Halloween Around the World: A Glimpse on Different Celebrations - By: Charjen Pangston

Halloween is said as one of the oldest event around the world. Commonly commemorated on October 31, today it is discerned in some nations, but it is in North America and Canada that it sustains its largest grade of popularity. Now let’s take a glimpse on distinct nations and take a look on how they remember the infamous holiday.
In Austria, some people will leave bread, water and a lighted lamp on the table before retiring on Halloween night. The reason for this is because it was once believed such items would welcome the dead souls back to earth on a night which for the Austrians was considered to be brimming with strong cosmic energies. The Belgians believe that it is unlucky for a black cat to cross one’s path and also unlucky if it should enter a home or travel on a ship. The custom in Belgium on Halloween night is to light candles in memory of dead relatives. In China, the Halloween festival is known as Teng Chieh. Food and water are placed in front of photographs of family members who have departed while bonfires and lanterns are lit in order to light the paths of the spirits as they travel the earth on Haloween night. In Czechoslovakia, chairs are placed by the fireside on Halloween night. There is one chair for each living family member and one for each family member's spirit. At one time, English children made "punkies" out of large beetroots, upon which they carved a design of their choice. Then, they would carry their "punkies" through the streets while singing the "Punkie Night Song" as they knocked on doors and asked for money. In Germany, the people put away their knives on Halloween night. The reason for this is because they do not want to risk harm befalling the returning spirits. In Ireland, the tradition is still celebrated as much as it is in the United States. The Japanese celebrate the "Obon Festival" (also known as "Matsuri" or "Urabon") which is similar to Halloween festivities in that it is dedicated to the spirits of ancestors. In Korea, the festival similar to Halloween is known as "Chusok." It is at this time that families thank their ancestors for the fruits of their labor. The family pays respect to these ancestors by visiting their tombs and making offerings of rice and fruits. The "Chusok" festival takes place in the month of August. Among Spanish-speaking nations, Halloween is known as "El Dia de los Muertos." It is a joyous and happy holiday, a time to remember friends and family who have died. In Sweden, Halloween is known as "Alla Helgons Dag" and is celebrated from October 31 until November 6.

I know it’s fairly a lot but these are numerous ways other places celebrate Halloween. So If your youngsters think that Halloween is strictly carving pumpkins and balancing for apples, tell them that there’s much more to it. A global commemoration, Halloween and its variations are full of history and tradition.

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