Spirits and the dead come alive in joyful anticipation, waiting for the one day we set aside to honor them. With its silly costumes and lively celebrations, Halloween is a time to reflect on life and remember those who have passed on. But did you know that while Halloween is celebrated worldwide, each culture has its unique way of marking the occasion? From offering gifts to gathering sweets, here are five different Halloween traditions worldwide.
1. Halloween in the United States
The onset of Halloween in the United States served as a ritual to chase evil spirits away. The Jack-o-lanterns made from pumpkins were used to prevent the spirits from coming close to their homes while they chased the sleights from themselves by equally dressing like monsters. However, with advancements in the current United States, Halloween has become a time when you can dress in different costumes while kids ask for sweets from door to door.
2. Dia de los Muertos, Mexico
Dia de los Muertos is a unique Mexican way of celebrating Halloween. The Dia de los Muertos is a two-day event in which the people of Mexico believe their dead loved ones come to dine and celebrate with them. The first day is used to commemorate the death of children, while the second day is for late adults. Offerings are on altars, and the deceased’s favorite meal is the day’s main dish. In summary, it is a day of remembrance of their lost ones.
3. Samhain, Ireland
Samhain is one of the oldest ways in which Halloween is celebrated. Carried out by the Irish, Samhain is said to be a day that marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Burial mounds are also opened as they are the passageway between life and death. The people of Ireland believe that the spirits that traverse these burial mounds are their protectors. Offerings are made to these spirits to help them survive the cold winter season.
4. Obon, Japan
Obon is one of the three biggest festivals celebrated in Japan. Unlike the other unspoken Halloween month of October, Obon is celebrated around August. The people of Japan use lanterns in front of their doors to guide the spirit of their loved ones’ homes. Food offerings and favorite songs of the dead characterize a triumphant celebration. After the merriment, floating candles are set on a sail to guide the spirits back to their world.
5. Zhongyuan, China
The Zhongyuan festival is also referred to as the ghost festival. The Buddhists of the country mainly celebrate it. Similarly to Halloween in Japan and Mexico, this festival is believed to invoke the spirit of the dead. The Buddhist priests take the last absolution of pain and suffering from deceased spirits.
The culture and tradition may differ across the world, but Halloween serves as a means of remembering our loved ones. To Halloween, you can travel to another country to enjoy the celebrations with them. If you do not like solo traveling, you can plan a group trip with friends and family using Fourwinds Tours and Travel.