By Maisie Fender
How did Halloween begin?
Halloween was originally an ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which originated in Britain and Ireland. The festival's name is Gaelic and pronounced as "sah-win". The festival of Samhain started approximately 2000+ years ago, and would take from the 31st of October to the 1st of November.
Why is Halloween celebrated?
When Halloween was first celebrated, it was believed that on the day spirits would return to their homes. So, people would dress in costumes (mainly fur, cloth and masks) and light bonfires to repel all spirits and ghosts. Halloween was originally a pagan event, so many religions don't celebrate it, but still find a way to enjoy the day.
What are the different Halloween traditions in other countries?
For Japan, it is considered rude to go trick or treating since you show up to people's houses unannounced, instead trick or treating must be a well structured event. However, Halloween in Japan isn't known as a time for spirits to walk around, it is a Buddhist event called the Obon festival which Japan has celebrated for over 500 years.
In Sweden, Halloween is celebrated from the 31st of October to the 6th of November. In Sweden, they call Halloween “Alla Helgons Dag” and it has been celebrated since the 1990s. Alla Helgons Dag has an eve, which is either celebrated or becomes a shortened day of working. To celebrate this event, Swedish people dress up, light lanterns, party and have fun. Sometimes, younger kids go around scaring people on the street.
What traditions does Halloween have?
Halloween has many traditions such as trick-or-treating, dressing up, carving pumpkins, apple bobbing and visiting haunted attractions and telling spooky stories to each other.
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