Witches, goblins, ghosts, and pumpkins are all symbols of Halloween and its arrival. Department stores become absorbed in the festivities as decorations are put on display and candy is being stocked for that faithful, fateful evening. Even Whyville has its share as it secretly conjures up some ghastly surprises for its citizens.
Halloween is one of the oldest holidays, and is celebrated in different ways around the world. In parts of Latin America, Mexico, and Spain, they celebrate something known as "El Dia de los Muertos", or All Saints Day. This ceremony takes place for three days, beginning on October 31 and ending on November 2. The celebration was created so that people could honor the dead, who are believed to return to their earthly homes on the evening of October 31. During this time, families create altars in their homes and decorate gravestones with candy, flowers, photographs and more to commemorate their deceased relatives. The celebration ends with a large picnic at the gravesite of the dead.
If you live in England, then perhaps you celebrate "Guy Fawkes Day" on November 5. During this time, bonfires are lit, fireworks are displayed, and something known as effigies (or a puppet) are burned. This is to remember an infamous English traitor known as Guy Fawkes. Although children in England do not go from house to house trick-or-treating, they do travel about with an effigy, asking for a penny for the doll. However, they keep all the money for themselves (not for the doll) and this is as close to the North American tradition of "trick or treating" that can be found in England.
Much of what we know as Halloween originated in Ireland, and the practice is still celebrated to this day. Our ritual of trick-or-treating was even established from Ireland. Years ago, bonfires were lit and children would dress up in costumes and spend the evening roaming around the neighborhood for candy. Parents and older children who did not take part in trick-or-treating would spend the night at parties where they would play games and win prizes.
In Austria, people leave behind water, bread, and a lamp on the table before they go to bed. This is because they want to welcome the souls returning from the dead. In countries such as France, Halloween is considered an American holiday, and they do not follow their own customs. Instead, they mimic the North American traditions.
"Yue Lan" or "Festival of the Hungry Ghosts" is celebrated in Hong Kong, where people believe that spirits roam the world for twenty-four hours. Some even burn pictures of money or fruit because they believe it will rise up into the atmosphere and bring happiness and comfort to the ghosts above.
Hope you enjoy Halloween this year, or whatever celebration you take part in.
A Graveyard Smash,
-TIKE
Work Cited
Halloween Around the World: http://www.novareinna.com/festive/world.html
History Channel: The History of Halloween: http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/halloween/world.html
