Halloween Around The World

Halloween is without a doubt steeped in legend and lore. It all started with Samhain, an ancient Celtic rite which links back to All Hallow's Eve more commonly known as All Souls Day.

Now, for the majority, it means dressing up and throwing parties to celebrate this annual occasion.

But,t here are different Halloween customs and traditions which come with each nation and here we look into some of them and see the differences and similarities of each.

1.Ireland

Apart from the dressing up as ghouls and ghosts and the usual trick-or-treating, the Irish also have house parties and games for all ages. There's the game 'snap-apple', in which an apple is tied to a string which is tied to a branch and the contestants attempt to bite the apple. Parents also arrange treasure hunts with candy as the treasure.

2. China

In China, some celebrate this day in a more traditional way. On this day, which is called Teng Chieh, food and water are placed in front of photographs of departed family members while lanterns are lit to guide the spirits on their path as they travel the earth. The custom serves as a remembrance of the departed and to free spirits who died as a result of an accident. But we're sure that they still know how to party Halloween style in China!

3. Germany

People put out their knives at night in order for them to not risk harm to the visiting spirits.

4. Japan

The Japanese celebrate what they call the 'Obon Festival.' Obon is one of the two main occasions during the Japanese year where the dead are believed to roam. The pathways of the rural gravesites are swept clean and their homes are given a thorough cleaning. The Obon Festival takes place July or August and many festivals and bon dances occur during the evening.

5. Mexico

In Mexico it is called 'El Dia De Los Muertos,' meaning the days of the dead. It's a 3 day celebration which starts on the 31^st of October and ends Nov. 4. It is mostly a Joyous holiday, remembering family and friends whom of which have departed. The graves are adorned with flowers, food and gifts and altar's are often built in the homes of the relatives to welcome them on these dates.

People usually dance in the streets dressed as skeletons and often living people are placed in coffins which are paraded through the streets while people toss gifts, fruits and candy into the casket. The occasion celebrates life from beginning to end.

These are few of the words Halloween traditions and there are many more out there that we have yet to find out but before that, we'd like to greet everyone a...

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