Come here, my love, and I’ll tell you a story about the pumpkin and Halloween.
You know that round, orange pumpkin we see everywhere in the fall? A long time ago it grew wild in America. The first people there farmed it, ate its sweet flesh and crunchy seeds, and kept its hard shell like a little bowl. Later it traveled by ship to Europe and became known all over the world. That’s why today we find it in soups, in pies, and in our arms when we pick it up from the fields!
Now, about Halloween: many, many years ago, in the Celtic lands (in Ireland and Scotland), people celebrated the end of the harvest. They believed that on that night, the line between the living and the dead became very thin, so they dressed up in costumes, lit little lights, and knocked on doors for treats. Little by little this celebration became All Hallows’ Eve—the Halloween we know.
And where does the pumpkin come in? At first, people made lanterns by carving turnips and beets to keep the… mischievous spirits away. There’s an old tale about Jack, a crafty fellow who wandered with a light inside a carved vegetable—that’s why we call them “jack-o’-lanterns.” When many Irish people moved to America, they found big, orange pumpkins: softer, easier to carve, and beautiful with a candle inside. So the pumpkin became Halloween’s favorite lantern.
Today, when October arrives, we go to fields full of pumpkins, pick the prettiest one, carve eyes and a smile (a little funny, a little spooky!), light it, and set it by our door. And then, in our costumes, we share smiles and… a bit of chocolate. The pumpkin reminds us of the harvest, of plenty, and that autumn can be warm and magical.
So? Shall we pick out our “perfect” pumpkin together tomorrow? 🎃
Until then, we can make a lovely pumpkin-themed craft!
The pumpkin is the most iconic symbol of Halloween — and this craft is the most fun way to make one together with your little ones!
A white paper plate, a little orange paint and strips of paper torn by hand — not with scissors! This small detail makes the craft even more educational and even more enjoyable!
What You'll Need
- A white paper plate
- Orange paint
- Paintbrush or sponge
- A white sheet of paper torn into strips by hand — not with scissors!
- Glue
- Printed template (ready to download below)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Paint the pumpkin Use a paintbrush or sponge to paint the paper plate orange. Leave it to dry thoroughly!
Step 2 — Tear the paper This is the most fun step! Tear the white paper into strips using just your hands — no scissors needed. The irregular shapes make the facial features look even more spooky and unique!
Step 3 — Glue on the face Use the printed template as a guide and glue the paper strips to form the pumpkin's eyes, nose and terrifying mouth. Every pumpkin has its own one-of-a-kind expression!
Step 4 — Display it! Your pumpkin is ready to decorate the home or classroom — a wonderful Halloween decoration made by the child themselves!
Educational Benefits
Sensory development: Tearing paper by hand provides a rich sensory experience — the feel and sound of paper tearing is pleasurable and particularly satisfying for young children!
Fine motor skills: Both sponge painting and tearing paper exercise the small muscles of the hands — excellent preparation for writing.
Creative expression: No two pumpkins are alike! The irregular shapes created by tearing give every child a uniquely personal result they can be proud of.
Colour recognition: Orange is the classic Halloween colour — a great opportunity to talk about colours and festive traditions.
Festive atmosphere: The pumpkin is the most iconic symbol of Halloween — creating one fills children with excitement and builds wonderful festive memories!
