10 Unusual Halloween Traditions Around the World
It’s that time of the year again where we all dress up and go trick or treating, but did you know that Halloween is celebrated very differently across the globe? In this blog post, we will take a look at some unusual traditions that happen on the spookiest night of the year.
Ireland’s Halloween Bonfires
Ireland is considered the birthplace of Halloween, and they have a unique way of celebrating it. Many towns and villages light large bonfires on Halloween night, and families gather around them. It’s an old tradition believed to have actually originated with the Druids.
Mexico’s Day of the Dead
Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead is celebrated in Mexico from October 31st to November 2nd. This tradition focuses on remembering loved ones who have passed on, and the celebrations include building altars filled with offerings such as food and flowers.
Japan’s Halloween Cruise
In Tokyo, celebrating Halloween is taken to another level with a Zombie-themed party cruise! Guests dress up in Zombie costumes and take a ride on a ship that is decked out in decorations.
Romania’s Halloween Night with the Dead
In Romania, Halloween is celebrated as an intimate family gathering with the dead. Families visit their loved ones who have passed away and light candles and offer flowers. It is believed that the dead will have a chance to visit their living families for one night.
Germany’s Turnip Lanterns
Germany has a unique way of celebrating Halloween with decorative turnip lanterns. The tradition started in Ireland with carved vegetable lanterns, and Germans took to making their own lanterns from turnips.
Sweden’s Egg Yolk Face Mask
In Sweden, Halloween celebrated by making a face mask out of egg yolks! The belief is that this mask brings good fortune and beauty.
Austria’s Krampus Parade
Krampus is a scary spirit who is known to punish misbehaving children. In Austria, there is an annual Krampus parade where men dress up in terrifying Krampus costumes and run through the streets with whips and bells!
Italy’s Halloween Dinner
In Italy, Halloween is celebrated with a family dinner that includes a traditional dish of potatoes and pasta. The meal is usually prepared with black and orange ingredients to represent the colors of Halloween.
China’s Halloween Money
In China, Halloween is not officially recognized, but it is celebrated by giving out money to children. The belief is that this money will help to ward off any evil spirits who may be around.
Scotland’s Apples and Nuts
In Scotland, Halloween is celebrated with apples and nuts! Children often play games involving apples and nuts such as apple bobbing where they have to ‘fish’ for apples with their mouths, and dunking their heads into water to try to catch nuts.
In conclusion, there are many traditions celebrated around the world that may seem unusual to us but are perfectly normal to others. Halloween is a time of year to celebrate with family and community, and what better way to do that than to embrace unique cultural traditions?