Often called Light Parties or Fall Festivals, these have been instigated to give children an opportunity to have fun without the scary bits of Halloween. Many concerned parents, as well as some church groups, have looked for ways to help the children to celebrate this time of year without being encouraged to dress up in grotesque costumes and demand sweets with menaces.

Yes, most aspects of Halloween and trick or treating are fun and not to be taken too seriously but there is an increasing trend, for both adults as well as children, to dress up as witches, monsters and devils and behave in ways that others may find threatening. Probably fuelled by the opportunism of the supermarkets, it seems to have progressed from an occasion when children were as likely to dress up as Buzz Lightyear or a princess to one where it seems that the scarier it is, the better¹.

The coronation of a new British sovereign takes place in Westminster Abbey, where every King and Queen of England (with the exception of Edward V and Edward VIII) has been crowned since King Harold II in 1066. The current coronation regalia date from the Restoration, when they were made for the coronation of Charles II.

The original Crown Jewels were destroyed by Oliver Cromwell following the execution of Charles in 1649. At this time, Cromwell had the entire collection sold or melted down and made into coin: including Alfred the Great’s State Crown, the eleventh century crown of Queen Edith, wife of Edward the Confessor, the State Crown of Henry VII, various sceptres, swords, coronets and rings.

St. Edward's Crown

It could be argued that the major glories of many Medieval churches are the rose windows with their rich display of colour and light. They are worth seeking out. Many art historians would claim that the finest examples are French but there are many beautiful examples in Italy, not to mention most of the rest of Europe. There is something so striking about these ancient windows, reflecting the skills of past craftsmen and the subsequent generations who have worshipped God under their lights. The stone mullions, best viewed from the church exterior, are equally as lovely: with exquisite examples being found in Italy, Portugal and Spain.

As to why these windows don’t look so much like roses: the term 'rose window' appears to have taken root centuries after the first decorative circular windows appeared in the thirteenth century, when the techniques for such achievements became available. In fact the name may derive from the French word 'roue' for wheel, since 'spokes' comprise the outer framework for the glass creations.

Creating a collage or mural together is a a great unifying activity to do with your children's class, club or group. It encourages the children to interact and co-operate and creates something unique that can be displayed and they can be proud of.

Click on the Read More link to find out about putting together a collage or mural with a group of children.