Re: Origin of Halloween and history
Ok here is something I found interesting:
15 Ways Halloween Is Celebrated In Other Cultures. Italy’s Tradition Is A Little Scary
Posted Oct 22, by Justine Figueroa
Halloween is a fall favorite holiday among many Americans, but it and similar holidays are celebrated all around the world.
1. Spain
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The Spanish celebrate Dia de las Brujas (Day of the Witches) for three days by lighting bonfires and drinking a local drink called quemadas.
2. Scotland
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Much like in America, children in Scotland wear costumes and go trick-or-treating. There is also a festival in Edinburgh that features a fire processional and music.
3. Poland
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Those who observe All Saint’s Day in Poland leave their doors open to welcome wandering spirits.
4.Portugal
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Portugal also celebrates All Saint’s Day. Children celebrate by singing songs door-to-door in exchange for treats.
5. Hong Kong
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Yue Lan or Hungry Ghost Festival is celebrated in August. The holiday is celebrated for 24 hours, during which time it is believed that spirits roam freely.
6. Cambodia
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In Cambodia, a 15-day festival called P’chum Ben is celebrated. Cambodians bring a variety of foods for the dead.
7. Germany
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In Germany, All Saints Day is celebrated. During this holiday, some citizens hide their knives from nearby spirits.
8. South Korea
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South Korea is huge on costumes, festivals and parades. Streets are often closed to accomodate those celebrating.
9. Ireland
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Rather than bobbing for apples, children in Ireland play “snap apple.” The object of the game is to get a bite out of an apple that is hanging overhead.
10. Italy
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Italians celebrate by “crossing devil’s bridge” a bridge in Borgo a Mozzano.
11. Czech Republic
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Celebrated on November 2, Commemoration of the Departed is the Czech holiday where people honor the dead. They typically place chairs in front of a fireplace to symbolize living and dead relatives.
12. Belgium
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Many Belgian cities hold festivals or parades to celebrate Halloween. Most Belgian citizens leave lit candles outside their homes to honor the dead.
13. The Philippines
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The Philippines celebrates All Saint’s Day during the first week of November.
14. Mexico
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Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a famed tradition in Mexico. It is celebrated by trick-or-treating or creating intricate altars for the dead.
15. Austria
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If you thought you were obsessed with pumpkins during the fall season, think again. Austria holds an annual pumpkin festival called Halloween-Umzug.
