How Halloween is Celebrated around the World
Saturday, October 17th, 2009It is fun to learn about how Halloween is celebrated around the world, since every country has their unique feel to this old holiday (Halloween is among the oldest holidays in the world). The countries that celebrate this holiday in one form or another, include: Spain, Mexico, and Latin America (All Souls’ Day), the United Kingdom (the Autumn Rite), United States, Canada, and Ireland (Halloween).
Spain, Mexico, and Latin America
All Souls’ Day (El Dia de los Muertos), November 2, is the final day of the three-day celebration, which begins in the evening on October 31. At the time of celebration, many families honor the dead, who are believed to return and visit their earthly homes. People construct special altars in their homes, where they place flowers, candy, photographs, fresh water, and the favorite foods and drinks of the deceased. Often, a towel and wash basin are left out for the spirits to wash before the feast.
People burn candles and incense (meant to help the dead find their way home), as well as tidy and decorate the graves of their departed family members. November 2 is when families gather at the graves for a reminisce picnic.
United Kingdom
Guy Fawkes Day, November 5, is the British version of Halloween. In the evening, people light bonfires (large celebratory fires originating from old times when people burnt animal bones to chase away evil spirits) throughout England, burn effigies made of straw and old clothing, and set off fireworks.
The fact is, however, that even though this celebration resembles Halloween with its activities and timing, it actually has nothing to do with Halloween. Ever since the times of Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation, the belief in saints had started to fade and most English stopped celebrating Halloween. November 5 is the day when Britain celebrates the execution of Guy Fawkes – the most notorious English traitor from the 17th century.
At first, pilgrims in America also celebrated Guy Fawkes Day, but eventually this tradition died out.
United States, Canada, and Ireland
Halloween (October 31) originated in Ireland back in the Celtic days. To date, Halloween is celebrated in Ireland similarly to the United States and Canada, but with an Irish twist.
In the USA and Canada, it’s carving Jack-O-Lanterns, trick-or-treating, parties, decorating homes with pumpkins, and dressing up in costumes, including plus size Halloween costumes.
In Ireland, it’s bonfires, trick-or-treating, and evening parties with friends and neighbors. Halloween parties in Ireland often include playing games (i.e., “snap-apple”, card games), and candy treasure hunts. Traditional food is barnbrack – a fruitcake with various muslin-wrapped treats that are believed to foretell the future.
Remembering or greeting the dead also takes place in other countries, including: Austria, Belgium, China, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Japan, Korea, and Sweden.