Halloween is on its way. Essentially known as the holiday to dress up in costumes, trick or treating for children and horror movies, the holiday’s origin is essentially the Western Christian observance of the dead, with Irish influence. While the tradition lost some of its translation when it crossed over to the states, Halloween is celebrated all over the world with each country adding their own religion and traditions to the holiday.
In China, Halloween festivals known as Teng Chieh are held. Participants place food and water 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 Halloween night. Worshippers in Buddhist temples fashion “boats of the law” from paper, some of which are very large, which are then burned in the evening hours. The purpose of this custom is twofold: as a remembrance of the dead and in order to free the spirits of the “Pretas” in order that they might ascend to heaven. “Pretas” or “Hungry Ghost” are the spirits of those who died as a result of an accident or drowning and whose bodies were consequently never buried. Their presence among the living is thought to be dangerous by Chinese folklore. Under the guidance of Buddhist temples, societies are formed to carry out ceremonies for them, which includes the lighting of lanterns. Monks are invited to recite sacred verses and offerings of fruit are presented.
Sweden, “Alla Helgons Dag” from October 31 until November 6. As with many other holidays, “Alla Helgons Dag” has an eve, which is either celebrated or becomes a shortened working day. The Friday prior to All Saint’s Day is a short day for universities while school-age children are given a day of vacation.
In England, as of recent, the American “trick or treating” custom and the donning of costumes has become a relatively popular pastime among English children at Halloween although many of the adults (particularly the older generations) have little idea as to why they are being asked for sweets and are usually ill-prepared. This is because for the most part, the English ceased celebrating Halloween with the spread of Martin Luther’s Protestant Reformation. Since followers of the new religion did not believe in Saints, they saw no reason to celebrate the Eve of All Saints’ Day. However, at one time, English children made “punkies” out of large beetroots, upon which they carved a design of their choice. They would carry their punkies through the streets while singing the “Punkie Night Song” as they knocked on doors and asked for money. In some rural areas, turnip lanterns were placed on gateposts to protect homes from the spirits who roamed on Halloween night.
Spanish-speaking nations, celebrate what is known as “El Dia de los Muertos.” Officially commemorated on November 2, All Souls’ Day is a three-day celebration, beginning on the evening of October 31. Designed to honor the dead who are believed to return to their homes on Halloween, many families construct an altar in their home and decorate it with candy, flowers, photographs, fresh water and samples of the deceased’s favorite foods and drinks. Frequently, a basin and towel are left out the spirit can wash prior to indulging in the feast. Candles and incense are burned to help the departed find their way home. Relatives also tidy the gravesites of deceased family members, including snipping weeds, making repairs and painting. The grave is then adorned with flowers, wreaths or paper streamers. A live person is placed inside a coffin that is then paraded through the streets while vendors toss fruit, flowers and candies into the casket. On November 2, relatives gather at the gravesite to picnic and reminisce. Some of these gatherings may even include tequila and a mariachi band. In Mexico during autumn, countless numbers of Monarch butterflies return to the shelter of Mexico’s oyamel fir trees. It was the belief of the Aztecs that these butterflies bore the spirits of dead ancestors.
The Japanese celebrate the “Obon Festival” that is dedicated to the spirits of ancestors. Special foods are prepared and bright red lanterns are hung everywhere. Candles are lit and placed into lanterns, which are then set afloat on rivers and seas. During the festivals, a fire is lit every night in order to show the ancestors where their families might be found. Obon is one of the main occasions during the Japanese year when the dead are believed to return to their birthplaces. Memorial stones are cleaned and community dances performed. However, Obon Festivals normally take place during July or August.
Unlike most nations of the world, the French do not celebrate Halloween in order to honor the dead and departed ancestors. It is regarded as an “American” holiday and was virtually unknown in the country until around 1996.
Jimaur Calhoun
Arts & Entertainment Editor