10 exclusive Halloween traditions

On October 31, many North Americans spend Halloween dressing up and trick-or-treating, while others will be observing Christian traditions. Around the world, many other countries have their unique way of celebrating their interpretation of Halloween. We will look at 10 exclusive Halloween traditions that you may not be familiar with. Have a cup of “grog” and enjoy it.

SAMHAIN | IRELAND AND SCOTLAND

Considered the birthplace of modern Halloween, Ireland, with its origins from ancient Celtic and Pagan rituals, brought us the historic festival called Samhain. Although verification is difficult, these rituals extend thousands of years before the rise of Christianity. Currently, both Ireland and Scotland celebrate Halloween much the same way their ancestors may have. The tradition of lighting bonfires, playing games, and traditional foods like barmbrack, an Irish fruitcake. Here, one may find a coin or a ring that could foretell your future fortunes.

DAY OF DRACULA | ROMANIA

No Halloween tradition would be complete without a visit to Vlad “The Impaler” Tepes’s  Bran Castle in Transylvania, Romania. However, it is unknown if the count spent any time there. Regardless, people from all over Europe make this annual pilgrimage to the home of “Dracula.” In modern times it has become a substantial economic enterprise. There are vast numbers of guides and tour packages for the many other festivities surrounding the event. Often they include a “steak” dinner. Book early.

DZIEŃ ZADUSZNY | POLAND

During the first days of November, many people from across Poland celebrate Dzień Zaduszny, a celebration similar to All Souls’ day for Catholics. The holiday is renowned for its many gifts for the departed. They include candles, flowers, and an offering of prayers. The second day of the festivities consists of a requiem mass. People celebrate for the souls of the dead. This is one of many 10 exclusive Halloween(ish) traditions.

OGNISSANTI | ITALY

On November 1 in Italy, it is a national holiday to commemorate All Saints’ Day. There it is better known as Ognissanti. The festivities begin a couple of days prior and often extend beyond All Souls’ day. During this celebration, people start leaving fresh flowers—generally chrysanthemums—on the graves of departed loved ones. Often, they will leave flowers on the graves of distant friends and strangers. This spectacle transforms the country’s cemeteries into a beautiful array of colours. Many Italians also pay tribute to the departed by putting a red candle in the window at sunset. In the hope that spirit will visit, often there is a place set at the dining table that evening.

PANGANGALULUWA | THE PHILIPPINES

In the Philippines, they have been celebrating the tradition of Pangangaluluwa for generations. Here the children go door to door dressed in costumes, where they sing and ask for prayers for those stuck in purgatory. In major metropolitan areas, this practice is replaced by the western version of trick and treating. However, in smaller communities, this tradition is vibrant. In recent years, many districts have pushed, both large and small, to bring back Pangangaluluwa. The idea is to create a national fundraiser.

PCHUM BEN | CAMBODIA

Through the autumn months of September and October, Buddhist families gather to celebrate Pchum Ben. As part of the celebration, people create food gifts, such as sweet sticky rice and beans wrapped in banana leaves. They will also visit temples many times throughout the observance. At the same time, they were paying respect to their deceased ancestors by offering baskets of flowers. It’s also a time to revere and respect the elders in society.

PITRU PAKSHA | INDIA

Many people in India celebrate Pitru Paksha. It occurs for 16 days during the second Paksha of the Hindu lunar month of Bhadrapada. Hindus believe that when a person dies, Yama—the Hindu god of death—takes his or her soul to purgatory. It is common to believe that during Pitru Paksha, the souls are allowed to return to Earth and be with their families for a brief time.

Shraddha’s ritual is performed in honour of the dead ancestor and ensures their family’s place in the afterlife. The importance of male heirs helps ensure that a male descendant will perform the shraddha ceremony after one’s death. Shraddha must be performed, or the soul will wander the Earth for eternity. 

There are many food offerings to the dead during Pitru Paksha. Careful preparation is necessary, cooked in silver or copper pots. Lapsi (a sweet porridge) kheer (sweet rice and milk), rice, lentils, spring beans, and pumpkins, served on banana leaves.  These are part of 10 exclusive Halloween traditions.

AWURU ODO FESTIVAL | NIGERIA

Every two years, commencing the Awuru Odo Festival. The six months celebration is highlighted with feasts, music, and masks. Awuru Odo marks the return of dearly departed friends and family members back to the living. After the six months, the spirits are to return to their resting place. The Odo Festival is an important ritual, and although it only occurs every two years, it is a cultural celebration that extends long before any written records. You think you have a family that will not leave after Christmas 🙂

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS  | MEXICO

The central American regions of Mexico and Latin America celebrate Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) from November 1 and ending November 2. Another of the 10 exclusive Halloween(ish) traditions Here the believers pay homage to those that have passed before them. Many believe that at midnight on October 31, the souls of lost children are reunited with their families for 24 hours and then return to heaven. On November 2, the “Gates of Heaven” opened up again, allowing adults’ souls to come down from heaven to join in the festivities.

 ALL SAINTS’ DAY AND ALL SOULS’ DAY | WORLDWIDE

Many Catholics around the world celebrate All Saints’ Day on November 1. On November 2 marks the beginning of All Souls’ Day. This annual tradition is time to honour the lives of the saints who died for their Catholic beliefs and dead family members’ souls. In observance of the holiday, people participate in mass and visit the graves of their loved ones. This ceremony is a worldwide celebration.

We all do it our way.

However, never a country to comply with the status quo. Germany has its tradition: Many people hide their kitchen knives so that returning spirits won’t be accidentally harmed (or use the same utensils to harm the living). There are so many traditions worldwide, and this is just the beginning of what could be a very long list. We know that although they are called by different names, the root is essentially the same. To make a connection with those who have gone before us and allow us to feel more part of the universe. They may go by different names, but we all understand the calling. 

Coming soon.

Halloween is just a few days away, and we would like to hear from you as to how you are preparing this year. Do you prefer the traditional “Trick or Treat” practice that is so popular in North America? Or are you inclined to participate in some of the more Christian based orthodoxies? No matter how you celebrate the occasion, remember that others worldwide practice their own observances. However you do it, may you have the best day ever.

Be Scareful out there.

We at VTE like to dance under the moonlit night or Trick or Treat. Whoever you are and whatever you think or practice Halloween, please leave us a note in the comments area below, and we will be sure to get back to you.

However you participate, do so with respect. This year is incredibly challenging, so try to adhere to the Covid 19 protocols in your area. Beyond history, Halloween is fun and children both young and old enjoy it.

As always, it is our privilege to help you with your next adventure.

Your Vacation, Your Escape.

VTE