunting party returns and everyone settles around the spits to smoke, drink, laugh and trade.  The pilgrims show the Wampanoags how to use the tools they brought from England and in turn they show them how to plant native seeds and where to fish.

By midday, the feast is ready and everyone gathers to dine. The venison is juicy and tender.  Never has anything tasted so good to the grateful pilgrims.  Everyone dives into platters of fish and turkey mixed with an array of cranberries, blueberries, and gooseberries.  Hot squash and cooked pumpkin simmer in the chilly afternoon air as a warm treat.  

The men light their pipes and sit around the fire as nighttime descends.  The women and children clear the feast and store the remaining food so that pesky possums and predators will not steal the spoils.  The Native Americans erected tents to use as shelter during the three-day celebration.  Soon sleep overtakes the revelers and everyone retires after a long, busy day.  

The next two days are much the same, filled with hunting and feasting.  On the third afternoon, Chief Ousamequin, Tisquantum, and the warriors head back into the forest, back to their own villages and families.  It has been a truly memorable time for all – and one that will go down in history thanks to President Abraham Lincoln who declares it as the first American Thanksgiving.

We know a lot about the Mayflower pilgrims and their first years in Massachusetts from the journals and manifests they left behind.  But what do we know about Chief Ousamequin and Tisquantum who were involved in this historic Thanksgiving?  

It is believed that Chief  Ousamequin was born around 1581 and was the leader of the Wampanoag people, also known as the Pokanokets, living in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. For years, the Chief had been dealing with epidemics raging through his villages.   Early explorers from Normandy, Brittany, and Bristol arrived on their shores fishing for cod to take back home. The travelers brought diseases with them that quickly swept through the tribes.  The American Indians, having no natural resistance to foreign diseases, quickly succumbed.  

In addition, the Wampanoags were battling the Narragansetts, also from Rhode Island.  With his dwindling tribe, the Chief knew he needed strong allies.  The pilgrims then landed on his shores with healthy men and strong weapons – weapons the Wampanoags did not have. Such as mighty muskets with buckshot that could fly further than tomahawks or arrows.   Chief Ousamequin might have taken this as a sign from the heavens that these new people were here to help him against his enemies, the Narragansett. Or he wisely knew that he could barter with these men.  He could make a peace agreement with them: he and his tribe would not attack the pilgrims and would teach them where to hunt, farm, and fish.  In return, the pilgrims would help him protect his people against the Narragansett.  

But in order to communicate his proposed peace treaty, he needed an interpreter.  He knew someone named Tisquantum who was familiar with the strange language called “English” and he sent him to speak with the pilgrims.

And how did Tisquantum know English?  Well, that is a sad story.  Tisquantum was part of the Patuxet tribe and their summer village was in Plymouth, Massachusetts.  In 1614, when he was in his 20’s or 30’s, Tisquantum was taken captive by an English explorer named Thomas Hunt.  Thomas Hunt was sailing along the New England coast gathering furs and cod to sell in Spain.  He decided that in addition to gathering pelts and fish, he would take captives.  Hunt landed near Plymouth and lured 20 Patuxets onto his boat, including Tisquantum, to discuss trade.  But instead of a friendly discussion, he took them captive and sailed with them to Malaga, Spain, to be sold into slavery.  Some kindly monks took pity on Hunt’s captives and paid for them. The monks then taught them English and religion.  Sometime thereafter, Tisquantum traveled to London, maybe as a worker or a helpmate to a merchant or ship’s captain.

In 1619, Tisquantum returned to America, possibly by convincing London businessmen that he could make them rich with expeditions to America.  He joined a ship bound for America. When they landed, he found that his whole tribe, which once numbered 2,000 members, had died from diseases.  Tragically, he was the last of the Patuxet tribe.  History does not record how or when he met Chief Ousamequin – possibly upon his return from England.  

A year later, in late 1620, the pilgrims arrived at Plymouth and the tribes held a three-day meeting to decide what to do with these new people.  Tisquantum urged Chief Ousamequin to make friends with them.  He told the chief of the great wonders he had seen in England and convinced him that if he befriended the pilgrims and made them their allies, the other Native Americans would have to bow before him.  

In March 1621, Chief Ousamequin sent Tisquantum to speak with the pilgrims on his behalf.  Tisquantum then stayed with the pilgrims for 20 months, teaching them where to fish and hunt, and how to plant and fertilize their seeds for a bountiful harvest.  He also helped rescue a small boy taken captive by another tribe.  Tisquantum introduced the pilgrims to the fur trade and went on sailing and trading trips with them along the Cape Cod coast, acting as a guide and interpreter.  Unfortunately, on one of these trips, Tisquantum fell ill from a fever.  William Bradford stayed by his side for days before Tisquantum passed away on November 30, 1622, two years after the pilgrims’ arrival.  He was approximately 42 years old.  It was a great loss to Chief Ousamequin and the pilgrims, and they dearly mourned his passing. 

As for Chief Ousamequin, he lived a long life and worked to keep the peace between various warring tribes and the expanding colonies.  He was once taken hostage by an enemy tribe, but with the help of Tisquantum and the pilgrims he was released.  He had five children: sons Wamsutta, Pometecomet, and Sonkanuchoo, and two daughters, Amie and Sarah.

In the early 1620’s, Chief Ousamequin became very sick and was nursed back to health by pilgrim Edward Winslow.  The chief was forever grateful and stated, “The English are my friends and love me….and I will never forget this kindness they have showed me.”  And he was true to his word. When he learned about plans by another tribe to attack two pilgrim colonies, Chief Ousamequin warned the pilgrims.

But tensions between the growing colonies and the American Indian tribes only grew worse through the years.  In 1649, Chief Ousamequin sold 14 miles of land to Miles Standish and other pilgrims near Duxbury, Massachusetts, in an effort to keep the peace and give the pilgrims some land of their own.  This site is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Chief Ousamequin passed away between 1660 and 1662 in his 80’s or 90’s.  His eldest son became the leader after his death.  However, he died within a year and the chief’s second son became the next leader.  

During his lifetime, Chief Ousamequin was a dedicated peacemaker, skilled mediator, and honorable leader.  Today, statues in his honor are displayed at Plymouth Rock, Brigham Young University, the Utah State Capitol, the Springville Museum of Art, and in Kansas City, Missouri.  Two places in Massachusetts are named after him: Massasoit Community College and Massasoit State Park. 

Unfortunately, there are no statues for – or even a description of – Tisquantum.  Some say that the peninsula named Squantum in Quincy, Massachusetts, is named after him.  

It is undeniable that the pilgrims, and the generations of immigrants who arrived on America’s shores in the centuries that followed, owe a huge debt of gratitude to Chief Ousamequin, Tisquantum, and the Wampanoag people.  Without their guidance, assistance, and protection, the first colony would surely have perished. These brave humans have provided us with examples of how to live an honorable life: respect nature, keep your word, live as a community, give as much as you receive, and help your fellow man.

It is sad that so little information remains about the life and times of these Native Americans, but maybe when you gather around your Thanksgiving table this year, you will take a moment to give thanks to Chief Ousamequin, Tisquantum, and all of the other Wampanoags.

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The next day dawns bright and cold and the sea has calmed.  It is November 1^st, the first day of the new year and the official start of the winter season. The father rises and grabs a slice of bread with bacon and cold goat’s milk before heading outside and up the grassy hill to the pasture.  He meets his neighbor at the pasture and they start counting and corralling the sheep that have been grazing on the land all summer. The men whistle and yell, driving the plump beasts down the hill towards the warm and waiting stables. By midday, all the sheep are settled in their wooden stalls with bales of hay for feasting.  The men grab bowls of porridge at the house before walking down the dusty road into town to their landlord’s office.  They need to pay the lease on their lands for another year of farming and sheep grazing.  Next, they stop at a nearby pub for hot ale before heading home to their families.

Inside the homes, women and children talk excitedly.  All day they have been preparing hot soups and meats, fruits and vegetables, for the night’s celebration.  It is the festival of Samhain and the town has been buzzing in anticipation. Evening slowly descends and town folk gather for hearty dinners spread on low tables.  An array of roasted meats, vegetables, potatoes, and soups send wafts of tantalizing aromas into the air.  Everyone gathers around the table, sitting on thick bundles of straw.  They dive excitedly into the feast, laughing and telling tales, both old and new.  Some even break into tender songs of legend and lore – tales of loved ones lost in the mists of time and lovely maidens of the sea.  

Soon, the men gather once more in town, then climb the nearby hillside to light bright yellow bonfires.  The flames dance and swirl on the frosty air, sparking and jumping higher as more logs are added to the fire.  Women and children don thick sweaters and colorful masks made of clay, cloth, leaves, and twine.  They join the men on the hill, laughing and dancing and howling into the wind.  They recite fables and sing songs, making as much noise as possible to scare away evil spirits.  Tonight, all sorts of strange things roam the night: fairies and goblins, witches and demons.  It is also the night that the ghosts of those who have passed come back to visit or those who have died during the year travel to the great beyond.  Masks are worn to ward off any unwelcome apparitions.  No one wants to be recognized by a witch or a hobgoblin – or followed home!  People grab heavy wooden sticks and poke them into the bonfire, walking home with blazing torches to light their hearths for the long winter ahead.

Shortly thereafter, the local soothsayer – or fortune teller – comes to the family’s house for some hot drinks and food. Wrapped in a frayed shawl, the old woman settles her weary bones into a wooden seat next to the fire.  Her wrinkled skin and white hair glow in the firelight. She closes her eyes and calls to the spirits.  Sometimes she simply looks at some crushed tea leaves in the bottom of a cup.  She is said to have the gift of divination – the ability to tell the future – who will marry, who will be healthy or ill, and who will depart in the months ahead.  This year, the news is good.  All in the home will enjoy good health and a bountiful harvest next fall.  The old woman smiles and slowly shuffles out the door to visit the next home on this dark and chilly night.  Samhain has been a special day full of family, food, and festivities.

A year or so later, the Romans invade this lovely Celt island and bring their own customs and traditions with them, such as the festival of Feralia. They hold celebrations to honor Pomona, the goddess of the harvest, as well as their departed loved ones.  They make offerings at family graves in the form of wreaths, grain, salt, bread soaked in wine, and violets.  

And so it goes. The years tick by and the customs continue. The dead are honored and feasts are held every November 1^st.  Then, in 7 AD, Pope Boniface IV decides it is time to throw away the old pagan traditions of roaming spirits and scary hobgoblins.  He proclaims a new holiday, All Saints’ Day, to be held on May 13th to honor Catholic saints in heaven instead of magical fairies and devilish demons. But traditions and customs change slowly; they don’t happen overnight just because a ruler – or a pope – declares it so.  Eventually, by the following century, the celebration of All Saint’s Day is moved to November 1^st to try to merge it with the Celts’ holiday and hopefully take it over completely. It is then declared that the evening before this new All Saints’ Day, or October 31^st, is a holy night to be known as “All Hallows Eve” or “Hallowed Eve” – which later becomes “Halloween.”  

More years pass and by the Middle Ages the pagan – or non-religious – rituals and the saintly celebrations have merged. On “Hallowed Eve,” some people, such as those in Britain or of the Protestant faith, celebrate the harvest but do not acknowledge the saints. The Catholics honor the saints but deny the pagan beliefs in witches, ghosts, and goblins.

Thus, when the first pilgrims from England sailed to America in the 1600s and later the Irish in the 1800s, they brought their customs and beliefs with them, including Halloween.  These early settlers didn’t celebrate the religious aspects of “Hallowed Eve,” such as honoring the saints, but rather celebrated the harvest and held feasts. Over the years, these Halloween traditions grew and evolved in America.

Today, many people still gather at this time of year every fall, but instead of lighting bonfires or enjoying big meals on the night of November 1st, they have incorporated new twists on old customs.  In the United States and other places around the world, children still wear masks at night but they do it on October 31^st, “Halloween,” instead of the Celts’ new year of November 1^st.  They carve pumpkins (instead of turnips like their ancestors) and bob for apples – maybe as a nod to the goddess Pomona and a bountiful fall harvest.  They walk the streets and beg for candy, similar to their ancestors who allowed the poor to beg for food called “soul cakes.” Children now wear elaborate costumes instead of just masks and dress as things their ancestors tried to scare away – witches and goblins, ghosts and fairies. Some dress as skeletons, not realizing that this harkens back to the Celts centuries ago who would gather around blazing bonfires to send dearly departed loved ones on their way or welcome older ancestors home.  Feasting today is mainly for children in the form of mounds of candy instead of fruits and vegetables.  Some may play tricks on neighbors, acting as little “devils” or “demons” roaming the night just as their ancestors feared many centuries ago across the wild and raging sea.

So, what do you think of the Halloween holiday? Did you know about the old Celt traditions that started it all?  What do you like to do on Halloween and what are your favorite costumes?  Do you display witches, skeletons, and ghosts in your home or do you honor another tradition of your faith?  If you enjoy feasting instead of scary celebrations, what is your favorite food to eat during Halloween?

I think it is amazing how customs follow us down through the centuries and change over the years as people travel to new places or grow in their beliefs. 

The post Story of Halloween for Kids appeared first on Bedtime History: Podcast and Videos For Kids.

It is October and Fall has slowly and silently crept in on chilly breezes and frosty nights.  Stealthily, inch by inch and degree by degree, Mother Nature has lowered the temperature and darkened the nights.  Dusk descends quickly at this time of year and people scurry home from school and work, wary to be caught outside in the gathering gloom. Their imaginations run wild: And some of the most popular images – besides skeletons, witches, and ghosts – are cats and crows.  But why?  What made them so popular – and so dreaded – at Halloween?  let’s dive right in and find out!

First, we must study various cultures and their beliefs.  Cats were actually a symbol of the divine, worshipped by the ancient Egyptians as reincarnations of the Goddess Bastet, a powerful protector.  Their images were carved on walls temples and obelisks.  They were admired, honored, and adored.  Entire cities were erected in honor of cat deities, believing they protected the citizens from scary scorpions and slithering snakes.  However, everything started to change as Christianity took hold around the world.  Roman Emperor Theodosius I made the decree in 391 CE that all pagan worship was to be banned.  Cats were no longer worshipped thereafter, but at least they were liked and tolerated.  Slowly they became basic household pets throughout Egypt and Europe.

Further abroad in Ireland, the ancient Celts had their own magical cat.  They believed in a spirit called “Cat Sith” or “Fairy Cat.”  This spirit was said to take the form of a large black cat with a white patch on its chest.  They believed that if you left a saucer of milk out for Cat Sith, you would receive good luck, whereas if you did not, Cat Sith would send bad luck to your home.  

Two other legends about Cat Sith also come from the nearby lochs of Scotland, where it was believed that Cat Sith could steal souls from those who had passed.  The Scots believed that they must watch over bodies awaiting burial so that Cat Sith would not steal the souls before they were greeted by the gods and taken to the afterlife.  Night watchers would make loud noises to scare away Cat Sith and they would not light a fire so that Cat Sith would not be tempted to creep near to warm his body.

A second Scottish legend states that witches can turn into cats and they can do so eight times.  If a witch switches into a cat a ninth time, she stays a cat forever.  This legend is probably where the belief originated that cats have nine lives. 

So, now we see a connection between cats, witches, and tall tales.  

And just as the ancient Celt festival of Samhain eventually turned into Halloween based on the declaration of a pope, so did a pope turn the simple cat into a scary devil.   In 1233, Pope Gregory IX and Pope Innocent VIII wrote that cats were associated with devils and witches and should be banned.

And if that weren’t enough, a belief spread that any woman who was seen with a cat must be a witch because it was rumored that cats carried the spirit of witches.  Both cats and women accused of being witches met terrible ends.  And due to the decline in the cat population from these actions, the rat population grew.  Fleas on the rats quickly spread diseases like the Black Plague.  But instead of blaming the plague on fleas and rodents, people blamed the witches.  If only people had kept cats around, history might have turned out quite differently!

Well, soon these European citizens crossed the ocean and settled in America – and they brought their beliefs with them – including those of black cats and witches – which culminated in the famous Salem Witch Trials of 1692-1693.  Thankfully, after these unfounded trials and accusations, the belief in witches and evil black cats declined and slowly dissolved into the mists of time. 

Then around the time of World War II in the 1940’s, the black cat’s fate turned once again and they were depicted in images of Halloween – but this time as symbols of good luck!  Why?  Well, trick-or-treating had become popular and it was believed that a black cat by your door protected you against the arrival of evil spirits – just like the ancient Egyptian cat goddess and protectress Bastet!

Luckily, cats are adored as funny and rambunctious house pets today.  They are the rulers of the household – as anyone who has a cat will attest – and they keep the home free of spiders and bugs, reptiles and birds.  They also cause a lot of mischief and merriment, unrolling toilet paper rolls, swatting items off desktops, and banging their dinner bowls in indignation if you are too late or too slow with their meals. 

So, how did crows and ravens become associated with Halloween?  Well, that’s a bit more complicated.

Crows and ravens – known as corvids – are, by nature, intelligent scavengers and often dine on the carcasses of animals.  This activity has been recorded by man through the centuries and put into myth, legend, artwork, and text.

Archeologists have found cave paintings from 15,000 years ago in France and Spain depicting crows sitting on posts next to graveyards.  Their meaning is unclear.  Are they waiting for dinner or are they waiting to take the departed spirits to the afterlife?  Either way, they are sitting in a spooky graveyard.

In Germany, it was believed that ravens could locate the souls of the departed, while the Welsh believed that a single crow signaled that death was near.  The Welsh also believed that sorcerers and witches turned into ravens and flew away, thus avoiding capture.

All these beliefs about crows and death, sorcerers and witches, were swirling in Europe when the Black Plaque struck between 1347-1352.  Plague doctors started wearing masks shaped like long crow’s beaks. They stuffed these masks with herbs to try to ward off the disease while treating patients.  People saw these scary crow masks and soon associated crows with illness and death.

And with all customs and beliefs, they made their way across continents.  Soon these myths and legends took hold in America and spread through villages and mountain hamlets.  Based on these old myths, people in America’s Appalachian Mountains started to predict the future based on the number of crows they saw: single or small numbers of crows meant health, wealth, or good luck, while larger numbers meant illness or death was near.  

The American Poet Edgar Allen Poe wrote a famous poem in 1845 called “The Raven” and a line in the poem calls the crow “a thing of evil” and seems to foretell a miserable and heartbroken life ahead for the main character.  Once again, the crow was portrayed as an evil and gloomy omen.

However, I would suggest that crows and ravens are actually very intelligent birds and creative problem solvers.  They can watch a man or creature crack a nut, dig a hole, open a can, or do some other activity and learn to do it himself.  They can recognize people and faces and can form attachments – or aversions – to specific individuals.  Additionally, they are nature’s creative “clean-up crew,” eating scraps of meat, rodents, and waste, thus eliminating harmful fleas, germs, and diseases from the environment.  

What do you think about cats and crows?  Has this history changed your mind about them?  If so, in what way?  Do you have a pet cat or do you have crows in your neighborhood?

I think cats and crows are a wonderful part of our ecosystem and have an important role to play not just in Halloween tales but in real life by keeping us safe from disease-carrying rodents and fleas. 

The post History of Black Cats and Crows of Halloween appeared first on Bedtime History: Podcast and Videos For Kids.

Imagine it’s Halloween evening and you’re out in your neighborhood trick-or-treating with your family and friends. It’s dark but all of the homes have their lights on, meaning they are welcoming you to stop by and ask for a treat. All of the kids you pass on the streets are wearing costumes and some of the adults, too. You enjoy seeing the variety of costumes. Some are cute and some are scary! You see someone dressed up as a vampire, and someone else as a mummy. You recognize these as classic monsters, the ones most people know about. But do you know the history of these classic monsters? Where do they come from? How they came to be?

Count Dracula

Let’s start with Count Dracula, who became the most famous vampire, Many, many years ago in the 1400s, there was a real person named Vlad III. He was a prince from a place called Wallachia, which is now part of modern-day Romania. Vlad III was not the kind of prince you wanted to mess with, especially if you were his enemy. This gave Vlad the reputation of being very dangerous.

Now, let’s fast forward to the late 1800s. A writer named Bram Stoker wrote a book and named it “Dracula” and created the character Count Dracula. He published his novel in 1897 and this book is where the legend of the vampire truly began. In Bram Stoker’s story, Count Dracula is a vampire who can transform into a bat, sleep in a coffin, and has sharp pointy teeth called fangs. But remember, this is just a story, it’s all fiction which means it isn’t real, just make-believe.

After Bram Stoker’s book, Count Dracula became a movie, the first one in 1931 starring Bela Lugosi. Many movies about Dracula were made after this, each movie added its own twists to the story.

But Dracula isn’t always portrayed as a terrifying monster. In the movie “Hotel Transylvania,” he’s a funny and friendly vampire who runs a hotel for monsters and their families. He’s a loving dad and a good friend. This version of Dracula is perfect for kids.

Today, Count Dracula is still a popular figure. You might see him in Halloween costumes, decorations, and even in cartoons. People love dressing up as Dracula with capes and fake fangs for a bit of spooky fun. But remember, it’s all pretend! Vampires like Dracula are creatures of fiction, and there’s nothing to fear in real life.

Count Dracula is a fascinating character with a history that stretches back hundreds of years. He’s been scary and silly, but no matter how he’s portrayed, he’s a legend in the world of literature and film.

Frankenstein

Next up is Frankenstein. The tale of Frankenstein begins in the early 19th century with a young woman named Mary Shelley. Mary was staying at a vacation home with some friends and one evening they were sitting around a fireplace telling ghost stories. Mary envisioned a monster that was made up of different parts, invented by a scientist and inventor named Dr. Frankenstein. She was only 18 at this time. Later, she turned the ghost story into a full novel called “Frankenstein” about the monster she created.

In the book, the main character, Victor Frankenstein, is a scientist. He becomes obsessed with creating life from lifeless parts. In his laboratory, Victor brings together body parts from different sources to create a creature. But things don’t go as planned, and the creature turns out much different than Victor expected.

Here’s the twist: The creature Victor creates isn’t evil from the start. He’s misunderstood and lonely. Imagine being brought to life and having nobody to talk to or guide you! The creature tries to find friendship and connection but is met with fear and rejection from humans.

Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” became incredibly famous and was even turned into a play in London. But Frankenstein’s monster really became a superstar when he appeared in movies. The classic 1931 film starring Boris Karloff introduced the design of the monster we know today with bolts in his neck and flat head.

In recent years, Frankenstein’s monster has appeared in various movies, TV shows, and books. These modern versions often explore themes of science, ethics, and what it means to be truly alive.

One of the cool things about “Frankenstein” is its connection to science fiction. Victor Frankenstein’s experiment explores themes of science and ethics, making us think about the consequences of our actions and how we treat others.

So, there you have it! “Frankenstein” is more than just a scary monster; it’s a timeless story that makes us think about science, humanity, and what it means to be truly alive. When you encounter Frankenstein in books or movies, remember that there’s always more to the story than meets the eye. It’s all about exploring big ideas and having a bit of spooky fun along the way! Also, if you want to listen to a full episode about Mary Shelley and Frankenstein, be sure to look up the Bedtime History episode.

Werewolves

Have you ever heard of Wolfman or Werewolves? These tales date back to ancient times when people told stories around campfires. In these stories, humans could transform into wolves during full moons. Imagine having the power to become a wild animal!

One of the most famous legends is the idea that a person becomes a werewolf only during a full moon. This idea became widely known in European folklore. People believed that those bitten by a werewolf or born on a certain day could turn into these creatures when the moon was full.

Werewolves appeared in folklore from many parts of the world, including Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Each culture had its own unique twist on the story. Some portrayed werewolves as fierce monsters, while others saw them as people with a special connection to nature.

Werewolves made their way into movies in the early 20th century. In the 1941 film “The Wolf Man,” Lon Chaney Jr. became the Wolfman we recognize today. With his furry face and long claws, he became the face of the werewolf in Hollywood.

In recent years, werewolves have appeared in various movies, TV shows, and books. “Teen Wolf” and “New Moon” as part of the Twilight Trilogy are two modern examples. These films often explore themes of identity, transformation, and the struggle between human and animal instincts.

At its heart, the werewolf legend often teaches us about the duality of human nature—the struggle between our civilized selves and our primal instincts. It reminds us that we all have a bit of “wild” within us.

Mummies

Next up is mummies. Mummies are not just monsters; they have real-life origins dating back thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians were the masters of mummification. They believed in an afterlife and wanted to preserve the bodies of their loved ones for eternity. So, they developed a special process to keep bodies from getting old. This whole process was part of religious rituals, and mummies were often placed in beautiful tombs along with treasures for the afterlife.

Mummies didn’t start out as monsters in our stories. It wasn’t until the 1800s that mummies began to appear as spooky creatures in books. Writers like Bram Stoker (who wrote “Dracula”) and Arthur Conan Doyle (creator of Sherlock Holmes) started to include mummy tales in their stories.

One popular idea linked to mummies is the “mummy’s curse.” It’s believed that disturbing a mummy’s tomb or removing it from its resting place would bring bad luck to those involved. While this idea is mostly fiction, it adds an exciting twist to mummy tales.

Mummies became famous movie monsters thanks to films like “The Mummy” (1932), starring Boris Karloff. In these movies, mummies would come to life and often seek revenge. Over the years, mummy movies have ranged from spooky to action-packed.

In the real world, scientists have discovered and studied mummies found all around the globe. These mummies have taught us a lot about ancient civilizations, their customs, and even their health. It turns out that not all mummies are spooky; some are like time capsules from the past.

The story of mummies reminds us of the rich history and culture of ancient civilizations. While they might appear scary in movies, real mummies are an incredible source of knowledge about our shared human history. Embrace the adventure, and who knows what secrets you might uncover along the way!

The post Classic Monsters of Halloween for Kids appeared first on Bedtime History: Podcast and Videos For Kids.

Autumn has arrived in many parts of the world and with it a noticeable shift in the wind.  Days are shorter, nights are longer, and breezes are cooler.  Deep green leaves turn flaming red, orange, and yellow before drifting slowly down to Earth.  Everywhere things are preparing for winter:  animals arrange their hidden burrows, people gather their final harvests, and nature drops its colorful blooms in preparation for a long sleep under a snowy coat.  

And with autumn comes the arrival of the holiday season, and the first holiday celebration of fall is Halloween. First started by the Celts in Ireland as a festival called (Sah-win) Samhain, it was celebrated on November 1^st to welcome the new year, give thanks for the harvest, and honor departed loved ones.  And over the centuries, this annual celebration has spread across the world and evolved into all sorts of wonderful celebrations and festivities.  So, let’s learn about some of these amazing events on or around “All Hallowed Eve” or “Halloween.”  

First, we travel to Austria, where locals don’t celebrate Halloween, but rather “Allerseelen” or “All Souls’ Day,” where they visit graves and light candles to honor departed loved ones.  They may also leave out bread and water at home or keep a light on to assist beloved spirits on their earthly visits home.  

In China, they celebrate (tang-she) Teng Chieh, or the “Hungry Ghost Festival.”  This event is held on the 15^th day of the 7^th lunar month (which rotates every year and lands between mid-August and early September).  At dusk, town folk present offerings of food and water for the spirits, display pictures of departed loved ones, and light fragrant incense.  It is hoped that by doing so, they will make wandering ghosts happy and these ghosts will then bestow blessings instead of punishment on the living.  After making these offerings, families gather for a big feast and leave an empty place at the table for a departed loved one.

In Hong Kong, another part of China, they have embraced America’s love of Halloween and turned it into a huge party.  Places like Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park Hong Kong hold songfests performed by Disney villains, Halloween-themed street performances, costume parades, haunted houses, and more.   

But in France, they hardly celebrate Halloween at all.  In fact, they barely tolerate it.  They consider it a purely American event.  Instead, they honor All Saints Day on November 1^st.  As you may have learned in one of our previous episodes, Pope Benedict IV created All Saints Day to honor Catholic saints instead of Celtic – and pagan – ghosts, witches, and fairies.  To this day, French citizens honor the religious aspect of Halloween by attending church services and visiting cemeteries to place flowers on loved ones’ graves.  

Germany doesn’t go overboard for Halloween but instead, they celebrate St. Martin’s Day on November 11^th in honor of the Catholic Saint Martin who was a Roman soldier and later became a monk. On this day, thousands of people parade through town following a Roman soldier on a white horse.  At dusk, children fill the streets carrying lanterns and singing songs for candy, money, or treats.  Once at home, the children devour sweet rolls shaped like gingerbread men.  These treats are called “The Weckmann” and sport raisin eyes and white pipes dangling from their mouths.  November 11^th is also the start of their festival season, which starts on the 11^th minute past the 11^th hour on the 11^th day of the 11^th month and runs through the following February!

In Haiti, they celebrate Fet Gede, the “Festival of the Dead” or the “Festival of the Ancestors” which is derived from African traditions honoring the spirits of fertility and death.  On November 1^st and 2^nd, celebrations are held that are quite “spirited” and include lots of dancing and drumming in the streets, as well as singing and laughter.  People parade to graveyards where they joyously offer food, beeswax candles, flowers, and bottles of rum stuffed with chilis to please departed souls and bring good luck in the year ahead.  It is similar to a blending of Mardi Gras, Halloween, and Dia de Los Muertos and is a lively and colorful tradition on the island. 

Ireland is the original home of Halloween.  The Celts used to hold a celebration called “Samhain” on November 1^st to welcome the new year and the start of winter.  At this time, they also celebrated the year’s harvest and honored departed loved ones.  Bonfires were lit at sundown, masks were worn, and feasts were enjoyed.  

Today, revelers in Derry light fireworks instead of bonfires and hold a huge carnival.  In Dublin, they enjoy a Halloween parade and ghost tours at Malahide Castle, the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland that is said to be haunted by five ghosts! One of their favorite Halloween treats is a dense cake called Barmbrack filled with raisins, currants, and other candied fruits. Inside these cakes, bakers hide a rag, ring, and coin.  It is believed that whoever gets the rag will join the church or have a rocky financial future, whoever gets the ring will find happiness or marry, and whoever finds the coin will enjoy a new year filled with prosperity. Of course, trick-or-treating is also a favorite pastime, too.

Just like in France, Italians celebrate “All Saints’ Day” or “La Festa di Ognissanti” on November 1^st.  They spend the holiday enjoying time with family and exchanging presents.  On November 2^nd, the citizens celebrate “All Souls’ Day” in honor of departed loved ones. They attend mass, leave chrysanthemums on graves, and hold a big feast.  They believe they are not only eating with their living family members on this day but also with departed loved ones. Special cookies called “Fave dei Morti” or “beans of the dead” are baked. And why the reference to beans, you may ask?  Well, in ancient Rome, beans were used during funeral services because it was believed they housed the spirits of the departed. 

In Japan, Halloween has only been celebrated since the year 2000 and was started at Tokyo Disneyland.  The Japanese don’t follow customs such as pumpkin carving or trick-or-treating, but rather hold huge parades and participate in cosplay, flash mobs, zombie runs, and street parties – or even big bashes on commuter trains!  

Throughout Latin America and Spain, locals hold celebrations for three days from October 31^st through November 2^nd and these may contain Aztec, Mayan, Incan, and Catholic traditions. Many believe the dead return home on Halloween night, so they erect colorful alters and decorate graves with candies, flowers, plants, food, and drink. 

On November 1^st, they celebrate “All Saints’ Day.”  Covered “sitting rooms” are attached to family graves, where they honor their loved ones by bringing their favorite foods and music.  They may decorate alters, graves, or costumes with the orange-colored “Mexican Marigolds,” a pre-Columbus tradition performed by ancient tribes.  In some regions, they fly huge kites with attached messages as a way of communicating with the spirits or guiding them back to their earthly homes.  

November 2^nd is known as “Dia de Los Muertos,” “Day of the Dead,” or “All Souls’ Day,” and lively events are held in a colorful celebration of life.  Parades and painted skeleton faces – called “Catrinas” or “Sugar Skulls” – are common, as are treats called “Tanta Wawas de Pan,” or “Bread Babies.”  These are sweet rolls baked in the form of infants, horses, stars, suns, and moons to signify life, death, and Mother Earth.  Candles are lit and incense are burned, all to welcome spirits back home.  

Halloween is not a huge event in The Netherlands besides trick-or-treating, but on November 11th, the Dutch celebrate the festival of “Sint-Maarten” in honor of the Catholic saint of the same name.  In the past, this day used to be considered a “beggar’s holiday” because St. Martin was known for his generosity towards the poor. These days, masses are attended and Dutch children carry lanterns through the streets, knocking on doors, and singing songs for candy.  Though less popular today, some revelers might light bonfires like the original Celts or conduct processions through town in honor of the saint. 

In the Philippines, citizens hold a three-day event called Pangangaluluwa, which starts on October 31^st with a marathon of movies and TV shows.  On November 1^st and 2^nd, like in other countries, they visit graves with family members to honor departed loved ones.  The children also go door-to-door dressed up in costumes, but instead of asking for treats, they sing songs and ask for prayers for wandering souls.    

“The Day of the Witches” or “Dia das Bruxas” is celebrated in Portugal at Halloween time.  Families visit graves and leave flowers and candles for their ancestors, while children celebrate by trick-or-treating for bread, nuts, and fruits instead of candy. 

“The Night of the Pumpkins” or “Noite dos Calacús” is celebrated in Galicia, Spain.  On this night, people dress up in costumes, light bonfires, and tell ghost stories.  They also follow an old Celtic tradition of brewing an alcoholic drink of distilled wine, herbs, coffee and coffee beans, sugar, lemon peel, and cinnamon in a hollowed-out pumpkin.  While they are making the drink, they recite an incantation – possibly to bestow special powers on the drink and drinkers – or to ward off evil spirits. The liquid is then set alight and burns a bright blue color like a steaming cauldron. 

Finally, in Transylvania, Romania, a huge party is held at Bran Castle, possibly the inspiration for the home of the fictional character Count Dracula, and festivities include costumed revelers, howling wolf sounds, and red-colored drinks. 

Aren’t all these traditions amazing?  They honor everything from the new year, the arrival of winter, and the fall harvest to saints, souls, and spirits.  The overriding theme in many countries is remembering our ancestors and those who have passed.  These festivities are rarely somber affairs, but rather loving tributes and celebrations of life.  Whether we honor the harvest by bobbing for apples and begging for treats, scare away spirits with bonfires and fireworks, or remember loved ones with food and drink, we are more similar across the world than we are different at this time of year.

However you celebrate, we wish you a happy holiday season ahead.  If you would like to share your favorite Halloween events, foods, or memories, click the link in the show notes and send me your comments; I’d love to hear from you.

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In the United States on March 17th, people wear lots of green, everything from fuzzy sweaters and party hats to shamrock pins and leprechaun ties.  We eat steaming plates of corned beef and cabbage, attend local parades, and pinch people who forget to wear green.  It is a day of revelry and fun – just like the Irish – famous for their funny stories, tall tales, and sparkling wit.  

In a prior episode, we talked about the history of Saint Patrick’s Day.  Today, let’s explore some other fascinating Irish facts.  Can you think of things that are made by the Irish or strange Irish customs?  Well, I’ve found a few and they range from spuds to harps to rocks!  So, let’s get started!

First, there are potatoes.  To me, when I eat a potato, I automatically think of Ireland and one of its most well-known crops.  But did you know that Ireland was not the original home of potatoes?  They were actually brought to Ireland by the British explorer, Sir Walter Raleigh, who planted them on his Irish estate in 1589.  They grew so well in Ireland, much better than other crops like wheat and oats, that soon everyone was planting potatoes.  This went well for hundreds of years, until 1845 when a terrible disease hit Ireland’s potato crop and went on for 7 years.  You might think: well, how can a crop of potatoes be so bad?  Couldn’t they eat something else?  Unfortunately, potatoes were the main source of food for many people – the only food they had, in fact.  Many people were so poor so they could not afford to raise chickens, sheep, pigs, or cows for meat, butter, and milk.  Most worked on land that wasn’t theirs – the land was owned by British aristocrats.  When the famine hit, the Irish could not work the land and had no money or food.  The very poor resorted to living in dirt holes in the ground and eating grass.  This potato famine killed over 1 million people and 1-2 million more fled to the US and Britain. This was a terrible time in Irish history, so today when I see a potato, I am very thankful for its nutrition – and its addition to my plate!

Today, you can see the descendants of those Irish immigrants who fled the potato famine – plus many more – celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day in cities like Boston, New York, Pennsylvania, and more! They hold parades complete with marching bands, leprechaun balloons, shamrock flags, and bagpipers.  They feast on corned beef and cabbage, which includes those wonderful potatoes!  And, as an added bit of history, corned beef and cabbage isn’t truly an Irish dish – the Irish like to use bacon and cabbage.  But those first immigrants couldn’t afford bacon, so they used corned beef instead!

And speaking of celebrations, Irish dancing has become very popular throughout the world in the last several decades.  The upbeat jigs played on Irish fiddles, along with the high kicking, stomping, jumping, and overall festive air have made this a crowd favorite all across the globe.  These dance shows have also given rise to famous groups of Irish singers, including Celtic Women and Celtic Thunder.  Their lilting songs rich with Irish stories and history are truly wonderful to hear!

And when we talk about music, we must mention the Celtic Harp, a triangular-shaped wooden instrument with wire strings that makes an incredibly soothing, rippling sound.  It makes me think of angels playing heavenly music on soft, puffy clouds.  These harps are featured on everything from Irish coins and coats of arms to flags and souvenirs.  You can see these harps in England, too, on the King’s coat of arms, along with unicorns, lions, and ostrich feathers.  This is because Ireland was formerly ruled by Britain. 

And we can’t forget the ancient Celtic myths, such as leprechauns.  In a prior episode, we discussed leprechauns, little imp-like mythical men who are said to be very wily, smart and almost impossible to see or catch.  They are said to be bootmakers for fairies, as well as the guardians of pots of gold at the end of rainbows.  We see these little leprechauns today on everything from cereal boxes to sportswear.  There is a popular cereal in the US called “Lucky Charms” with morsels shaped like shamrocks, rainbows, pots of gold, and unicorns.   The University of Notre Dame calls its sports teams “the Fighting Irish” and its school mascot is a leprechaun.  In Massachusetts, the Boston Celtics feature “Lucky the Leprechaun” on their logo.  He is a little winking man with a bowler hat, bow tie, pipe, and cane, twirling a basketball on one finger!   I guess Lucky has given up boot-making and is now playing basketball!

The Irish people are famous for making things besides music and harps.  They built the Titanic and it was a glorious ship – a wonder of its time.  It featured massive chandeliers, gleaming staircases, stained glass windows, and gorgeous staterooms. Unfortunately, Mother Nature made an even more impressive masterpiece – a gigantic iceberg.  The Titanic was no match for an iceberg, and it sunk in the chilly Atlantic Ocean on April 15, 1912, on its very first voyage.  Many lives were lost on that fateful day.  Today, there are beautiful statues in Belfast and Addergool, Ireland, honoring the Irish passengers on the Titanic.  The Addergool statue is a stunning piece of metal art.  It shows men in caps and suits, and women in long skirts and bonnets, carrying suitcases toward the prow of a ship, some of them are turning and waving.  Of the 14 Addergool passengers, only 3 survived the sinking of the Titanic.  What a beautiful memorial this is in honor of those brave, hopeful travelers.

And if building, dancing, and singing weren’t enough for the Irish, they also like to kiss-and not just people, but stones!  And they do it upside down!  Do you believe that?  Yes, it’s true.  It is actually called “Kissing the Blarney Stone!”  So, what does “blarney” mean and why is a stone involved?  Well, “blarney” means to speak flattery or nonsense – basically being very charming but not really meaning it.  Have you ever heard someone say, “You’re full of blarney!”?  They’re saying, “You’re full of nonsense!”   

And then there is the history of the Blarney Stone.  In Ireland, there is a castle called Blarney Castle.  Many centuries ago, Queen Elizabeth 1, who was the ruler of England and Ireland at the time, sent one of her earls to take Blarney Castle away from its owner, the King of Munster.  Queen Elizabeth needed castles and land to give to her British people as payment for fighting the Irish.  But this king was a smooth talker and charmed the earl.  When the Queen heard that the earl had not yet captured the castle, she was furious, stating that the earl’s reports were full of “blarney.”  

A legend then grew that if you kiss a certain stone on Blarney Castle, you will receive the gift of gab and persuasiveness just like its former owner, the King of Munster.  The thing is, you have to lie on your back, hold on to hand railings while leaning backward, and kiss the stone upside down!  Picture yourself laying on your bed and trying to kiss your bedside table or bureau upside down while leaning off the edge of the bed.  I don’t know who is filled with more blarney – the folks who do this or the Irish who convince them to do it!  But Winston Churchill is said to have kissed the stone in 1912 and went on to become one of the most famous British Prime Ministers, giving amazing speeches and helping his nation win WWII.  So, is it really a bunch of “blarney?”

And after kissing the Blarney Stone, many folks like to relax and sip some Irish beer.  The Irish make some of the finest beer in the world with names like “Happy Days” and “Harp.”  I guess I can understand these names after listening to these stories of stone kissing, harp music, and smooth-talking Irishmen.  

Finally, there are the Irish proverbs like:  “If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, you’re lucky enough” and “A best friend is like a four-leaf clover: hard to find and lucky to have.”  Or my favorite: “Always remember to forget the friends that proved untrue. But never forget to remember those that have stuck by you!”

I have loved learning all these little Irish facts!  What about you?   Have you ever heard about leprechauns and their pots of gold at the end of rainbows?  What do you think of kissing a cold stone on a crusty castle?  

I think Ireland is full of fascinating history and folklore and would love to learn more.  What about you?  Why don’t you ask your parents to take you to a library this Saint Patrick’s Day to find children’s books about Ireland and its folklore?  How about “Spuds and the Spider” about a friendship between a spider and a leprechaun, or the book titled, “Irish Fairy Tales and Legends.”  For older kids, there are stories about the Irish Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley or the voyage of the Titanic.  These all sound like great reads under the covers.

I’d love to hear from you and learn what Irish books you’ve read or Irish traditions you celebrate on Saint Patrick’s Day.  Feel free to click the link in the show notes below and complete the form.  You might just be mentioned in a future episode!

So, from me to you this Saint Patty’s Day, I wish you the luck of the Irish and “Erin Go Bragh!” (“Ireland Forever.”)

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For a moment, imagine it is winter and together with your friends and family you’ve gathered in a busy town square. The air is very cold and you’re bundled up in big coats, warm gloves, and thick knit hats. Your cheeks are rosy red and you can see your breath fill the cold air whenever you breathe out. The sky is cloudy and snow is still standing in mounds around the square. Surrounding the square are news reporters, camera operators, journalists, and news vans … all waiting for the ceremony to begin. 

Suddenly, you hear someone’s voice over the speaker and look up at the stage as a group of men wearing black top hats and coats gather around what looks like the stump of a tree. 

“Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye,” says the announcer into the microphone. “Today is February 2nd, and welcome to Puxatawney to celebrate Groundhog Day.” As he says this, someone on the stage reaches into a little door on the tree stump and pulls out a very furry animal called a groundhog, also known as a woodchuck. It is very plump and has black beady eyes and two long teeth in the front of its mouth, kind of like a squirrel. 

They lift the groundhog up on the stump and one of the men pretends to listen to it intently. Then he speaks into the microphone. “The groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, has told us that there will be 6 more weeks of winter!” You and your friends, family, and the crowd around you begin to cheer. According to the tradition, the groundhog has decided that there will be 6 more weeks of winter instead of an early spring. 

Now hold on a minute, why in the world is a furry animal like a groundhog being used to decide whether it will be a longer winter or an early spring? Well, that is a very great question and one I’d love to get the answer to, as well! This is a very funny tradition, but as we know, all traditions are rooted in some kind of history and their own reasons in the past. So, let’s explore the history of Groundhog Day and figure out just how this tradition came to be.

Like many of the holidays we celebrate today, Groundhog Day goes way back to early cultures that were very dependent on the seasons. So much of their life was dependent on when winter started and ended, when it was spring and whether they could start planting again. Winters were very hard for people that lived in cold places. First, they had to make sure they were ready for the long winters. They stored firewood and food. By this time, plants and crops were no longer growing and animals were hibernating. If they weren’t ready for winter, it could be disastrous for families and their tribes. However, if they were ready, they’d be able to live through the winter and have plenty of wood for warmth and food saved up to get them through to the warm spring. 

You can imagine that when the weather warmed they were very excited for the melting snow and for Spring when they could get outside again, plant their crops, and hunt for food. In our day and age, with the change of the seasons, it’s fun to see the trees and the weather change. But because we have inventions like indoor heating and cooling and we don’t have to store our food, we don’t worry as much about surviving through the winter. Although, if you live in a place that is very cold in the winter OR very hot in the summer, like me, then you know sometimes it does feel like you’re just barely surviving the extreme hot or cold – and can’t wait for it to end! 

Well, the beginning of February, for these early people was halfway between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox – the longest day of the year and the day when day and night are of equal length. It wasn’t Spring yet, but they knew it was on its way and they were very interested in knowing if it was going to be a long winter, or a warmer one and whether Spring might start a little earlier! 

The ancient Celtic people of Ireland and Scotland celebrated a Gaelic holiday called Imbolc, in anticipation of Spring. It reminded them that soon they would be able to plant crops and the animals they tended to would start giving birth again. Also, animals would no longer be hibernating so they could start hunting again. 

Later, Christians later celebrated a holiday called Candlemas, celebrating Jesus Christ’s presentation at the temple 40 days after his birth, and the purification of his mother, the Virgin Mary. Many people still celebrate Candlemas and in some countries in Europe, one way the day is celebrated is by eating crepes!

But as you can imagine, it was an important time to start preparing for Spring and wondering how much longer the winter would be. As you may know, many mammals hibernate during the winter. Hibernation is when animals eat lots of food and get really fat before the winter and then sleep through the entire winter to save energy. In some cultures in Europe, people believed that hibernating animals such as the bear, foxes, and the badger, awoke from their sleep to check the weather to decide whether they should keep sleeping or get an early start on spring. There isn’t evidence that animals actually do this, but that was the belief at the time and so it became a tradition. For example, they believed that the badger, checked its shadow to figure this out. If the sky was cloudy, the badger had no shadow. If it was sunny, it saw its shadow, and then knew it would be a warmer winter and hopefully an early Spring.

Different countries at this time had different animals they watched to predict the long winter. In Germany, it was the badger. In Scotland, it was a snake. The Isle of Man, a large bird, and in Ireland, a hedgehog. An Irish author wrote: 

“To see a hedgehog was a good weather sign, for the hedgehog comes come out of the hole in which he has spent the winter, looks about to judge the weather and returns to his burrow if bad weather is going to continue. If he stays out, it means that he knows the mild weather is coming.”

Well as we all know, people move around and not only bring themselves and their families but their beliefs and traditions, too. Germans who immigrated to the United States and Canada brought the tradition with them. The first official Groundhog Day was reported on February 2nd, 1840 in Morgantown, Pennsylvania. But why did they use a groundhog instead of a badger or a bear? Well, there were more groundhogs (or woodchucks) in Pennsylvania than in Germany so it only made sense to use a similar animal that hibernated and then returned after winter. And this is a great example of how traditions also can change! They need to adapt to the new geographic location.

In Pennsylvania, Groundhog Day became more and more popular and particularly popular in the town of Punxsutawney. Every year the newspaper would report on whether the groundhog when coming up from its hole, saw its shadow. By the year 1887, a group of townspeople met at Gobbler’s Knob to pretend to meet with the groundhog and then declare to the town whether winter was going to last 6 more weeks. 

Over time, the celebration grew more and more popular. A picnic was held and a Groundhog Club was formed. Later, the people of Puxatawney started calling their groundhog, Phil, possibly after Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. 

Today, the Groundhog Day celebration in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania is the largest in the world with over 40,000 people attending each year. This year will be 137 years since the first celebration and the people there are already preparing for the big party with music, food, fireworks, and dancing after the groundhog’s big announcement. The event is also live streamed so people all over the world will be able to see what Punxsutawney Phil decides about the weather this year.

One reason the celebration in Puxatawney has become so popular, too, is the result of a movie that was made in 1993 called Groundhog Day. It stars Bill Murray as a self-centered weatherman who goes to the celebration and gets stuck in the same day, February 2nd, day after day after day. For this reason, sometimes you’ll hear people say when days are repetitive that it’s like “Groundhog Day,” the movie.

But the celebration in Pennsylvania isn’t the only Groundhog Celebration across the world and Phil isn’t the only famous groundhog. In New Jersey, they have Milltown Mel. At Space Farms Zoo and Museum, a groundhog named Stonewall Jackson predicts the weather there. There’s also Essex Ed, Great Neck Greta, Quigley, Staten Island Chuck, Dunkirk Dave, and French Creek Freddie. Canada has Balzac Billy and Wiarton Willy.  

Well, with all of these groundhogs predicting the weather, you may be asking yourself – just how accurate are they? At least for those who have followed Puxatawney Phil’s predictions, it’s estimated that he’s 40% accurate. Less than half the time, which is pretty funny. 

Do you and your family celebrate Groundhog Day? Have you ever seen the movie? I hope you enjoyed learning more about the history of Groundhog Day. Honestly, it was all new to me, and like you I’m learning new history all the time. It’s one reason I love creating this podcast. It’s a great chance to learn more about the fascinating world around us and how so many things came to be. The more you know, the more power it gives you in the world to figure things out, and think critically. Knowledge is its own kind of superpower.

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