Halloween Around the World

This week we’ve compiled some pictures from all around the world showing how everyone celebrates Halloween. We’ve also randomly selected 10 fun facts about Halloween from “40 Fun Facts About… Halloween” from the website Random Facts. Also, here are some fun facts about Halloween Around the World and some Interesting Halloween Traditions Celebrated in the World. So enjoy the pictures and facts, and have a Happy Halloween!

Halloween in 10 Fun Facts:

1. Ireland is typically believed to be the birthplace of Halloween.
2. Halloween is the second highest grossing commercial holiday after Christmas.
3. Samhainophobia is the fear of Halloween.
4. The owl is a popular Halloween image. In Medieval Europe, owls were thought to be witches, and to hear an owl’s call meant someone was about to die.
5. Trick-or-treating evolved from the ancient Celtic tradition of putting out treats and food to placate spirits who roamed the streets at Samhain, a sacred festival that marked the end of the Celtic calendar year.
6. The first known mention of trick-or-treating in print in North America occurred in 1927 in Blackie, Alberta, Canada.

   

7. Mexico celebrates the Days of the Dead (Días de los Muertos) on the Christian holidays All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2) instead of Halloween. The townspeople dress up like ghouls and parade down the street.
8. Halloween is thought to have originated around 4000 B.C., which means Halloween has been around for over 6,000 years.
9. Teng Chieh or the Lantern Festival is one Halloween festival in China. Lanterns shaped like dragons and other animals are hung around houses and streets to help guide the spirits back to their earthly homes. To honor their deceased loved ones, family members leave food and water by the portraits of their ancestors.
   • Halloween celebrations in Hong Kong are known as Yue Lan or the “Festival of the Hungry Ghosts” during which fires are lit and food and gifts are offered to placate potentially angry ghosts who might be looking for revenge.

     

10. In many countries, such as France and Australia, Halloween is seen as an unwanted and overly commercial American influence.