Graphic by Esmeralda Meckler
Written by Esmeralda Meckler
Halloween is one of the most celebrated holidays in the U.S., every October 31 people around the country dress up in costumes, carve pumpkins, and get candy from strangers but have you ever wondered how it started?
The History of Halloween
Halloween originated around 2,000 years ago by the Celtic people, an ancient tribe located in Central Europe. They celebrated Samhain which was a festival to mark the end of the harvest season. The Celts believed that during Samhain the dimension of our world and the spirit world was blurred, resulting in the dead being able to return. Therefore, people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off wandering spirits.
When Christianity started to spread through Europe, the church rebranded the festival as All Hallows’ Eve which took place the night before All Saints Day. Over time, traditions like costumes, trick or treating and pumpkin carving emerged, blending folklore, religion and community fun. Irish immigrants later brought these customs to the United States in the 19th century, where Halloween transformed into the celebration we know today.
Halloween around the world
Now, Halloween is global and each country has added its own traditions. It has evolved into a celebration that reflects culture and community. People around the world now use it as a time to come together and have fun with their families.
In Mexico, families honor deceased loved ones during Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. People gather to celebrate the lives of those who have passed away by sharing food, music, and stories. It’s a colorful two-day festival that features sugar skulls, marigolds, and decorative altars, known as “ofrendas”.
In the Philippines, Pangangaluluwa is a known tradition similar to caroling, where they sing hymns and chant in exchange for treats and prayers for the dead. A popular hymn is called “nangangaluwa” and kids are usually given bilo-bilo as a treat after singing. Similar to the Netherlands, Sint Maarten is a holiday that takes place on November 11th, and at night children go out in the neighborhood and sing songs in return for candy.
Meanwhile, France embraces Halloween a bit differently. In France, Halloween is mostly commercial, with some trick or treating, the main holiday takes place November 1st called “La Toussaint”, where people can go to the cemetery and honor their loved ones.
Despite the differences, the spirit of Halloween remains the same everywhere, a mix of fun, creativity and community. Whether it’s ancient bonfires, haunted houses or singing at people’s doors, Halloween continues to evolve, proof that no matter where you live, everyone loves a good time.
