Beware! Fang-tastic holidays around the world

By Alina Fagan, ‘24

Scary ghosts, bloodthirsty vampires, and witches cackling in the sky are all things you might see on the  31st. Halloween is a time to dress up as the monsters that might be hiding in your closets or under your bed while going out to trick or treat for some sweets.  

This year, 65% of Americans plan on celebrating this popular event. Although the tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festivals of Samhain (when people lit bonfires and wore costumes to scare off ghosts), Halloween evolved into a day that is more kid-friendly: including carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, and most importantly costumes and yummy treats. 

Sophomore Eva Vu-Stern described it as an event where one can express creativity.  

“[Halloween is] a time for people to dress up in costumes they wouldn’t otherwise wear, whether it be scary, imaginative, or disastrous. It’s also a time to make themselves sick on too much sugar.” 

But the United States is not the only country with a spooky holiday. There are places all over the world that enjoy a little ghoulish fun! 

“Must drink blood,” is a phrase you would probably hear at a gathering in Romania on May 36th. Day of the Dracula originated in 1879 based on Romania’s Prince Vlad III of Wallachia who was the real-life inspiration behind Stoker’s vampire classic. This is a time to bring out your inner bloodthirsty gothic spirit during parties or to binge-watch original vampire films. If you're not into the whole staying in the scene, there are yearly tours of the alleged home of Dracula, the Bran Castle. 

Dia de Los Muertos is a colorful vibrant Mexican holiday that begins on November 1st and ends on the 2nd. This two-day life-affirming holiday is somewhat different from our own Halloween. 

Although it does include candy and costumes, this celebration is a time for families and friends to invite the spirits of lost loved ones back into the realm of the living. This holiday originated thousands of years ago from the Toltec, Aztec, and Nahua people, who believed that the mourning of the dead was disrespectful. 

One of the ways to welcome the spirits back was by building an ofrenda, or an altar.  These can be found decorated with bright colors, photos of the loved one, water and food for the long journey the spirits went on, and finally candles.  A common theme that shows up throughout the celebration would be Calaveras or skulls, but unlike the scary spooky ones that are found on Halloween, these Calaveras tend to be cartoonish and paired with vibrant flowers. 

Hungry Ghost Festival won’t be getting any “Boooo’s”. This celebration will be taking place on August 12th every year. 

Originating from ancient practices in China, the celebration is all about ancestor worshiping and sacrifices. These include the burning of food, incense, money, and similar delicacies that will appease the spirits. You might also find three bowls of rice, with a set of chopsticks each and three cups of Chinese tea at altars to symbolize three realms, heaven, earth, and the underworld. 

Following the offerings, there are dances, music, and the release of floating lanterns. This holiday isn’t just to worship and honor the spirits and ghosts of family members, rather it is also a time to cherish and respect the other spirits who are less fortunate. 

Although the Hungry Ghost Festival is far away from Mexico many underlying traditions and practices are similar. Both are essentially about celebrating the dead and providing offerings/ofrendas to the spirits after their long journeys. 

Spooky holidays aren't just in October, they are all throughout the year. Whether you’re dressing up as a Calavera, releasing a floating lantern into the night, or even watching the sharp teeth of Dracula plunging into the innocent neck of his victims, all these holidays are full of special times to make memories with your community!  This 31st as Samantha Long class of 2024 kids should“get together with friends, dress up, have fun, and eat lots of candy.”