Global Celebrations: Halloween Around the World Part II

Last week on The Travel Journal we previewed halloween-like celebrations in Ireland, China, and Spanish-speaking countries. From apple-bobbing, to lantern lighting, and colorful alter decorating, we learned that there are various traditions dedicated to fostering fright. Here are a few more hair-raising rituals:

In Austria, some people will leave bread, water and a lighted lamp on the table before going to bed on Halloween night. It was once believed that these would welcome the dead souls back to earth on a night that Austrians considered to be magical.

Historically, English children made “punkies” out of large beets (which they call beetroots), upon which they carved a design of their choice. Then, they would carry their “punkies” through the streets while singing the “Punkie Night Song” as they knocked on doors and asked for money.

Halloween later became Guy Fawkes Night and moved a few days later. In some rural areas, turnip lanterns are placed on gateposts to protect homes from the spirits who roam on Halloween night. Another custom is to toss objects such as stones, vegetables and nuts into a bonfire to frighten away the spirits. On the evening of November 5, bonfires are lit throughout England.

Unlike most nations of the world, Halloween is not celebrated by the French in order to honor the dead. It is viewed as an “American” holiday in France and was virtually unknown in the country until around 1996. A combination of the French love of parties and some simple commercialism has led to the rise of the holiday in France.

The Japanese celebrate the “Obon Festival” which is similar to Halloween festivities in that it is devoted 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 “Obon Festival,” a fire is lit every night in order to show the ancestors where their families might be found. “Obon” is one of the two main occasions during the Japanese year when the dead are believed to return to their birthplaces.