Halloween as we know it, with the trick-or-treating and funny costumes, is mostly a Western practice. Though it has in recent years spread to South America, the Far East, and Eastern Europe, some of these places have their own traditions that resemble our own Halloween. Here is the way Halloween is celebrated in other countries.
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Scotland: Ancient Samhain TraditionsSee MoreScotland: Ancient Samhain Traditions
In Scotland, Halloween traces its origins to the old Celtic festival of Samhain. Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It was thought to be a time when spirits could cross into the world of the living. Today, Halloween customs in Scotland include 'guising', where children dress up and perform songs or jokes for treats. Carved 'neeps' (turnips) lit like lanterns, a forerunner of pumpkin jack-o-lanterns.
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Mexico: Vibrant Remembrance for DÃa de los MuertosSee MoreMexico: Vibrant Remembrance for DÃa de los Muertos
In contrast to Scotland's spooky Halloween, Mexico erupts in color for DÃa de los Muertos. Though around the same time as Halloween, this separate festival fuses indigenous Aztec rites with Catholicism brought by Spanish conquerors. Families build vibrant 'ofrenda' altars with photos, candles and marigolds to welcome back spirits. The mood is joyful remembrance rather than fear or sorrow.
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China: The Hungry Ghost FestivalSee MoreChina: The Hungry Ghost Festival
In China, the comparable feast to Halloween is the Hungry Ghost Festival, or Yu Lan, on the 15th night of the 7th lunar month. It's traditionally believed the gates of the afterlife open and ghosts roam the world of the living. Offerings appease these wandering spirits and secure their favor. Burning effigies, shows, and family feasts mark the occasion, promising peace and prosperity.
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Romania: The Feast of Souls, A Spring Rite of RemembranceSee MoreRomania: The Feast of Souls, A Spring Rite of Remembrance
In Romania, home to legends of Dracula and Transylvania, a unique springtime counterpart to Halloween emerges - The Feast of Souls. Falling on the Tuesday before Orthodox Easter, it honors those who've passed. Families unite at cemeteries, lighting candles and sharing food, often leaving offerings behind for departed souls.
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Germany: Witches' Eve, A Night of Devilish DelightSee MoreGermany: Witches' Eve, A Night of Devilish Delight
Walpurgis Night or Witches' Eve in Germany celebrates Saint Walpurga, an 8th century abbess believed to protect against witchcraft. Ironically, her feast day became associated with witchcraft rituals. Celebrated at the end of April, it is especially vibrant in the Harz Mountains, where witches were thought to congregate. Germans light fires, don costumes, and dance away evil spirits to welcome spring.
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Sweden: All Saints' Light, A Tender TributeSee MoreSweden: All Saints' Light, A Tender Tribute
In Sweden, All Saints' Day, starting between October 31st and November 6th, takes on a quiet, poignant tone. Swedes light countless candles and lanterns in cemeteries, bathing the graves in a gentle glow to honor loved ones passed. While Halloween has entered Swedish culture, especially with the young, All Saints' Light remains a peaceful observance for reverent remembrance and family.
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Czech Republic: Witching Bonfires, A Fiery Farwell to WinterSee MoreCzech Republic: Witching Bonfires, A Fiery Farwell to Winter
In the Czech Republic, April 30th marks Witching Bonfires or "Burning of the Witches." Huge bonfires burn effigies of witches to banish winter and evil spirits. Folklore says witches peak in power this night but fires defeat their magic. Today, it's evolved into a social event of feasting and friendships around the fires, with children partaking in themed activities.
