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Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in the world, but do you know where it came from? Halloween is thought to have originated in Ireland, where the ancient Celts celebrated a festival called Samhain on October 31st. Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the winter. The Celts believed that on Samhain, the veil between the living and the dead was thin and that spirits could roam the earth.
The age-old jack-o’-lantern tradition has its origins rooted in Ireland and Scotland. In ancient Celtic traditions, turnips and potatoes were meticulously carved into bizarre faces and then illuminated by candles, a practice believed to ward off evil spirits. When waves of Irish and Scottish immigrants made their way to the United States, they brought this centuries-old tradition, adapting it to incorporate the more readily available and easier-to-carve pumpkins. Thus, the jack-o’-lantern, now commonly crafted from pumpkins, became an enduring symbol of Halloween festivities in North America and beyond.
The custom of trick-or-treating is believed to have its origins in England, where on Halloween night, English folks would embark on a peculiar door-to-door tradition. Their purpose was to solicit cakes, fruits, and ale from their neighbors. In a gesture of goodwill, they offered to include the homeowner’s deceased relatives in their prayers in exchange for these treats. Over time, this practice transformed as it blended with various cultural influences, eventually evolving into the modern-day Halloween tradition of costumed children collecting candies and treats from house to house, which is now widely observed in countries such as the United States and Canada.
In Mexico, Halloween is seamlessly woven into the fabric of Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, a three-day celebration devoted to honoring passed souls. Mexican families engage in the heartfelt practice of constructing altars within their homes as part of this commemoration. These altars are tributes to the deceased, adorned with the soft glow of candles, vibrant flowers, and cherished photographs of their loved ones. But the offerings extend beyond mere symbolism, as families lovingly place food and beverages on these altars. This gesture is intended to provide nourishment and comfort to the spirits of the departed as they are believed to return to the living realm during this sacred occasion.
Halloween has gained remarkable traction in Japan, marking its status as a relatively recent but trendy holiday. Japanese Halloween festivities mirror those in the West, with activities like trick-or-treating, costume parties, and the artistic pursuit of pumpkin carving. However, Japan infuses its distinct flavor into the celebration, introducing unique customs such as the “Purikura” tradition. This practice involves friends and family taking whimsical photos in a photo booth, adding an element of fun and togetherness to the holiday.
No matter how you celebrate it, Halloween is a fun and spooky holiday that people of all ages around the world enjoy. So get your costumes ready and start planning your Halloween festivities!