By Layla Baboli
Halloween, celebrated on October 31st, has grown into a global event, but it is not celebrated the same way everywhere. Different cultures have their own unique traditions for this spooky occasion.
In the United States and the UK, Halloween is known for trick-or-treating, where children dress up in costumes and go door-to-door collecting sweets. Houses are decorated with carved pumpkins, known as jack-o’-lanterns, and people throw themed parties with ghost stories, spooky games, and scary movies.
In Mexico, Halloween coincides with the famous Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd. Rather than focusing on fear and horror, this holiday is a celebration of loved ones who have passed away. Families create altars with photographs, flowers, and food to honour the deceased, believing that their spirits return to visit during this time.
In Poland, Halloween is a more subdued and reflective time, closely connected to All Saints’ Day on November 1st. This is a day when families visit the graves of their loved ones, lighting candles and laying flowers as a way of remembering the dead. Although Halloween traditions like costumes and parties are slowly becoming more popular with younger generations, the focus in Poland remains on paying respect to those who have passed away.
In Ireland, the birthplace of Halloween, the festival has its roots in the ancient Celtic celebration of Samhain. People believed that on this night, the barrier between the living and the dead was thinner, allowing spirits to roam the earth. Today, Halloween in Ireland includes bonfires, fireworks, and traditional games like bobbing for apples.
In Japan, Halloween is less traditional but has gained popularity in recent years. People embrace the costume aspect of the holiday, with many dressing up in elaborate outfits and attending themed parties or participating in parades, like the one in Tokyo’s Shibuya district.
Meanwhile, in China, the Halloween equivalent is the Hungry Ghost Festival, which takes place during the seventh month of the lunar calendar. During this time, people make offerings of food and money to satisfy wandering spirits and keep them from causing harm.
Though the traditions may differ, Halloween has become a time for communities worldwide to celebrate in their own special ways, bringing both fun and a touch of the supernatural to life.