Halloween traditions around the world are as varied as the different cultures and communities that celebrate the festival; the only common connection is the supernatural element. As one of the world’s oldest traditions, Halloween customs and rituals have certainly evolved in their own way in different parts of the world. Here’s a quick look at how the world celebrates Halloween!
United States of America: The King of All Halloween Celebrations Halloween is big business in America! In fact, it is the second most commercial holiday after Christmas. A common activity right before Halloween is visiting pumpkin patches and picking the best ones for Jack o’lanterns. Today, modern Halloween imagery comes from various sources such as Gothic literatures, Christian beliefs, classic horror movies, etc. Themed Halloween parties are also quite the rage.
Ireland: this is where it all started! Halloween is thought to be inspired by the ancient Celtic ritual of Samhain, where it was believed that on November 1, the dead returned to the land of the living. So the previous night, people would keep food and wine at their doorsteps to feed and appease the dead.
They would even go about their business with masks and long robes so that the ghosts would mistake them as one of their own. This ritual was later Christianized and called ‘All Saints’ or ‘All Saints Day’, from which Halloween got its name.
UK: Guy Fawkes Day Until recently, Halloween was not celebrated in Britain after the spread of Martin Luther’s Protestant Reformation. Since the new religion had no saints, there was no point in celebrating ‘All Saints Day’. However, with increased commercialization, Britain is starting to follow the US-inspired Halloween.Image
France: La Fête d’Halloween
Frans does not celebrate Halloween to honor the dead. It is largely considered an “American” holiday and so not very openly accepted by many French people. However, in the last decade, Halloween has become an accepted concept. Shops, restaurants, malls, offices, and homes are lavishly decorated, and confectionery and candy stores cater special Halloween-themed desserts and candies. Costume parties are also quite popular with the youngsters.
Japan: Obon Festival The Obon Festival is the Japanese version of Halloween. This day marks one of two major occasions in the Japanese calendar when the dead are believed to descend to Earth. Candles and red lamps are lit to show spirits of deceased relatives the way back home.Spain and Latin America: El Dia De Las Muertos One of the interesting Halloween traditions around the world can be seen in many Spanish speaking countries, especially in Mexico. Here, Halloween is celebrated as “El Dia de los Muertos” (the day of the dead). This is a three-day celebration that begins from the evening of October 31 to November 2. This is practiced to remember and honor the dead and celebrate the continuity of life. Another common sight is the Halloween parade. People dress up as skeletons or other supernatural entities and dance in the streets.India In the past few years, India has also picked up some Halloween traditions and rituals from the West. More and more themed parties and Halloween special events are popping up every year.China: Feast of the Hungry Ghost China celebrates a similar festival known as the “Feast of the Hungry Ghost”. Bowls of food and water are placed in front of pictures of deceased relatives, and bonfires and lanterns are lit to show the path to the ghosts as they travel the Earth on Halloween to meet their living families. “Boats of the Law” are made of paper, which is then burned in the evenings.With these Halloween traditions around the world, get ready and have a Spooktacular Halloween 😉
