Costumes. Candy. Pumpkin patches. Trick-or-treating. This is what most Americans expect in the month of October. Have you ever wondered how Halloween is celebrated in other parts of the world?
Mexico/ Latin America
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is celebrated by Mexico and Latin America to pay homage to the deceased. It is said that the dead return to the earthly realm to visit relatives. This holiday is commonly celebrated with beaded necklaces and candies. It’s normal to see graves and altars decorated with flowers, photographs, candy and decorated skulls (sugar skulls) around this time.
Japan
Instead of Halloween, Japanese people celebrate the Obon festival. It is celebrated with specialty dishes and red lanterns placed at every home, along rivers and boats. These lights are used to guide the spirits to their family. Contrary to Halloween, this festival is celebrated in July through August.
Italy
On Nov. 2, Tutti i Morti or All Souls’ Day, is what Italy celebrates instead of Halloween. On this day, families take time to remember deceased loved ones. It is also tradition for children to receive a small gift from family members who have passed on. In some areas, they even carve pumpkins just as we do.
Britain
If you’ve seen “V for Vendetta,” then you’re familiar with this one. Celebrated on Nov. 5 (remember?), bonfires and fireworks are lit all over England. While the holiday is celebrated around the same time as Halloween, it has no relation. The celebration of Halloween ended when Martin Luther tried to reform the Catholic Church, which failed- resulting in the Protestant Church. Because of this, they had no saints to worship on All Saint’s Day and instead decided to celebrate the execution of Guy Fawkes, a famous English Traitor.
Even though there are different traditions around the world, celebrations are not tied down to one location. No matter where you are, there is something to celebrate and learn new things. If you find yourself traveling, share the American tradition of Halloween and bring back the knowledge of others. Her Campus Hawaii dares you to explore something new!