Did you know that Halloween is one of the world’s oldest holidays? It’s true! It dates back to ancient times! The Ancient Celts are credited with starting what we know as the “original” Halloween. they celebrated it as Samhain (pronounced more like sow-en, but softer, it’s hard to explain, but it’s most certainly NOT Sam-Hain). The original holiday was (and still is, for Wiccans and Pagans) a very special day to celebrate our ancestors, the change in seasons, and the moment when the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest.
Like many holidays, Halloween changed over the years and throughout the world. Different religions adapted it to fit into their belief patterns, while others just adapted it into non-secular fun. Some already had their own versions of Halloween-like festivities already in place. Let’s take a look at how Halloween is celebrated around the world!
Related: New Trends In Halloween Costumes For Kids In 2015
How Halloween is Celebrated Around the World
Ireland
Ireland is where Halloween all started and their traditions are somewhat close to the traditions of the United States. In Ireland, children get dressed up in costumes and they go door-to-door and trick-or-treat. Where the celebrations differ from those of the United States is that one of the most popular Halloween treats in Ireland is fruitcake.
Japan
Halloween is celebrated in August in Japan and is known by several names such as the Festival of the Dead, Obon or the Festival of Lanterns. This is a time when the spirits of the deceased come to visit their relatives that are living. People in Japan hang lanterns in the front of their homes in order to guide these spirits.
Austria
In Austria, on Halloween night before you head to sleep, people light lamps and place bread and water on the table. This is done to welcome back to Earth the souls of the dead.
Hong Kong
Halloween in Hong Kong is known as Yue Lan, or the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts. It is thought that spirits walk the Earth for 24 hours. People that live in Hong Kong will burn photos of money or fruit so that these items can get to the spirit would and offer comfort to the souls that are there.
England
Back in the beginning, the boys and girls of England would carve beets instead of pumpkins on Halloween. These beets were then paraded throughout the streets. However, that was later changed when Halloween became known as Guy Fawkes Night, which was now celebrated in the beginning of November. On Guy Fawkes Night, people in England would lit bonfires and display fireworks.
Related: Halloween Safety Tips for Trick or Treating
Mexico
In Mexico, as well as other Latin American countries, celebrate Halloween for three days. This celebration is known as The Days of the Dead, or El Dia de los Muertos. While it is intended to honor the deceased, it is also a time for happiness and celebration. This celebration has been in existence for over 3,000 years.
Interesting post!!! I only heard about halloween celebration in Hong Kong. “Yue Lan” or Festival of the Hungry Ghosts is the name of the Halloween celebration there. I loved reading how the world celebrates it in different -2 countries.
how interesting! I have never known about this. Thanks for sharing. Really good to know!
Wow, I would have never known! Thank you for sharing these interesting tidbits about Halloween. :)
I didn’t know that it started in Ireland. I actually never gave it any real thought but I do remember how the pagans were persecuted and their deity turned into the personification of the christian “devil”.
I got a post like this before. Great that you also pointed out some great traditions. :)
It is interesting to learn about how the holiday is celebrated else where. I didn’t realize it started in Ireland.
I’ve actually been in other countries in Halloween. It’s so neat to see how other cultures and countries celebtrate the day!
I’m the same as Robin for some reason I thought it was Halloween everywhere. Very interesting to hear otherwise!
It’s great to learn about the different perspectives and meanings of Halloween. Usually I would just stay at home and watch horror movies for the whole day.
This is so cool! I didn’t know all this about Halloween in other countries.
I thought we only celebrate Halloween in the United States. Thats a fun fact! Going to look at it on internet
I love the idea of carving beets! I think I may need to make an attempt at that this Halloween. Lots of great ideas.
I never knew that Halloween originated in Ireland…or that 10/31 wasn’t the same for everyone. Many of my students celebrate Dia de los Muertos.
We love celebrating Halloween just to dress up. I loved reading how the world celebrates it.
I didn’t realize 10/31 wasn’t universal! I thought Halloween was Halloween everywhere.