4 Traditions Similar To Halloween From Around The World

Halloween’s origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago, mainly in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. Nowadays, it is prevalent in the United States, where more than 60% of the population decorate their homes and offices for Halloween. It is incredible to know that 25% of all the candy sold annually in the U.S. is purchased for Halloween. While customs vary from country to country, from honoring one’s ancestors to trick or treating in scary costumes, the theme is centered around spirits and ghosts of the dead. Let’s look at some fascinating Halloween traditions from around the world; we might need the help of global translation services to fully understand the traditions and their names.

“El Día de los Muertos” in Mexico

The Day of the Dead (Spanish translation: “El Día de los Muertos”)is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, flowers, and celebration. If you’ve seen the Pixar movie “Coco,” then you know what this celebration is about. According to tradition, the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31, and the spirits of children can rejoin their families for 24 hours. The spirits of adults can do the same on November 2.

“Martinstag” In Germany

Although Halloween is not a traditional German holiday, nearly every German teenager is aware of it today. While trick or treating is rare, Halloween parties are very trendy, and decorating with pumpkins is common. Additionally, parts of Germany observe Martinstag on November 11. Children make paper lanterns and parade through the streets at night, culminating in a bonfire.

“Radonista” In Russia And Global Translation

Day of Rejoicing (Russian translation: “Radonitsa”) is a festival from the Russian Orthodox Church, inherited from the Catholics and celebrated on the second Tuesday of Easter. On this day, families visit the cemetery to pay tribute to their ancestors and even eat a whole meal with them. Cemeteries throughout Russia are filled with people to celebrate the dead and the life they are left behind. This event is also viral in Ukraine, receiving the name Provody.

“Dzień Zaduszny” In Poland And Global Translation

“Dzień Zaduszny” (All Souls Day) is one of Poland’s most important days of family holidays. People all over the country gather to visit the graves of their loved ones on November 1.

However, Polish people start preparing for this festival one week prior. Graveyards filled with flowers, wreaths, gifts, and lanterns create a magical landscape when night comes. As in other celebrations, lanterns on All Souls Day are used to guide the spirits home. Some of the names given to these traditions include Halloween, The Day of the Dead, the Day of Rejoicing, and All Souls Day. They all have one thing in common: they celebrate life and pay tribute to those who have gone before us.

We hope you learned something new about how Halloween differs in different cultures worldwide and how these traditions connect us all! We also provide international development translation and interpreting services to help you better understand the world!