Celebrating Halloween Around the World

isa pumpkin

Happy Halloween from International Studies Abroad!

As we celebrate All Hallow’s Eve in the United States today, here are some ways students may be celebrating the holiday around the world during their study abroad.

Ireland
In Ireland, Halloween night is called Oíche Shamhna or “Samhain Night.” In Irish, Samhain is the name for the month of November. The traditional dessert for Halloween in Ireland is a fruitcake called barmbrack and inside of the Halloween Brack you will find hidden objects used to tell fortunes. Each object (a pea, a stick, a piece of cloth, a small coin which was originally a silver sixpence, and a ring) carries a different meaning for the person who finds it.

England
On All Souls’ Eve the British traditionally would stay up late and eat little “soul cakes.” At the stroke of midnight a moment of silence was observed to remember the dead and candles were also lit in each room to guide the souls back home. The modern form of Trick-or-Treating started in England as children went around the neighborhood singing songs and praying for the dead, in exchange for soul cakes.

Italy
Until the mid 1970’s Halloween was only celebrating by a small number of Italians, as the Catholic Church went to great lengths to suppress feasts heralding All Saints Day. Since then, the holiday has taken on a much more American vibe and is now a major Italian holiday celebrated by millions.

Chile
Halloween has continued to grow in popularity over the last 20 years as Chilean children go from house to house yelling “¡Dulce o travesura!” in hopes of receiving candy and treats.

Brazil
Similar to Chile, in Brazil children also ask for candy by yelling “Travessuras ou gostosuras!

India
Halloween is considered more of a social event in India and celebrations mainly take place in major cities such as  Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chandigarh. Instead, Hindus will celebrate Diwali, or the Fall festival of light, which takes place around the same time of year.

How are you celebrating Halloween in your part of the world?

Halloween in Costa Rica
ISA Costa Rica Office

 

Source: Wikipedia Halloween Around the World

Author: International Studies Abroad (ISA)

Since 1987, International Studies Abroad (ISA) has provided college students in the United States and Canada the opportunity to explore the world. ISA offers a wide variety of study abroad programs at accredited schools and universities in 73 program locations throughout the world.