- Halloween is celebrated on October 31st and is a shortening of All Hallows’ Eve.
- It has its origins in Celtic culture when the day celebrated the end of the harvest.
- In the US and Canada, it is the most commercially successful holiday after Christmas.
- European immigrants introduced many Halloween traditions to America.
- Kids and adults wear different costumes of their choice and attend costume parties.
- Big pumpkins are carved into lanterns and put off for display by people in their houses.
- Some people like to visit haunted locations on Halloween where they share scary stories.
- People also play pranks tricks to scare each other.
- Trick or treating began in Ireland, when children would visit homes and tell rhymes for rewards.
- Those who like to stay home watch horror movies.
- The colours orange and black are often associated with Halloween. Orange originally signified the autumn harvest, while black was associated with darkness and the line between life and death.
- Halloween is popular in many counties like the UK, China, Japan, Brazil, Greece and Romania.
- Romanians celebrate Halloween around the myth of Dracula, a real-life early 15th century Romanian prince.
- The Japanese celebrate the Obon Festival (also known as “Matsuri” or “Urabon”).Special foods are prepared and bright red lanterns are hung everywhere in honour of the spirits of deceased loved ones and ancestors.
- In Mexico, Halloween is known as “El Dia de los Muertos,” or “The Day of the Dead.”Mexicans view this as a joyous holiday that honours deceased loved ones. Families often construct an altar in their home and decorate it with candy, flowers, as well as the deceased’s photographs, and favourite foods and drinks.
Happy Halloween!
MP.