Samhain: Ancestors & The Realm of the Dead
As the veil between worlds grows thin, we explore Norse stories of death, remembrance, and the underworld.
UU Principle Focus
2nd Principle: Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations
🎯 Learning Goals
- • Explore Norse concepts of death and the afterlife (Hel, Niflheim, Valhalla)
- • Understand themes of justice and consequences through Loki's story
- • Learn to add and subtract fractions with like denominators
- • Map the Nine Worlds and local Florida geography
- • Study nocturnal animals and predator-prey relationships
- • Honor ancestors and family heritage
Weekly Lessons
Week 1: The Realm of the Dead—Hel and Niflheim
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Samhain is when the veil between worlds is thin. How do we honor those who came before us?
📚 Language Arts
Read about Hel, goddess of the underworld, and Niflheim. Write about what it means to remember ancestors.
✖️ Math
Adding fractions with like denominators: 1/4 + 2/4 = 3/4. Use visual models.
🗺️ Science & Geography
Map the Nine Worlds—where is Niflheim? Create a map of the Norse cosmos.
✏️ Form Drawing
Dark and light interlace patterns—shadow and light
🧶 Handwork
Create ancestor altar items; make memory boxes
📖 Story
Hel and the Realm of the Dead
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Norse Underworld Explained
- Day of the Dead Traditions
Shows:
- Ancestor Traditions Around the World
Audio:
- Norse Mythology—Hel chapters
Week 2: Baldur the Beautiful
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Baldur was loved by all. What makes someone beloved? How do we grieve those we love?
📚 Language Arts
Read the story of Baldur's death—the most beloved god. Write about loss and remembrance.
✖️ Math
Continue adding fractions. Story problems about sharing offerings equally.
🗺️ Science & Geography
Animals in autumn: how do nocturnal animals prepare for winter? Owls, bats, foxes.
✏️ Form Drawing
Mistletoe and holly patterns (connected to Baldur's story)
🧶 Handwork
Make mistletoe or holly decorations from natural materials
📖 Story
The Death of Baldur
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Baldur's Story Animated
- Nocturnal Animals
Shows:
- Owls: Hunters of the Night
Audio:
- D'Aulaires'—Baldur
Week 3: Hermod's Ride to Hel
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Hermod rode to the underworld to bring Baldur back. What would you journey through darkness to save?
📚 Language Arts
Read about Hermod's journey to Hel. Write a hero's journey story of your own.
✖️ Math
Subtracting fractions with like denominators. Connect to 'taking away' offerings.
🗺️ Science & Geography
Florida geography: map your local area. What landforms are nearby?
✏️ Form Drawing
Journey patterns—winding paths and roads
🧶 Handwork
Create a journey map or labyrinth
📖 Story
Hermod's Ride to Hel
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Hero's Journey Explained
- Florida Geography
Shows:
- Journeys to the Underworld in Myth
Audio:
- Continue Norse Mythology
Week 4: Loki's Punishment
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Loki's tricks finally caught up with him. What happens when we refuse to take responsibility for our actions?
📚 Language Arts
Read about Loki's role in Baldur's death and his punishment. Discuss justice and consequences.
✖️ Math
Mixed practice: adding and subtracting fractions. Word problems about fairness.
🗺️ Science & Geography
Predator and prey relationships. How do animals depend on each other?
✏️ Form Drawing
Serpent patterns (Loki's punishment involves a serpent)
🧶 Handwork
Weaving continues; create snake or rope crafts
📖 Story
Loki Bound
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Loki Mythology Explained
- Predator and Prey
Shows:
- Food Chains in Nature
Audio:
- Loki stories
Week 5: Samhain—Honoring the Ancestors
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Tonight the veil is thinnest. Who do we remember? What wisdom did they leave us?
📚 Language Arts
Write letters to ancestors. Create a family tree or heritage project. Share family stories.
✖️ Math
Review fractions. Create fraction art for the ancestor altar.
🗺️ Science & Geography
Complete local geography project. Present maps to family.
✏️ Form Drawing
Create a decorative border for ancestor letters
🧶 Handwork
Finish altar items. Prepare Samhain feast.
📖 Story
Family stories and ancestor tales
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Samhain Traditions
- Family History for Kids
Shows:
- Ancestor Veneration Around the World
Audio:
- Spooky folklore stories
🎃 Samhain Celebration
- 🟡 Create an ancestor altar with photos and mementos
- 🟡 Share family stories and memories of those who have passed
- 🟡 Hold a dumb supper (silent meal honoring ancestors)
- 🟡 Carve turnips or pumpkins with protective symbols
- 🟡 Light candles to guide spirits and honor the dead
- 🟡 Write letters to ancestors and burn them as offerings