Let’s jump into Autumn!

 

From Samhain to Spooky: The Fascinating History of Halloween

Halloween has its roots in ancient Celtic traditions, particularly the festival of Samhain which is 9celebrated on October 31st. The Celts, who lived around 2,000 years ago marked this day as the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. They believed that on Samhain, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, allowing spirits to return to Earth… sounds spooky to us!

So, to ward off harmful spirits, people lit bonfires and wore costumes to hide. Over time, Halloween became a mix of both pagan and Christian traditions, with elements like costume-wearing, telling ghost stories, and carving pumpkins (originally turnips!).

Fast forward to the 21^st century and we still see many of these traditions today with newer rituals thrown in for good measure like trick or treating and candy making.

Spooktacular Family Fun: A Halloween Adventure for All Ages!

As Halloween is just around the corner, Kent Life has been transformed for the spooky season. We have so much to get involved in including pumpkin carving, fun farm rides and fabulous fancy dress competitions… daily! Are you brave enough to explore our historic houses and trick or treat? You never know what’s lurking in the shadows!

Remember Remember the 5^th of November – The Explosive History Behind Bonfire Night Celebrations

Every year on the 5th of November, people across the UK gather around roaring bonfires, light up the night sky with fireworks, and enjoy the tradition of Guy Fawkes Night. But have you ever wondered why we celebrate this fiery festival? Let’s dive into the history of Guy Fawkes Night and see how a 17th-century plot gone wrong has turned into one of the most spectacular nights of the year…

In a nutshell, it all goes back to 1605, when a group of English Catholics, including Guy Fawkes, attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in an event known as the Gunpowder Plot. Their goal was to assassinate King James I and restore a Catholic monarchy. The conspirators hid 36 barrels of gunpowder beneath Parliament, but their plot was foiled when Fawkes was caught guarding the explosives on the night of November 4^th!

In celebration of the King’s survival, the 5th of November became a day of thanksgiving, marked by bonfires and, later, fireworks to symbolise the gunpowder that never exploded. Figures of Guy Fawkes, called “Guys,” are traditionally burned on bonfires, keeping the memory of the attempted plot alive.

Today, Guy Fawkes Night is less about politics and more about coming together for a night of fun, fireworks, and community spirit. So, as you enjoy the crackle of fireworks lighting up the sky, remember you’re also celebrating a piece of history.

Ending Autumn with a BANG at Kent Life Heritage Farm Park!

Join us at Kent Life Heritage Farm Park for our annual Fireworks Spectacular this 2^nd and 3^rd of November. Visitors can expect dramatic fire performances, music, fairground rides and delicious food and drink before our phenomenal firework display lights up the sky. It’s going to be one to remember!