Halloween has been around for thousands of years in some form or another. It started off as a simple festival in Ireland, but over time, this festival evolved into what it is now Halloween or All Hallows’ Eve. Many countries around the world have some sort of way to celebrate the spooky season, which usually involves honoring their deceased loved ones. Let’s take a deeper look at how these holidays differ and what they symbolize.

Mexico, although some children may go trick-or-treating, celebrate what is called el Día de los Muertos (AKA Day of the Dead). This is a day dedicated to their lost loved ones. It is believed that the dead are able to cross over into the living on November 1st  and 2nd. During this holiday, it is common for Mexicans to make ofrendas, or altars, to allow for their deceased ancestors to visit them. Ofrendas are decorated with things such as sugar skulls and candles. They also always include all four elements (Air, earth, water and fire). People celebrating this holiday will also often put their loved ones’ favorite foods on the altar as offerings, in hopes that they’ll stay for the entirety of the celebration.

In Italy, people celebrate Ognissanti, or All Saints. Though the entirety of Italy celebrates the same holiday, the way they celebrate differs depending on where they live. For example, in Rome people will eat meals near the gravesites of deceased loved ones. In Sicily, on the other hand, the dead bring gifts to children who have been well-behaved. These holidays may seem foreign to Americans, but some parts of Italy may celebrate Halloween, going door to door and muttering “dolcetto o scherzetto.” This phrase literally just means “sweet or prank?” So, Italy, who has been influenced by western colonization, adopted the fun tradition.

Japan has been heavily influenced by western colonization as well, but their Halloween is a little different than what we are used to. First of all, the Japanese don’t really go trick-or-treating. Costumes and parties play a huge role in their holiday. They see this as an opportunity to get together with friends and/or cosplay. So, this time of year, for Japan, doesn’t really focus on the scary aspects of the holiday. They focus more on the creative and fun side.

In China, they haven’t really picked up the American tradition like the Japanese have. They celebrate with a festival on the 14th night of the 7th Lunar month. This festival is called Teng Chieh, or Hungry Ghost Festival. During this time, many people will make offerings of food, candles, paper money and even cars! They set up temporary altars and stages for performances during this time as well. You’ll even find that people burn incense and joss paper.

Guatemala is another country that does something to honor their deceased. Their yearly traditions take place during the Barriletes Gigantes, or Giant Kites Festival. It’s just as it sounds. The people of Guatemala fly hand-painted kites. They fly them over their loved ones’ graves, believing that the kites are gateways from the dead to the living. The kites often soar 40 feet into the air, welcoming their ancestors into the living world.

Although many people don’t take part in our Halloween traditions, there are many interesting ways that other countries honor those that have passed. At Apex High, we have a very diverse community. Some people might not even celebrate Halloween the way you do, if at all. Maybe try asking people if they celebrate this holiday, and you may even be interested or surprised by what you hear. You might even pick up on some new traditions that you can bring into your Halloween. Next time you stop to wonder what Halloween is actually about, think back to when Halloween started about 2,000 years ago and where we have come to be now. It wasn’t about the candy or the costumes. It was about honoring the deceased and thinking back to the things our ancestors have done for us. Without them, we wouldn’t be who we are today.