Articles and Stories

October 28, 2011

Halloween is essentially a Western holiday, which was originally celebrated by the Celts to commemorate the dead. It is one of the oldest celebrations observed by people all over the world. The name “Halloween” comes from “All Hallows’ Eve,which means “eve of All Saints”. The Irish celebrated this night on October 31, the eve of “All Saints”. When the Irish immigrants came to the U.S., they continued to celebrate their traditional Halloween. Now it is a day for fun and parties, getting dressed up in mostly scary costumes, trick-or-treating and decorating pumpkins.

In the 1990, Halloween made its way to Europe. France was the first to adopt this celebration, and then it spread to many countries. However, the customs and traditions differ from country to country. But the basis of this custom is the same in all countries: honoring the dead. It is said that on Halloween the gap between the living and the dead fades away and the dead can cause sickness or damage crops. Through the celebration of Halloween, the dead are appeased and honored.

Halloween in Spain

In Spain, Halloween is a three-day celebration. It is not only about honoring the dead, but also a celebration of the continuity of life. Especially in the north of Spain, Halloween is celebrated excessively by lighting bonfires to lead the spirits’ way back to earth, carving pumpkins, decorating graves of loved ones and organizing costume parties.

Halloween in China

Halloween is really a non-event for the Chinese. Only some shops that sell Western products might display pumpkins or have their shop embellished with Halloween decorations. Some bars and restaurants will use this day as a theme night to draw in customers.

Halloween In Japan

Although Japan didn’t celebrate Halloween until recently, it’s becoming more and more popular and commercialized. Just like in the U.S., stores sell scary costumes, decorations and many sweets. Children dress up and try to collect as many sweets as possible. Older people remember the dead and show them their love by displaying pictures of the diseased and placing food and water in front of their photos.

Halloween in Portugal and Brazil

In Portugal, Halloween is not celebrated on the evening of October 31, but on November 1st, the actual All Saints Day. Children go from door to door during that day and ask for treats, but they do not dress up. Treats come in the form of apples, nuts, and small baked goods. But teenagers will organize parties and dress up in total black outfits and celebrate.

In Brazil, children do go from door to door. They stretch out their hands and say “Sweets or Tricks” and are rewarded with candy and other sweets.

Halloween in Poland

In Poland, the 1st of November is a public holiday and people go to church. As in all catholic countries, people visit cemeteries and put flowers on the graves. Doors and windows of their homes are left open to welcome the spirits or the visiting souls.

Wearing costumes or trick-or-treating from door to door is slowly coming to Poland. In the big cities you see flyers advertising Halloween parties and people will dress up for it.