Check Out How 8 Countries From Around The World Celebrate Halloween
That time of year is nearly upon us once again. It seems that everyone is catching on to the fall spirit. Pumpkin spice and pumpkin patches are popping up in places all over Abilene. Church carnivals and trunk or treats are soon to follow. It can mean only one thing. Halloween time is almost here.
Halloween is definitely one of the biggest holidays in the United States, but this holiday, or versions like it, also exist all over the world. Insider has listed out some countries from around the globe and how this holiday is celebrated.
LOOK: CHECK OUT 8 COUNTRIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN
Scotland and Ireland: Samhain
Some say Halloween evolved from the Celtic holiday Samhain. It's also celebrated on October 31st and involves lighting bonfires and the telling of fortunes.
Nepal: Gai Jatra
This celebration is also known by some as the Festival of the Cows. Gai Jatra falls between August and September and commemorates loved ones who passed during the year. Families who are involved form a procession led by a cow. It's said the cow will help in the journey to heaven.
Poland: Zaduszki
Zaduszki is the Polish All Souls' Day celebrated on November 1st. Families visit those who have passed and honor them with wreaths and small gifts.
Northern Ireland: Banks of the Foyle
Some believe Ireland is where Halloween was first celebrated. Londonberry is home to one big festival, Banks of the Foyle. It has everything from a parade to haunted houses.
South Korea: Chuseok
Chuseok is three days of festivities celebrated on the 15th day of the eight-month lunar calendar. It's a time of thanksgiving when people visit their hometowns and have massive feasts honoring their ancestors.
Mexico: Dia de los Muertos
This is a big holiday for Mexico and Spain. The "Day of the Dead" is celebrated each year on November 1st and 2nd. People dress up like their ancestors and build altars called ofrendas which they use to present gifts including tequila.
China: The Hungry Ghost Festival
Another huge festival is celebrated in Hong Kong and China for an entire month. The Hungry Ghost Festival. Basically, a huge party honoring ancestors. There's the burning of incense, performances, parades, and food for the dead.
Italy: Tutti i Morti
In Italy, All Souls' Day is a religious celebration where people remember their loved ones, but on the island of Sardinia, locals have celebrated by carving pumpkins. They're called Concas de Mortu which translates into "heads of the dead."
It seems that no matter where you live in the world, honoring the dead is an important part of the culture. So this Halloween, before you rip through the candy and hit all the parties and festivals, take a minute to remember why. It's more than tricks and treats, it's honoring the dead.
Can't wait to get in Halloween mode? Look below for some spooky fun you can have in the meantime that's close to Abilene.