Scary Halloween Traditions and Culture Around the World!
I thought it would be fun to share interesting Halloween culture today! Include lots of pictures, etc. I'll start with Spain, Latin America, and Mexico....
Among Spanish-speaking nations, particularly Mexico, Latin America, and Spain, Halloween is known as "El Dia de los Muertos." the days of the dead, a three-day celebration that begins on the evening of October 31 and culminates on November 2. This is an ancient festivity that has been transformed throughout the years. It was originally intended in prehistoric Mexico to celebrate children and the dead. Mexican families remember their dead and the continuity of life. It is a joyous and happy holiday...a time to remember friends and family who have died. Officially commemorated on November 2 (All Souls' Day), the three-day celebration actually begins on the evening of October 31. Designed to honor the dead who are believed to return to their homes on Halloween, many families construct an altar in their home and decorate it with candy, flowers, photographs, fresh water and samples of the deceased's favorite foods and drinks. Frequently, a basin and towel are left out in order that the spirit can wash prior to indulging in the feast. Candles are incense are burned to help the departed find his or her way home.
On November 2, relatives gather at the gravesite to picnic and reminisce. Relatives also tidy the gravesites of deceased family members, including snipping weeds, making repairs and painting. The grave is then adorned with flowers, wreaths or paper streamers. They bring picnics and sit around the grave sites sharing stories of the departed and feasting on foods such as spicy meat dishes, batter bread and lots of sweets; some shaped like skulls. The abundance of food, drink and good company creates a festive atmosphere along with recognizing the cycle of life by the interaction of the living with the dead. Some of these gatherings may even include tequila and a mariachi band although American Halloween customs are gradually taking over this celebration.
In Mexico during the Autumn, countless numbers of Monarch butterflies return to the shelter of Mexico's oyamel fir trees. It was the belief of the Aztecs that these butterflies bore the spirits of dead ancestors.
In the villages, parades are held. People dress as skeletons and dance in the streets.
Often, a live person is placed inside a coffin which is then paraded through the streets while vendors toss fruit, flowers and candies into the casket. Home feast are held and loaves of bread, "Bread of the Dead" are given. Inside the loaves are sugar skeletons or other items of death motif. This gift is more prized if the skull or skeleton is embossed with ones own name. The families also attend candle lit ceremonies in church and offer prayers. The whole celebration is about life from beginning to end.
6 Answers
Thanks Renae.. This is a good information for me.
Here, on every new moon day, we will pray to the dead people(in the family) with their favourite foods and once the prayer is done, we will first give the food to the crows (Who are believed to have the spirits of the dead). And, people who lost both their parents have to take a head bath (others shouldn't). But there is no fun for the kids.... (Also, there is a seperate puja and prayer on the death anniversary.)
Guys, if possible, please post your halloween pictures.
The conquistadores found Aztec people celebrating the Day of the Dead when they arrived 500 years ago. All Souls Day is a special Catholic day that originated in Europe but is not linked to the Aztec event or Halloween.
This gives good insight to me how the "trick or treat" tradition in the USA probably got started. Although I'm not sure about the trick part it gives an idea of how the candy tradition came about. Thanks Renae!
I've got a great one, but how do you post pictures?
I didn't want to start a new thread, but thought it would be neat for those of you who have them to share your own halloween pictures as a part of sharing culture...anyone?
