While trick-or-treating may be the hallmark of Halloween in the United States, many countries worldwide have unique and fascinating traditions to mark this spooky season. At Tiff's Treats, we love exploring global customs that bring people together, just like
our warm cookies do. Let's take a sweet journey through some international Halloween celebrations that go beyond the typical candy hunt.
Ireland: The Birthplace of Halloween
In ancient Ireland, the Celtic festival of Samhain marked the transition from the harvest season to winter's beginning, and it is from this festival that Halloween originated.
The Celts believed that on this night, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became indistinct, enabling spirits to return to earth.
Today, the Irish still honor these origins with some distinctive traditions:
- Barmbrack: This traditional Irish fruitcake contains various baked-in objects, each with a special meaning. Finding a ring means marriage is coming, while a coin signifies good fortune.
- Bonfire Night: Communities gather around large bonfires, a practice dating back to Celtic times when fires were lit to ward off evil spirits.
Mexico: Día de los Muertos
In Mexico, the Day of the Dead, celebrated from November 1-2, shares similar themes of honoring the deceased, though it is not directly associated with Halloween. Families construct ofrendas, or altars, as a tribute to their departed loved ones. These altars are embellished with photographs, flowers, food, and candles. The festivities typically include parades, vibrant music, and lively dancing.
- Ofrendas: Families create elaborate altars in their homes, adorned with marigolds, candles, and photos of departed loved ones.
- Sugar Skulls: These colorful, intricately decorated skulls made of sugar are both offerings and popular decorations.
Japan: Kawasaki Halloween Parade
In Japan, Halloween has gained popularity, especially among the younger generation. With a distinctive flair, costume parties and parades have become prevalent. Additionally, numerous businesses creatively decorate their storefronts with Halloween-themed displays, immersing customers in the festive atmosphere.
- Cosplay Extravaganza: The annual Kawasaki Halloween Parade features over 4,000 participants in elaborate costumes, blending Japanese pop culture with traditional Halloween motifs.
- Halloween Trains: On October 31st, some Japanese trains transform into mobile Halloween parties, with costumed revellers taking over the usually quiet carriages.
Philippines: Pangangaluluwa
In the Philippines, there's a custom known as "Undas" or "Araw ng mga Patay," which shares some similarities with trick-or-treating but carries a spiritual undertone. Unlike Halloween traditions in Western Countries, where people dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating for candy, or simply celebrate with parties, most Filipinos observe October 31st to November 2nd as a three-day holiday dedicated to honoring their deceased loved ones. This solemn period, also referred to as "Araw ng mga Kaluluwa" (All Souls' Day), is a time for families to gather and pay respect to their departed through various familial activities.
- Candlelit Caroling: Children go door-to-door at night, carrying candles and singing songs in exchange for prayers for the souls in purgatory.
China: Hungry Ghost Festival
During the seventh month of the Chinese calendar, a traditional Chinese festival known as the Hungry Ghost Festival is observed. This festival shares some themes with Halloween, although it occurs outside of October.
During this period, it is believed that the gates of hell open, allowing spirits to roam the earth. People make food offerings and burn paper money to appease these hungry ghosts.
- Ancestor Offerings: Families leave out food, water, and other offerings in front of photographs of deceased relatives.
- Spirit Appeasement: It's believed that hungry ghosts roam the earth during this time, so people make offerings to avoid misfortune.
Tiff's Treats: Halloween Traditions
We love celebrating Halloween around our HQ and in our stores! Some of our favorite traditions include costume contests, potlucks, scary movie marathons and more! At the core of it all, we really just enjoy spending time together... always accompanied by some cookies of course! And we love participating in our customers' Halloween traditions of Boo-ing neighbors with the Tiff's Treats Boo Box and indulging in the October Flavor of the Month, Double Chip Peanut Butter.
At Tiff's Treats, we believe in the power of traditions to bring people together. Whether you're building an ofrenda in Mexico or carving a turnip in Ireland, these customs remind us of our shared human experiences. This Halloween, why not start a new tradition by sharing a box of our warm, freshly baked cookies with friends and family as you celebrate? After all, there's no trick to how much of a treat our cookies can be!
Happy Halloween from all of us at Tiff's Treats!