One of the world’s oldest holidays is the Halloween. Almost every country holds this holiday but there are different variations in which this is held or celebrated. Let’s look at how most of the countries celebrate one of the oldest, and also one of the costliest holiday in the world.
HALLOWEEN: HOW IT ALL BEGAN
The term “Halloween” was not really the original term that was used for this holiday. 2,000 years ago, the people who originally lived in Ireland, called Celtics, celebrated what was called then the Festival of Samhain. They believed that the end of summer and the beginning of winter was a day wherein the boundaries between the living and the dead were blurred and that ghosts of the dead can come back to earth on the night of October 31st. In this night, they harvest their crops for fear of damaging because of the spirits and they also used this night to predict the future since they believed that they are more powerful in this night than ever.
However, after the colonization of the Roman Empire, they began to intertwine other Roman Holidays and they began to commemorate the saints as well which began in November 1, and the Samhain festival was later known to be All Hallows eve, translated from Alholowmesse which means All Saints Day. So, the night before was then called, All Hallows Eve where the term Halloween was born.
HOW SOME COUNTRIES CELEBRATES HALLOWEEN
⦁ China – In China, people celebrate the Halloween differently. They have a parallel event called Teng Chieh, (The Festival Of Hungry Ghosts), wherein the photographs of their dead relatives are given food and water so that they can eat. At the night of the festival, they also light lanterns to guide the spirits that may have been lost and are finding their way home.
⦁ Philippines – Similar to the US, many Filipinos celebrate Halloween by trick or treating. It is where children wear costumes and asks for a treat in homes and usually gets sweets. Asides from that several companies in Manila hold their own Halloween parties with costumes that are either witty or scary. After the Halloween, most Filipinos come and visit the grave of their dead relatives which turns as a mini reunion as well for many families in the country.
⦁ Czech Republic – The Czechs celebrated what is called the “Day of the Dead”. Czechs visit their departed loved ones at the cemetery and during the Halloween night, they also have a tradition where they place chairs around the fireplace that represents each living and dead family member.
⦁ Germany – While Germans may not be all too familiar with the modern Halloween celebrations, they do have a special tradition where they put away knives so that the spirits cannot cause harm in their homes.
What’s common in all these countries above and in the countries not mentioned, most countries have a costume wearing event with food, drinks, and a good time. How about you? Do you have a special way to celebrate this holiday?
About The Author
Manuel is a guy who loves books. He enjoys reading and does it whenever he can. If he’s not reading, he spends time with his family and also ministers to teenagers in a local church. He does public speaking and talks about issues concerning the youth and young professionals. An Oleia topical oil user and content contributor.
