Halloween Around the World

From where it all began to how it is celebrated today, this holiday has a spooky and fairly superstitious past.

Halloween originated in Ireland sometime in the 8th century, and although scholars disagree over specifics, it coincided with the Celtic festival of Samhain. Halloween fell on the night before All Hallows, otherwise known as the Catholic holiday of All Saints Day. This is how the holiday became known as All Hallows Eve and eventually Halloween.

The Celts were highly superstitious, and some believed the dead and evil spirits could revisit the mortal world on the night of Halloween. They cleverly decided to dress themselves, and especially their children, in costume to avoid being tricked or carried away by these spirits. This is the reason why ghosts, devils and witches are popular costumes and symbols of Halloween.
Halloween was later brought to the United States by immigrants, and is still celebrated widely today. In North America, most traditions like eating sugary foods, dressing in costume and trick-or-treating have carried on from their Irish roots.

The Celtic festival of Samhain is not related directly to Halloween, but some of its traditions are also enjoyed on the holiday as well. Lighting bonfires, bobbing for apples and the carving of jack-o-lanterns (which were originally made with turnips in Ireland) are just a few of these traditions.

In Mexico and countries with large Hispanic populations, Day of the Dead or “dia de los muertos” is celebrated on Oct. 31. This holiday’s roots are surprisingly similar to those of Halloween. It is believed that on the Day of the Dead, departed souls have one day to come back and visit their family and loved ones. The celebrations revolve around remembrance of the departed as people to visits to the gravesites of family members to leave favorite treats. Some families will also have a picnic at the graveyards and share memories of the departed.

Traditions have varied and changed over the years, but Halloween has remained a holiday spent with family and friends. So get together with a few of your loved ones and have a Happy Halloween!