Martha Neth
by Aura H.
Each fall in the United States, people of all ages get ready to celebrate Halloween. In the US, Halloween is celebrated with candy, costumes, and trick-or-treating; but what about other countries? What types of traditions are celebrated across the world?
In this post, we’ll be covering the cultural traditions around the world during the time of Halloween.
Ireland
In Ireland, people gather to celebrate Samhain, a tradition that has been around for thousands of years. Samhain is considered the original Halloween and is celebrated much like in the United States, however, there are a few traditions that are specific to their culture.
Samhain originated as a pagan holiday where it’s believed that during the transition of fall and winter, the barriers between the living and the spirit world are broken down.
In current-day Ireland, the holiday is celebrated with trick-or-treating, parades and festivals, and traditional food such as barmbrack which is a sweet bread with dried fruits. Usually, an item such as a ring will be placed inside the bread, those who have the ring in their slice are considered fortunate.
Italy
In Italy, people gather to celebrate Ognissanti, also known as All Saints Day.
During this time, it’s believed that the souls of the deceased return to visit their loved ones and living relatives. Each region of Italy celebrates All Saints Day a bit differently, such as in Sicily, they believe that ghosts reward good children with desserts and sweets, so small gifts are left out for the children to find on the night of Ognissanti.
In Campania, children will walk around wearing boxes in the shape of coffins.
Following Ognissanti, the people of Italy will celebrate All Souls’ Day in remembrance of the dead. During the celebration, people will bring flowers, candles, and share a meal next to the grave site of their loved ones to keep them company.
Japan
In Japan, there has been a surge of individuals celebrating Halloween. In Japan, the celebration doesn’t feature trick-or-treating as we would experience in the US. Instead, they host a parade known as the Kawasaki Halloween Parade. During the parade, people dress up in costumes to celebrate. There are costume competitions, face painting, and even an after-party for adult participants. Attendees are required to register and pay to enter the parade.
Mexico
In Mexico, around the time of Halloween, people celebrate El Dia De Los Muertos also known as The Day of The Dead. During this time people gather to welcome the souls of passed loved ones. It’s believed that upon passing, a person will travel to Chicunamictlan to make their journey to Mictlan, a place of peace and rest.
During El Dia De Los Muertos, family members gather around their loved ones' graves and leave ofrendas, which are altars filled with offerings of food, flowers, photos, and gifts.
Culture over Costume
Despite all of these traditions falling into the same time as Halloween, it’s important to keep in mind that while these events are happening, they aren’t necessarily related to “Western Halloween.”
These cultures take time to practice family traditions to honor their passed loved ones and it’s important to know the difference and remain respectful of each other during this time.
What may be a time of candy and costumes to one, may be a time of prayer and celebration to another, and remember, culture is not a costume!
Heyward, Giulia. “How Halloween Is Celebrated around the World.” NPR, October 28, 2022. https://www.npr.org/2022/10/28/1130836737/how-halloween-is-celebrated-around-the-world.
“Halloween around the World - Traditions, Celebrations & Activities.” History.com. Accessed October 24, 2023. https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/halloween-around-the-world.
United Language Group. “How Halloween Is Celebrated around the World.” United Language Group, February 28, 2023. https://www.unitedlanguagegroup.com/blog/translation/how-halloween-is-celebrated-around-the-world.
“The Westport Library Resource Guides: Samhain: The Celtic Origins of Halloween.” The Celtic Origins of Halloween - Samhain - The Westport Library Resource Guides at The Westport Library. Accessed October 24, 2023. https://westportlibrary.libguides.com/Samhain.
