Halloween: Its history and influence around the world

Halloween is a Celtic celebration of Samhain dating back over 2,500 years. The Celts believed that the border between the world of the living and the dead were open so that the beings from beyond could come to visit the living. It is a holiday celebrated in Ireland and Scotland and is subsequently celebrated around the world and proclaimed the feast of All Saints.

This festival was a real success in the middle of the 19th century around the world. With the onset of the Great Famine in Ireland, Scottish and Irish migrants settled in the United States and took with them their famous tales and legends. This is how Halloween started being celebrated around the world. In Mexico, China, Australia,the United States and many other countries.

On Halloween night, children disguised as monsters ring at the doorbells of houses and proclaim “trick or treat!” in the hopes of receiving candy. In the 21st century, the hallmark Halloween symbol is the pumpkin, and it is everywhere around the world. But that wasn’t always the case.
In fact, at the beginning, turnips were used for this feast.

Around the world on Halloween, this vegetable refers to the legend of Jack O ’Lantern or Jack the Miser. He was a lazy drunkard who dared to challenge the devil. When he died, neither hell nor heaven welcomed him. He was then doomed to wander the Earth in darkness for all eternity. His only possession was a candle stuck in a hollowed out turnip to guide him.

The story is famous and every Halloween night his ghost appears. However, over the years the turnip was far too difficult to carve. Now around the world, the symbol of Halloween is a pumpkin. Now you know the history of this holiday a little better.Why not check out the best places around the world to celebrate Halloween ?

Where can we celebrate Halloween?

Ireland: Back to the origins

Ireland being the founding country of the festival, is obviously at the top of the ranking. Today, adults and children dress up as evil creatures. It also presents an opportunity to attend many events such as visiting the Ballina Woods in County Mayo.

You can partake in a spooky walk through the middle of a haunted forest. Beware of ghosts, ghouls, goblins and other demonic creatures that will haunt you during your stroll. You can also see the Puca Festival in County Meath. This festival offers many shows and musical events.

This period of festivity will last from October 31 to November 2. You can also explore the Glasnevin Museum and Cemetery,where many well-known Irish personalities rest. Cold sweats and goosebumps guaranteed!

Mexico: El Día de los Muertos

Mexicans celebrate El Día de los Muertos. A festival that dates back 3000 years among the Aztec and Mayan peoples that celebrates the welcoming of souls who visit their families on Earth. Each year, the families erect decorated altars made up of several offerings for the visit of the dead. The festivities include singing, dancing, visiting and decorating the graves of the dead in the cemetery.

For this occasion, Mexicans disguise themselves with makeup as skeletons. The altars of the deceased consist of several objects: Cempasuchil flowers, the bread of the dead, the religious cross, candles, incense, calaveras, photos of the deceased, “the papel picado”, sugar skulls, water, tequila and mezcal, salt as well as familiar objects reminiscent of the deceased.

New Orleans: the city of voodoo

Known to be the most haunted city in all of America, the locals take this holiday very seriously. They spend an enormous amount of time and money designing the decorations and costumes. You can visit many haunted houses, one of the most famous is the Manoir LaLaurie.

This city is nicknamed the “City of the Dead” because the deceased are not buried but their coffins are placed in raised tombs.
In the French quarter of the city, you can also visit voodoo shops. You will be able to buy props, potions or items for rituals. Perhaps you will have the chance to feel the spirit of Marie Laveau, the High Priestess of New Orleans in the 19th century.

Obviously, on the evening of celebration, meet in the streets of the French Old Square which are crowded with a crowd in disguises of all kinds.

Transylvania: Count Dracula’s region

What better way to celebrate Halloween than to be in the region of the famous Count Dracula? On the evening of October 31st, a party is organized in a small medieval town. This is the opportunity to share a convivial meal with all the guests. You can visit the famous Bran Castle of Count Dracula.
Legend says he impaled thousands of victims in this castle. These victims were in agony on their peak until death ensued. A story that is sure to send shivers down your spine!

There are many activities and shows such as the execution of the living or the wedding of Dracula to a witch. With a contest for the most beautiful costume, tasting of evil drinks and cakes in the shape of a coffin, organization of masked balls and folk songs, this experience has everything you need to have a great time!

London

London is renowned for the infamous legend of the world’s most famous serial killer, Jack the Ripper, which makes it a perfect destination to celebrate Halloween. You can visit haunted houses, visit London cemeteries, the dungeons of the Tower of London, or attend themed events in the big clubs of the capital.

New York

New York City is famous for its awe-inspiring Halloween night parades. You can take the Greenwich Village Ghost Tour to explore the haunted corners of New York City. You can also visit the Late-Night Ghost Tour located in Manhattan.

If you’re looking for a spooky activity, you can also head to the Madame Morbid’s Trolley Tour, in which a visit in a Victorian-style decorated trolley will take you to the dark corners of Brooklyn.
You can parade in the procession if you are in costume or simply admire the show.

China

In China, they don’t really celebrate Halloween. But around mid-August, on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, they organize the Festival of the Hungry Dead where the dead return to the world of the living. In order to satisfy their hunger, they burn counterfeit bills, credit cards, toy cars, and painted cardboard houses. They also place offerings, delicious and hearty food, and incense sticks.

Taiwan: Lantern Festival

In Taiwan, they celebrate the Lantern Festival rather than Halloween on the 15th day after Chinese New Year. It’s a much more joyful and colorful holiday. According to some beliefs in China, the sky spirits can be seen in the light of the first full moon of the new year.

To carry on this tradition, they organize the Lantern Festival and every year it is held in a different city in Taiwan. Many acrobatic shows and dances take place during this festival.

Salem: the city of witchcraft

Located in Massachusetts, the city of Salem is the perfect place to celebrate Halloween. It is a city known for the witchcraft trials that appeared at the end of the 17th century.
This resulted in the execution of several people. Of course, when we talk about Salem we think of the witch hunt, an event that has strongly marked the history of the country.
It is this event, the city attempts to recreate this gruesome atmosphere with Halloween decorations, including reenactments of executions and trials. You can also visit the Witch House Museum which represents the house of the judge who participated in the witch trials.

Guatemala: The Quema Del Diablo

In Guatemala, celebrating Halloween is similar to Mexico. All the families come to lunch on the decorated graves of the dead. This is an opportunity for them to communicate with and honor the dead. On the day of the festival, locals fly colorful kites. Another event appears and takes place on December 7: the Quema Del Diablo. This festival represents the day of the devil’s immolation. For this occasion, everyone marches through the streets, and enjoys fireworks.

There are still many other countries that celebrate Halloween but these are arguably the most popular of all. Obviously, Halloween is also present in the West Indies as noticed in Guadeloupe, with the appearance of fancy-dress parties.These are events that attract a lot of people, especially young people.
After all these years, Halloween has won the hearts and attention of the public, and especially children. Each year they enjoy dressing up and knocking on doors asking for sweets.