Halloween is traditionally celebrated on the 31st
of October. It brings fun, celebrations and happiness every year. It is
primarily associated with the western culture but is nowadays celebrated in other
parts of the world as well. According to
some scholars, All Hallows' Eve originally has Christian roots but is
influenced by the harvest festivals in Western Europe and festivals of the dead,
having pagan roots, Celtic Samhain in particular. However, some believe it to
be a Christian festival having only Christian roots. Irrespective of these
facts, it has now become a universally celebrated event around the world.
Hong Kong , Japan, Philippines, Australia, Brazil, Colombia,
Europe etc., celebrate Halloween with pomp and show. It is known as "Yue
Lan" i.e. festival of hungry ghosts in Hong Kong and is slowly gaining
popularity in Japan too. Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan are
setting up special events and shows for visitors during Halloween. The day
after All Saints Day is observed as a holiday in Brazil. The celebration of
Halloween in American style came into prominence most recently. But in Colombia
this day is celebrated widely. In China,
it is known by the name of Teng Chieh. The
elaborate outfits and scary costumes are not just adorned by American and
British people but also by Germans, South Koreans, Indians and Chinese.
Canada is celebrating Halloween from the 1800 century and
the celebrations are in the traditional American way. It is not as popular in France as it is in
Germany. Germans have a tradition of putting away their knives for the
Halloween in order to prevent any accidental risk of harming the spirits
returning to their homes. In Belgium the black cat is thought to be unlucky
with an exception on the day of Halloween as it is believed that their deceased
relative returns to them in that form. Whereas, in Czechoslovakia the families
keep extra chairs by the fire place as they believe that their deceased
relatives come to spend time with them.
Universal Orlando’s Annual Halloween Horror Nights, is a
festival that begins in September every year. But this year Halloween Horror
Nights 2013 will continue beyond the scheduled 27 nights. Their famous campaign,
The Legendary Truth will be combined with Horror Unearthed, where fans search
for hidden clues in the park to gain rewards. The thrill is not restricted to
just Halloween but is expected to be present all year round.
Walt Disney is planning a celebration known as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary
Halloween Party.” It will begin at 7pm and continue till 12 midnight. It will
be held on particular evenings at the magic kingdom in September, October and
early November.
New Orleans hosts an annual walking parade called New
Orleans Halloween night every year. It is free and open for all who wish to
participate. It includes small floats that display the creativity of the
people.
Thus, Halloween celebrations are expected to be bigger and
larger in comparison to the previous years due to its growing popularity every
year.
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