A Universal Celebration with Many Faces

Halloween, celebrated on October 31st, is often associated with spooky costumes, carved pumpkins, and candy. While these elements are ubiquitous in North America, Halloween takes on diverse forms and meanings in other parts of the world. In this article, we explore the different Halloween customs across the globe, highlighting the richness and diversity of cultural traditions.

United States and Canada: The Festival of Costumes and Trick-or-Treating

In the United States and Canada, Halloween is a very popular holiday, especially among children. Houses are decorated with carved pumpkins, spider webs, and skeletons. On Halloween night, children dress up as scary characters or popular cultural heroes and go door-to-door trick-or-treating, collecting candy and other treats. Costume parties and themed nights are also common for adults.

Mexico: Day of the Dead

In Mexico, Halloween is overshadowed by the celebration of Day of the Dead, which takes place on November 1st and 2nd. This holiday, with pre-Columbian roots, honors the deceased with altars decorated with photos, candles, flowers (especially marigolds), and offerings of food and drink. Families visit cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones, and colorful parades featuring costumes and skull face painting (calaveras) are held in many towns.

Ireland and Scotland: Back to Basics

Halloween has its origins in the Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated in Ireland and Scotland. Originally, Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It was believed that the spirits of the dead returned to earth during this time. Today, in Ireland and Scotland, Halloween is celebrated with bonfires, games, and activities such as carving turnips (preceding the pumpkin). Children dress up and go "guising" (the equivalent of trick-or-treating), reciting poems or singing songs to receive treats.

Japan: Kawasaki Halloween Parade

In Japan, Halloween has grown in popularity in recent decades, mainly due to the influence of Western culture. The most notable event is the Kawasaki Halloween Parade, which attracts thousands of participants and spectators. The costumes are often very elaborate, reflecting both local traditions and international influences. Halloween has become an occasion for Japanese people to dress up and participate in festivals, although the tradition of trick-or-treating is not common.

China: Ghost Festival In China, a similar holiday to Halloween is Ghost Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, also known as Ghost Month. During this time, it is said that the spirits of the deceased wander among the living. Families burn incense and paper offerings to honor the dead and appease the spirits. Although this holiday is not directly related to Halloween, it shares similar themes of communication with spirits and veneration of the dead.

Italy: Ognissanti and Il Giorno dei Morti

In Italy, Halloween is increasingly popular, especially among young people, but local traditions remain strong. On November 1st, Italians celebrate Ognissanti (All Saints' Day), followed by Giorno dei Morti (All Souls' Day) on November 2nd. These days are dedicated to commemorating saints and the deceased, with visits to cemeteries and prayers. In some regions, it's traditional to bake cookies called "ossa dei morti" (bones of the dead).

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