Halloween at the Zoo
by Sally Cameron, midwife, mother of 2 and co-owner of earthbabies. I am passionate, creative, trying to be Green unschooling single mom. It’s a journey.
My daughter looks forward to Halloween every year it is one of the highlights of the year for her. She really got into the whole idea when we lived in the UK for 2 years. I was worried that we would not be able to find anything to replace the fun she was used having when they went trick or treating around the neighbourhood.
The idea of Halloween has really taken off in SA over the last few years and there were actually quite a lot of different activities to choose from. I heard about Halloween Zoo at Johannesburg Zoo and we decided to give it a try. I was so impressed. The turn out was 
amazing and people went to so much effort with the costumes, young and old alike dressed up and got into the spirit of the day.
The zoo had various Halloween themed displays for kids and lots of Halloween inspired decorations all around. We then had a picnic on the grass and all the parents took along bags of sweets. The kids ran around from one picnic blanket to the next trick or treating. They had lot and lots of fun and it was declared to be as much fun as going door to door in England.
My daughter and I dressed as witches and it was not without a little hesitation from me. In ancient times the women who were labeled as witches, when Christianity spread to those areas, were often midwives, healers and wise free thinking women. They were seen as a threat to the church and their healing powers were attributed to be other than God and therefore evil. Witchcraft was declared a heresy and many innocent women were tried and executed. As a midwife myself , someone always drawn to natural healing I wonder if I would not have been a prime candidate for being burned at the stake for heresy.
I think we got the balance right of being quite lovely witches, and if it is to identify with those who suffered, then I wore the costume proudly.
How did you and your family spend Halloween?
How much should we remember the symbolism behind these holidays or do we just celebrate them on their fun and commercial value now?
Hi
We also spent Halloween at the Zoo! I’ve taken my son there the last two years and this year went with my new extended family. It was a bit more hectic with a huge turn out this year, but still heaps of fun. My son (he’s 5!) and I always dress up and have a great time at Holloween. For us it’s a fun time to express our individuality, have a bit of fun getting into character and just enjoying quality time together. It’s good to introduce kids to different types of celebrations and occasions. It gives them a wider view of the world around them.
Anyway, from my point of view, any excuse to act like one of the kids is a good excuse to celebrate!
I’m all for fun and celebrating and even dress up,but with the background/meaning of Halloween being the festival of the dead and knowing its the witches new year and that animals/children are sacrificed on Oct 31 – I can have nothing to do with this one! I mean at least at Christmas and Easter there are good explanations for our children as to why we are celebrating.Can anyone give a good one for Halloween?Lets think up a new idea thats good and wholesome for our kids.
It was our first time at the zoo with my son and friend. We did not know about the dress code, as we have never celebrated Halloween before. We were dressed in our ordinary clothes, we looked very silly. I was so embarrased that I got creative with my pencil liner, which I used to draw on my son and friends face. The activities were wonderful, we really enjoyed ourselves. Next year, we will go well prepared.
This comment is for Debbie:
Halloween is actually the Pagan new years celebrations. It is also the night that Pagans remember those who have passed in the year before. You could possibly choose this interpretation rather than the scary ones.
Thanks for taking time to answer. I cant use that one either as we are a Christian family.But will keep looking for new ways.We decided this year to have a “life” party as a fam, as that is way more exciting than thinking about death.Not that I have a problem with death or remembering those who have died.will make it even better next year.
Thanks