While Halloween is the most popular October celebration in the United States and England, it doesn’t hold the same prominence worldwide. At Tropical Sunset Travel, we love uncovering unique traditions, and in many countries, this time of year is marked by celebrations that honor lost loved ones in meaningful and culturally rich ways, blending tradition with a touch of the supernatural.
Samhain
Celebrated by ancient Celts in Ireland and Scotland, Samhain (pronounced: SOW-in) is a pagan festival celebrated from October 31 to November 1. This time marks the end of the harvest season and the start of winter. It is a time when the nights are starting to get longer than the daytime. Historically the celebration included a bonfire, a meal including the most recent harvest of fruit and nuts, and divination games. Modernly the celebration varies across the different pagan, Wiccan, and non-religious sects that celebrate it, but common ways to celebrate include decorating your house with items from nature such as pine cones and dried flowers, eating traditional fall foods like pumpkin pie and root vegetables, and spending time with loved ones. Samhain is not a closed practice, meaning anyone of any religious background can celebrate it, as long as they are respectful of the history of Samhain.
Dia De Los Muertos
Día De Los Muertos also called the Day of the Dead, is a holiday celebrated on November 1st and 2nd in Mexico. It is believed that during this time, deceased loved ones can come back to our side and visit. People celebrating this holiday often create ofrendas, or altars, which include their loved ones’ favorite foods and drinks, as well as a photos of the departed. The ofrendas are typically placed in the home, schools, libraries, or even at the cemetery where loved ones are buried. Día De Los Muertos is truly seen as a celebratory day where people wear bright colors and spend time with their friends and family, and certain areas like Mexico City host parades. While primarily celebrated by people of Mexican or Latin American descent, it is not typically seen as a closed practice and anyone who wants to participate respectfully can do so.
Hungry Ghost Festival
The Hungry Ghost Festival, also called the Zhongyuan Festival in Taoism and Yulanpen Festival in Buddhism, is typically celebrated on the 15th night of the seventh month of the Chinese calendar, which in the Western calendar is sometime between July and September. Both Taoists and Buddhists believe that on this day, the realms of Heaven, Hell, and the living world are open to each other. Rituals are performed to absolve the sufferings of the deceased. Respect is paid to all of the deceased, not just ancestors, by burning incense and preparing food offerings. Typically meals will be served with empty seats being left open for each deceased family member as if they are living. Releasing paper boats and lanterns onto the water is also common, as they are believed to give directions to lost spirits. While originating in China, the Hungry Ghost Festival is also observed in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and a few other countries, and visitors are welcome to join in on the festivities.
Chuseok
Chuseok is a three-day Korean festival held around the autumn equinox and is the largest traditional holiday in South Korea, and is often referred to as Korean Thanksgiving Day. This is a time to celebrate the harvest, loved ones, and ancestors. The day it is celebrated changes yearly, based on the lunisolar calendar. Families gather to give thanks to their ancestors for a bountiful harvest season by preparing special foods like songpyeon, which is a kind of rice cake filled with chestnuts or red beans. Gift-giving is also common on Chuseok to show one’s appreciation for their friends, family, and coworkers. In recent years, Chuseok has become more laid-back and less traditional.
As you can see, there’s more to October than just Halloween! These eerie celebrations offer a glimpse into how different cultures honor the spooky season in their own special way. Ready to explore these traditions for yourself? Let Tropical Sunset Travel help you plan your next adventure!
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