Factoflife - Depending where you are in the world, Halloween is known as Allhalloween, All Hallows' Eve, or All Saints' Eve. In the past decade, Halloween traditions have spread worldwide and have become increasingly popular in Europe. Each country has unique way of celebraiting this day. Check out interesting Halloween traditions around the world below.
Austria
Austria has a Pumpkin Festival in Retzer Land called Kürbisfest im Retzer Land. On November 11, Austria celebrates Martini which includes costumes and a lantern procession. Some people in Austria believe that if they leave bread, water, and a lighted lamp out, dead souls will be welcomed back to earth for that night.
Belgium
In Belgium some villages celebrate Halloween while other villages focus on celebrating All Saints' Day. On Halloween night, a Belgian may be found lighting a candle in memory of a dead relative.
Canada
In Canada, the Halloween celebration began with Scottish and Irish immigrants who arrived in the 1800s. Canada actively celebrates Halloween each year on October 31 with decorations, costume parties, and trick-or-treating.
England
The "trick-or-treat" custom originated in England known as "Mischief Night." Whereas we in the US carve pumpkins, English children would carve designs out of large beets which were known as "punkies."
France
As Halloween is not really a French holiday, there is some controversy pertaining to October 31 festivities. This holiday is a new trend for some of the French and they celebrate with Halloween costumes parties and dressing in scary outfits.
Germany
Halloween auf Deutsch became popular in the 1990s. People start to decorate around mid-October and use Halloween as a party theme. On November 11, Germans celebrate Matinstag which includes costumes and a lantern procession.
Ireland
Halloween is considered to have originated in Ireland. There are many similarities between how Halloween is celebrated in Ireland and the US, yet the Irish still have unique traditions. Apart from trick-or-treating, children also play a trick known as "knock-a-dolly" which involves children knocking on their neighbors' doors and running away before they answer them. The Irish traditionally eat a fruitcake called barnbrack on this day. Barnbrack has a treat baked inside the cake and, depending on which treat is inside, will foretell the future of whoever receives it.
Japan
Halloween in Japan became popular when Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan began to promote Halloween celebrations. In 2000, Tokyo Disneyland had its first Halloween event, which has grown tremendously in popularity. The Japanese currently enjoy celebrating with decorations and dressing up in costumes.
Korea
Halloween is not celebrated in Korea. However, Korea has a harvest festival called Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day). During Chuseok, Koreans visit the places where their ancestors used to live and feast on traditional Korean food.
Check out amazing facts about animals, tiger facts, baby giraffe
Austria
Austria has a Pumpkin Festival in Retzer Land called Kürbisfest im Retzer Land. On November 11, Austria celebrates Martini which includes costumes and a lantern procession. Some people in Austria believe that if they leave bread, water, and a lighted lamp out, dead souls will be welcomed back to earth for that night.
Belgium
In Belgium some villages celebrate Halloween while other villages focus on celebrating All Saints' Day. On Halloween night, a Belgian may be found lighting a candle in memory of a dead relative.
Canada
In Canada, the Halloween celebration began with Scottish and Irish immigrants who arrived in the 1800s. Canada actively celebrates Halloween each year on October 31 with decorations, costume parties, and trick-or-treating.
England
The "trick-or-treat" custom originated in England known as "Mischief Night." Whereas we in the US carve pumpkins, English children would carve designs out of large beets which were known as "punkies."
France
As Halloween is not really a French holiday, there is some controversy pertaining to October 31 festivities. This holiday is a new trend for some of the French and they celebrate with Halloween costumes parties and dressing in scary outfits.
Germany
Halloween auf Deutsch became popular in the 1990s. People start to decorate around mid-October and use Halloween as a party theme. On November 11, Germans celebrate Matinstag which includes costumes and a lantern procession.
Ireland
Halloween is considered to have originated in Ireland. There are many similarities between how Halloween is celebrated in Ireland and the US, yet the Irish still have unique traditions. Apart from trick-or-treating, children also play a trick known as "knock-a-dolly" which involves children knocking on their neighbors' doors and running away before they answer them. The Irish traditionally eat a fruitcake called barnbrack on this day. Barnbrack has a treat baked inside the cake and, depending on which treat is inside, will foretell the future of whoever receives it.
Japan
Halloween in Japan became popular when Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan began to promote Halloween celebrations. In 2000, Tokyo Disneyland had its first Halloween event, which has grown tremendously in popularity. The Japanese currently enjoy celebrating with decorations and dressing up in costumes.
Korea
Halloween is not celebrated in Korea. However, Korea has a harvest festival called Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day). During Chuseok, Koreans visit the places where their ancestors used to live and feast on traditional Korean food.
Check out amazing facts about animals, tiger facts, baby giraffe
