Odd Halloween Traditions Around the World

Halloween is an event celebrated worldwide on the night of October 31. It has been originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Halloween is also celebrated for its scary characters like ghosts, monsters, and witches. It is a time for jack-o-lanterns, costumes, and trick-or-treating. However, not every country celebrates Halloween in the same way. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the unique Halloween traditions around the world.

Japan

In Japan, Halloween is a relatively new holiday that has gained popularity only in recent years. However, the way they celebrate it is quite different. Instead of focusing on scary decorations and costumes, the Japanese celebrate Halloween by visiting graveyards and holding a festival known as ‘Obon.’ The festival is meant to honor and remember the spirits of their ancestors.

Mexico

In Mexico, Halloween is celebrated as part of a three-day event known as ‘Dia de los Muertos,’ or the ‘Day of the Dead.’ The holiday is a celebration of life and death, during which people create elaborate altars with photos and items that were meaningful to their departed loved ones. They also believe that the spirits of the dead visit the living during these three days to celebrate and share memories.

Austria

In Austria, people celebrate Halloween in a unique way known as ‘Seleenwoche.’ It is a week-long tradition during which people leave bread, water, and a lighted lamp on their tables before going to bed. This is done to welcome and honor the dead who return to their homes during the week. It is believed that if this tradition is not followed, the souls of the dead may get angry or may haunt their homes.

Ireland

Ireland is the birthplace of Halloween, and the way they celebrate it is quite different from the rest of the world. They celebrate it as a three-day event known as ‘Samhain,’ which is believed to be the time when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest point. The Irish people light bonfires, dress up in costumes, and play games like ‘snap-apple’ and ‘ducking for apples.’

Romania

In Romania, Halloween is called ‘St. Andrew’s Night.’ On this night, young people meet in groups and play games involving mirrors, candles, and knives. They believe that by participating in these games, they can predict their future. They also believe that the dead come back to life and roam the streets looking for people to possess. To keep the spirits away, the houses are decorated with garlic and holy water is sprinkled around the property.

Conclusion

Halloween is celebrated around the world, but not every country celebrates it in the same way. From the Japanese celebrating their ancestors to the Irish playing games, each country has its unique way of celebrating Halloween. Regardless of how it is celebrated, Halloween is an exciting time for people of all ages to come together, dress up in costumes, and celebrate.