5 ways different countries celebrate death
Some people might think that Halloween is just about dressing up in costumes and going trick-or-treating, but there are lots of different ways that people in different countries celebrate Halloween. In America, it’s mostly known as a kid’s holiday, but in other countries, adults often take part in the festivities as well. Here are 5 ways different countries celebrate death!
Ireland – Samhain
Ireland is where Halloween Originated and it is said the ancient Druids of Ireland brought residents to barricade themselves in their homes during Halloween out of fear of conjured spirits and the threat of becoming part of human sacrifice. Today, Irish celebrations are decidedly less grim. The Spirits of Meath Halloween Festival is Ireland’s most notable and is marked by traditional Irish cuisine, party games, and trick-or-treating. The traditions of Samhain may be found in bonfires, the blessing of the house, and costumes to fend off the spirits.
China – The Hungry Ghost Festival
One of the most unique and interesting festivals in Asia is the Hungry Ghost Festival. This festival is celebrated in many countries including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
The Hungry Ghost Festival is a time when the gates of hell are opened and the spirits of the dead are allowed to roam the earth. It is believed that these spirits are hungry and will try to eat anything they can get their hands on. That’s why people offer food and drinks to the spirits during this festival.
The festival is usually celebrated in August, which is the seventh month of the Chinese calendar. This is also the month when the weather is the hottest and the days are the longest.
People believe that the spirits are most active during this time and that’s why they offer food and drinks to them. Offerings can range from simple fruits and vegetables to elaborate meals.
During the festival, people also burn ghost money and paper houses for the spirits. It is believed that these things will help the spirits in the afterlife.
The Hungry Ghost Festival is a unique and interesting festival that is celebrated in many Asian countries. If you’re ever in Asia during the month of August, be sure to check it out! It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Related 5 Signs that you might be living in a haunted house
Subscribe to Paranormality Magazine
Mexico – Día de Los Muertos
Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that celebrates the lives of loved ones who have passed away. The holiday is a time to remember and honor the dead, and to celebrate the continuity of life.
Día de Los Muertos is traditionally celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, coinciding with the Catholic holidays of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. The holiday originated in Mexico, but it is now celebrated throughout the world.
On Día de Los Muertos, altars are set up in homes and cemeteries to remember and honor the dead. Offerings of food, flowers, and candles are placed on the altars, and prayers are said for the departed.
The holiday is a time of joy and celebration, even in the midst of mourning. It is believed that on Día de Los Muertos, the dead return to Earth to be with their loved ones. Families welcome back the spirits of their deceased relatives with open arms.
Día de Los Muertos is a beautiful and moving holiday that celebrates the cycle of life and death. It is a time to remember our loved ones who have passed away and to cherish the memories we have of them.
Japan – Obon Festival
The Obon festival is a Japanese Buddhist holiday that honors the spirits of one’s ancestors. It is held annually in the summer, typically in August, and lasts for three days. The first day of Obon is called “mukaebi,” when the spirits of one’s ancestors are welcomed back to their old home. The second day, “bon-oki,” is when people visit the graves of their ancestors and clean them. The third day, “shu-batsuchi,” is when the spirits return to the afterlife.
The Obon festival is a time for families to come together and remember their ancestors. It is also a time for people to enjoy the company of their relatives and friends. There are many different ways to celebrate Obon, but some of the most common include:
– Decorating homes and businesses with lanterns
– Hanging scrolls with the names of one’s ancestors
– Displaying pictures of one’s ancestors
– Lighting candles at gravesites
– Offerings of food and flowers at gravesites
– visiting temples and shrines
– participating in parades and festivals
– eating special Obon foods
The Obon festival is a time to celebrate the lives of one’s ancestors and to remember their impact on our own lives. It is a time to come together as a community and to enjoy the company of our loved ones.
Haiti – Fed Gede
Fed Gede, also known as the Festival of the Ancestors, is a holiday celebrated by people of Haitian Voodoo descent all throughout the world. The festival is held during either or both of the first two days of November. People take part in the celebration by dressing up, dancing, going to their ancestors’ burial places, lighting candles, and drinking rum infused with chilies. In this way, spirits are honored and their protection is gained for the coming year.
Death is celebrated in a number of different ways around the world. From Mexico’s Day of the Dead to Scotland’s Samhain, each country has its own unique traditions and customs. What are some of your favorite traditions? Do you dress up in costumes? Trick or treat? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
