2008 Woodie Awards
Halloween around the World
The celebrations of life and death
Sherri Daus
Issue date: 9/30/03 Section: Arts & Entertainment
- Page 1 of 2 next >
Originating with the Celtic Druids in Ireland, All Soul's Day, better known as Halloween, was celebrated as the ending of summer and the beginning of a dark, cold winter. On October 31, spirits were allowed to roam the earth in search of sacrifices and bodies to inhabit. Druids built bonfires where people gathered to burn crops and perform animal sacrifices hoping to appease the restless spirits.
Today the ancient holiday is still very much a part of people's lives, but the celebrations have become more festive. In America, children dress in elaborate costumes and go from house to house "trick or treating." Parties, dances, and haunted houses occur on this festive night. Decorations adorn neighborhoods; jack-o-lanterns stare ghoulishly at passers-by.
Ireland and Canada celebrate much the same way as America, but in other countries Halloween is a serious time of remembrance.
"El Dia de los Muertos"- the Day of the Dead, is a three day celebration in Mexico, Latin America, and Spain. Beginning on October 31, entire villages set aside normal daily routines to commemorate dead relatives. Natives construct altars in their homes, and elaborate arrays of food are displayed on them. Wash basins and towels are also placed near the altars so the deceased can clean up before indulging. Vendors pedal special merchandise in market places and people distribute candy in the shape of skulls and coffins to children. Families remember 'angelitos' (deceased babies and children) on November 1, while November 2 is dedicated to adults. Candles and incense are burned to help the dead find their way home. On the last day of the celebration, family members gather at cemeteries and picnic near the graves of dead loved ones.
In Austria, people may leave bread, water, and a lighted lamp on a table before going to bed in order to welcome dead souls back to earth. Citizens in Hong Kong celebrate "Yue Lan," the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts. They believe spirits roam the world for 24 hours, and the living burn pictures of fruit or money hoping to bring comfort to the departed.
Today the ancient holiday is still very much a part of people's lives, but the celebrations have become more festive. In America, children dress in elaborate costumes and go from house to house "trick or treating." Parties, dances, and haunted houses occur on this festive night. Decorations adorn neighborhoods; jack-o-lanterns stare ghoulishly at passers-by.
Ireland and Canada celebrate much the same way as America, but in other countries Halloween is a serious time of remembrance.
"El Dia de los Muertos"- the Day of the Dead, is a three day celebration in Mexico, Latin America, and Spain. Beginning on October 31, entire villages set aside normal daily routines to commemorate dead relatives. Natives construct altars in their homes, and elaborate arrays of food are displayed on them. Wash basins and towels are also placed near the altars so the deceased can clean up before indulging. Vendors pedal special merchandise in market places and people distribute candy in the shape of skulls and coffins to children. Families remember 'angelitos' (deceased babies and children) on November 1, while November 2 is dedicated to adults. Candles and incense are burned to help the dead find their way home. On the last day of the celebration, family members gather at cemeteries and picnic near the graves of dead loved ones.
In Austria, people may leave bread, water, and a lighted lamp on a table before going to bed in order to welcome dead souls back to earth. Citizens in Hong Kong celebrate "Yue Lan," the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts. They believe spirits roam the world for 24 hours, and the living burn pictures of fruit or money hoping to bring comfort to the departed.