Halloween in other cultures
Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 9:01 pm
Other cultures have their own versions of Halloween. They're vastly different than what we do to celebrate however.
Their versions aren't even called Halloween, but they are celebrations of the dead, and more of a memorial celebration than our version.
Dia De Muertos I believe is celebrated the same day as Halloween, is the Day of the Dead in Mexico. People decorate alters, have feasts and parades, with the belief that the spirits of the dead rise from their graves to visit their loved ones. During the feasts, they allow the dead to have their share first.
Japan has a similiar holiday called Obon Week, which is celebrated for a week. They celebrate it in mid August, some in mid July, proforming dances, visiting graves, and making food offerings. At the end of Obon Week, the Japanese place floating lanterns into rivers, lakes and seas, to guide the dead back to the afterlife.
What do you guys think of death related holidays in other cultures? Would you ever think to implement the traditions of other cultures into your halloween decor? Do you have anything more to add, or can think of other death related celebrations? I believe the french celebration of Death is Marde Gras, but I'm not entirely positive on that one.
Thoughts?
Their versions aren't even called Halloween, but they are celebrations of the dead, and more of a memorial celebration than our version.
Dia De Muertos I believe is celebrated the same day as Halloween, is the Day of the Dead in Mexico. People decorate alters, have feasts and parades, with the belief that the spirits of the dead rise from their graves to visit their loved ones. During the feasts, they allow the dead to have their share first.
Japan has a similiar holiday called Obon Week, which is celebrated for a week. They celebrate it in mid August, some in mid July, proforming dances, visiting graves, and making food offerings. At the end of Obon Week, the Japanese place floating lanterns into rivers, lakes and seas, to guide the dead back to the afterlife.
What do you guys think of death related holidays in other cultures? Would you ever think to implement the traditions of other cultures into your halloween decor? Do you have anything more to add, or can think of other death related celebrations? I believe the french celebration of Death is Marde Gras, but I'm not entirely positive on that one.
Thoughts?
