Around the World with Ghosts, Goblins, and Ancestors
Rohan Singh October 22, 2023
As a kid, October for me meant the anticipation of donning a costume and wandering the streets of my neighborhood trick-or-treating with my friends. But as I grew older, the world seemed to grow, too, opening my eyes to the myriad of ways people across different cultures celebrate the spooky season. I traveled, read, and researched extensively to learn how people from different corners of the globe honor the supernatural and their departed loved ones.
Let's take a lantern-lit journey through some of the world's most mesmerizing and haunting traditions.
Dia de los Muertos (Mexico):
My journey started with Dia de los Muertos in Oaxaca. It isn't just 'Mexican Halloween'; it's an occasion to adorn the towns and cities with sugar skulls, marigold petals, and laughter. People welcomed me into their homes to witness their altars—a mosaic of photographs, bread, candles, and stories. Unlike Halloween, Dia de los Muertos is a more intimate affair celebrating life and death.
Samhain (Celtic Regions):
A few years ago, I had the privilege of witnessing the ancient festival of Samhain. The Celts believe that on this night, the boundary between the living and the deceased disappears. The locals light bonfires, and when I joined the locals there, I felt shivers down my spine (not from the cold). There was something elemental in those flames, in the shared tales and dances—a raw connection to nature and ancestry.
Hungry Ghost Festival (China):
In China, there is a month-long observance called the Hungry Ghost Festival. The elderly locals explained to me how they offer food and "ghost money" to appease spirits believed to roam the earth during this month. So, one night, I joined a family, releasing lanterns into the sky—a symbol of light guiding the spirits.
Pitru Paksha (India):
A chance trip to Varanasi, India, during Pitru Paksha, not only left me awestruck but also helped me understand the Indian culture better. The ghats (steps leading to the river) of the Ganges were filled with families offering prayers and rituals. Adding to it, the air was thick with the fragrance of incense and the sound of ancient chants, connecting generations.
Obon Festival (Japan):
Kyoto during the Obon Festival is a sight to behold. Picture this: lanterns floating in rivers, families gathered in cemeteries, and the rhythmic beat of traditional dance. This celebration generates an overwhelming sense of community.
Today, as I carve pumpkins and decorate my home with cobwebs, I remember those global adventures. This Halloween, I challenge you to think beyond the candy and costumes. Dive into the global tapestry of traditions that celebrate the eerie, the poignant, and the mysterious. After all, Halloween is but a single thread in the vast tapestry of worldwide ghostly celebrations.
After tingling your inquisitive bone with this, you can move on to learn about the most haunted places around the globe.
