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October 31 is Halloween. The festival is not celebrated in the same way all over the world. But most festivals are about life and death or honor deceased ancestors and family members.
Samhain, Ireland or Scotland
Samhain – the festival of the dead and also the Celtic New Year: Halloween as we know it today is based on this festival. Like Halloween today, Samhain always took place on the night between October 31st and November 1st. The festival originally meant renewal, letting go of the old and preparing for the new. Because, in the Celtic view, only death can create new life.
Samhain ushered in the season of darkness. The Celts believed that the door to the underworld would open tonight. People were afraid of evil creatures hiding among the hills or in the depths of the sea. To protect themselves from these, people lit large fires that were thought to represent the sun.
Dia de los Muertos, Latin America
Día de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead” in English, is celebrated in Mexico and other parts of Latin America. It is believed that at midnight on October 31, the gates of heaven will open and the souls of the dead children will reunite with their families. On November 2, the spirits of deceased adults follow them to see their families.
On this day, food, water, candles and family souvenirs are offered. This is to welcome the ancestors and satisfy their hunger after the long journey. Unlike Halloween, Día de los Muertos is a celebration of life and death. The festival, full of colors, songs and dances, lasts for three days.
Pchum Ben, Cambodia
Pchum Ben, or Ancestors’ Day in English, is a 15-day religious festival in Cambodia that ends on the 15th day of the tenth month of the Khmer calendar. Similar to Día de los Muertos in Mexico, people remember their ancestors on this day and celebrate it for three days.
The date of Ancestor’s Day changes every year. You then visit your family, make offerings and light candles for the deceased family members. In rural areas, believers throw rice balls into the air or into the fields. It is said that spirits can feed on the spiritual part of food.
Bonfire Night, England
Bonfire Night takes place in England on 5 November. This day commemorates Guy Fawkes, the traitor who tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London in the 17th century. With the help of his group, he dragged many barrels full of gunpowder to the basement of the building and wanted to set them on fire there. However, the so-called “Bonfire Plan” failed; Fawkes was arrested and later executed. Fawkes and his failed plan are commemorated with huge bonfires and fireworks.
Hungry Ghost Festival, China
The Hungry Ghost Festival, or “Wandering Spirits Day” in German, takes place before the classic Halloween. So this year it was held on August 22. But here, too, there is honoring the dead. It is believed that at this time the souls of the deceased wander the earth. Offerings are made to prevent them from going hungry and falling into mischief: Money, cars, watches and paper jewelry are burned, so that the souls see that material affairs are taken care of even after their death.
Source : Blick
I am Dawid Malan, a news reporter for 24 Instant News. I specialize in celebrity and entertainment news, writing stories that capture the attention of readers from all walks of life. My work has been featured in some of the world’s leading publications and I am passionate about delivering quality content to my readers.
