Halloween Traditions and Activities in Europe & America
Halloween or Hallowe’en (a contraction of “All Hallows’ evening”), also known as Allhalloween, All Hallows’ Eve, or All Saints’ Eve, is a celebration observed in many countries on 31 October, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows’ Day. It begins the observance of Allhallowtide, the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the departed.
Origin of Halloween
One theory holds that many Halloween traditions were influenced by Celtic harvest festivals, particularly the Gaelic festival Samhain, which are believed to have pagan roots. Some go further and suggest that Samhain may have been Christianized as All Hallow’s Day, along with its eve, by the early Church, although other academics believe Halloween began solely as a Christian holiday, being the vigil of All Hallow’s Day.
Celebrated in Ireland and Scotland, in the 19th century, Irish and Scottish migrants brought many Halloween customs to North America, and then through American influence, Halloween spread to many other countries by the 21st century.
Halloween activities include trick-or-treating (or the related guising and souling), attending Halloween costume parties, carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns, lighting bonfires, apple bobbing, divination games, playing pranks, visiting haunted attractions, telling scary stories, as well as watching horror films.
For some people, the Christian religious observances of All Hallows’ Eve, including attending church services and lighting candles on the graves of the dead, remain popular, although for others it is a secular celebration.
Some Christians historically abstained from meat on All Hallows’ Eve, a tradition reflected in the eating of certain vegetarian foods on this vigil day, including apples, potato pancakes, and soul cakes.
Halloween Traditions in United States
The United States is known for celebrating Halloween in a big way. You will be able to see children saying “Trick or Treat” all over the neighborhood. This country has many other particular traditions that will surprise you and you may want to start practicing some.
On October 31, the streets of the USA open their doors for spirits from all over to walk alongside humans on Halloween. It is very common that on this date everyone dresses up and walks around showing off eccentric and fun costumes.
Another of the North American traditions is to decorate the houses with a terrifying theme so that the children ask for sweets at night. This practice is very common in neighborhoods and homeowners compete with each other to make amazing decorations.
