Madeleine Canning | Reporter

For most of us Halloween is a time for trick-or-treating, partying or just celebrating this spooky season but in this article, I will tell you some facts about Halloween in different countries.

Spain\Mexico

In Spain and Mexico, Halloween it known as “El Dia de los Muertos” which translated into English means the “Day of the Dead” and is a celebration honouring the deceased. The festival is celebrated on the 2nd of November instead of the 31st of October and on this day, there are many people who decorate the graves of their loved ones who have passed away. On the day of the dead, many Spanish and Mexican people eat pan de muerto – a sugary roll which they would consume along with the departed relative’s favourite food. A symbol of the holiday is a skull representing la “Calavera Catrina” as she became known in Mexico as the sign of death. Some people build altars in their house and put food and drink along with a bowl of water and a towel so that the spirit can clean their hands before they eat the offerings. Last year, we had our own altar within the languages department of our school:

Italy 

Sometimes in Italy children find presents from their late ancestors on the morning of either All Saints Day or All Souls Day. Along with us they carve pumpkins, go door-to-door asking for small favours and recently dressing up has also become popular.

China 

Halloween celebrations in China spread across several days of the year.  One is called Teng Chieh and on that night, lanterns are lit and put on the streets to light the spirits way across the earth. Some Buddhist temples make paper ‘boats of law’ from paper and burn them at night as they believe that this would free the victims of death by accidental causes and allow the souls to go to heaven.

Austria

In Austria, many people will leave bread and water before they go to sleep so that the spirits will be coaxed to visit on Halloween night. The days around the celebration is considered a religious period for remembering the lives of loved ones and friends with All Souls Day being celebrated in Austria a chance to honour the catholic saints and martyrs through religious ceremonies.

This is just a small insight into Halloween around the world but however you choose to celebrate this wonderful event, be sure to stay safe! Happy Halloween!

 

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