Halloween Folk Customs
Halloween hasn’t always been about costumes and Trick-or-Treating.
Its history stretches far into the past where it was both a way to honor the
spirits and souls of those who no longer lived. Here are examples of how it is celebrated
in different countries:
Austria
Austria has Halloween traditions that are more rooted in spiritual
overtones. It is common for people to leave bread near a lighted lamp to welcome
the dead souls back to earth.
Belgium
Superstitions abound. Crossing the path of a black cat or
traveling by ship at this time will lead to bad luck for the foreseeable
future. Many light candles of remembrance for loved who that have passed on.
Canada
Modern Halloween traditions began in the 1800s and are
similar to those celebrated in the United States: carving pumpkins, fall
festivals and trick or treating.
China
There is a popular Halloween festival in China called Teng
Chieh. Food, water and photographs of loved ones who have died are placed on
altars. These death shrines help souls find their way back to earth at this
time.
Czechoslovakia
In this country chairs are used to signify those that have
passed on. They are placed near fire where the living sit in them and welcome
the spirits that visit on Halloween night.
England
In the past, children would carve pumpkins into designs of
their choice and went out onto the streets with their lit pumpkins. Many also
went door to door asking for money. Today candy has replaced the money.
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