Halloween Around the world
Halloween
Halloween – Welcome to the greatest night! The night of the witches and spirits, is a great reason for celebration all around the world. Even though we are used to associate this holiday with costume parties, jack-o’-lanterns and trick-or-treat, not everybody celebrates it in the same way.
Ireland
Actually, this is the place of birth of Halloween. In Ireland it holds the name “Samhain”. This was an ancient Celtic celebration, to mark the end of summer and the beginning of winter. It is said, that this is the only night when the souls of the dead and spirits, could enter the physical world. The idea of costumes, began from the people’s desire to disguise themselves from the spirits.
Even though, it may sound spooky and give someone chills, this is actually a night of celebration. Like any other celebration, there are some traditions involved. The Irish bake Barmbrack for fortune-telling and celebrate at the annual parade, in Dublin.
Japan
The Japanese took Halloween to another level, especially the costume parties. Their personal take on this holiday, is getting deep into a cosplay. Their range of costumes goes from cute to extremely terrifying.
Mexico’s version of Halloween
Another amazing take on Halloween is the Mexican: Dia de Los Muertos, translated as the Day of the Dead. Despite sounding extremely spooky, this is actually a time of celebration of life, joy and a lot of colors. The Mexicans make it a true Fiesta.
France
In France Halloween is outshined by the upcoming day, a very important celebration for them. All Saints Day, is extremely special for the French, as it is a day of remembering the departed ones. They attend a special mass at church and visit the cemeteries, to bring flowers to the graves.
Portugal
The Portuguese celebrate similarly with the people from the U.S. . They go trick-or-treating and even though, now they also gift candies, traditionally were gifted fruits, nuts or bread. This is the Dia das Bruxas, or the Day of the Witches, a day of fun, costumes and celebration.
China
In China, we have Teng Chieh, a holiday, similar to Halloween, but more connected to the spiritual part. The Chinese, gather for dinner and leave an empty seat at the table, for their departed one’s spirit to join them in feast.
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Italy
Italians celebrate La Festa di Ognissanti, All Saints Day. On this special day, the Italians will spend time with their families. Another important aspect of this day’s celebration, is the attendance of a special mass at church. After church, all go to cemeteries, to leave chrysanthemums on the graves of their loved ones.
When all spiritual celebrations end, the Italians gather together to eat, because it is believed that the spirits will join them in celebration. They even have some traditional cookies: Fave dei morti (beans of the dead). From Ancient Rome times, it is believed that the beans housed the souls of the dead.
Haiti
Fed Gede, or the Festival of the Dead, is a voodoo celebration, designated to pay respects to the Father of the Deceased Spirits, Baron Samedi. They will dance on the streets and head to the cemeteries, where they will bring food from home, to feed their ancestors.
Halloween Party in Hong Kong
People from Hong Kong love to party. They will attend costume parties and celebrate this beautiful Hollyday. In Hong Kong, masquerade balls are usual and also, in here, you can attend the biggest Halloween celebration in all Asia. It is held annually at the Ocean Park.
Halloween – At a deeper level
Halloween is a holiday that we should celebrate in physical and spiritual level. It is a day for reflection and memories, but also a good opportunity to create some memories with family and friends. Halloween became a holiday that united countries and religions. It is a day for people from all around the world to gather with the same purpose. Halloween is …Travelicious.