“God lives in the individual, but the Devil moves in crowds.”
Βy Frances Boniface, English teacher
This year’s theme for Halloween at Rodion Pedia was the Salem Witch Trials (1692-3). Set in Massachusetts USA, the trials were the result of mass hysteria against supposed practitioners of witchcraft in the British colony. Of the 200 people accused, 30 were convicted and were executed, died under torture or died in the unsanitary jail conditions without ever facing trial.
Mr Peter Alatsas played the stern-faced puritan role of Judge John Hawthorne while Ms Lynne Simeonidi and Ms Frances Boniface played two of his hapless victims (Mistress Sarah Good and Mistress Rebecca Nurse respectively). Accompanied by a tolling bell, they made a solemn procession through the corridors of the High School.
During the lessons, extracurricular material – both written and visual – was adapted to suit the level and age of the students. The emphasis was on teaching students about the cultural and historical aspects of Halloween, expanding their vocabulary and discussing aspects of life and society not in their textbooks. The history of cemeteries and why we enjoy being scared were just some of the topics covered in the Halloween classes.
A Gymnasio was taught about the origins of Halloween. Although there is no doubt that the USA has been responsible for the commercialisation of Halloween, it originally began as one of the four main Celtic fire festivals. Co-opted by the Catholic Church in the 8th century, it was called All Hallows Eve (later shortened to Halloween) and was celebrated the day before All Saints’ Day. People would traditionally wear masks and carve turnip Jack o’Lanterns to ward off evil spirits.
Oíche Shamhna shona daoibh go léir!
