“Spooky” Traditions Around the World!

by Tadas Rackauskas

Gather ’round, language learners, and prepare to be spooked and amazed by the world of Halloween-like traditions from different corners of the globe! While Halloween might have its roots in Celtic traditions, it has been adopted and adapted by various cultures, resulting in a diverse tapestry of ghoulish celebrations. Get ready to expand your vocabulary and learn about some spine-chilling customs that will make your Halloween festivities even more thrilling!

Mexico – Dia de los Muertos

First up, we’re taking a trip to Mexico for a truly vibrant and unique celebration called Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. This lively tradition honors deceased loved ones with colorful altars adorned with marigolds, sugar skulls, and the deceased’s favorite foods. Families gather in cemeteries, bringing offerings and telling stories about their departed relatives. So, if you want to impress your friends with your vocabulary, throw around words like “ofrenda” (offering), “calacas” (skeletons), and “cempasúchil” (marigold).

Japan – Obon Festival

Next stop: Japan, where they celebrate the Obon Festival, a time to honor the spirits of ancestors. Families light lanterns to guide the spirits back to the world of the living, and traditional dances, like the Bon Odori, are performed. So, grab your dancing shoes and start practicing those moves – you’ll need to know the steps for words like “yukata” (summer kimono) and “mikoshi” (portable shrine).

Ireland – Samhain

Back to the birthplace of Halloween, Ireland celebrates Samhain, which marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. The Irish believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the spirit world was at its thinnest. They lit bonfires to ward off evil spirits and dressed in costumes to confuse them. So, whether you’re a “púca” (mischievous spirit) or a “banshee” (female spirit), you’ll fit right in!

Germany – A Pumpkin Twist

In Germany, Halloween has taken on a pumpkin-flavored twist. While trick-or-treating is a common practice, Germans also embrace the “Rübengeistern” tradition, where they carve turnips instead of pumpkins to make spooky lanterns. Imagine telling your friends about the “Kürbisschnitzen” (pumpkin carving) competitions you’ve entered!

Conclusion

There you have it, language learners – a whirlwind tour of Halloween traditions that are as diverse as they are spine-tingling. From Mexico’s colorful Día de los Muertos to Ireland’s ancient Samhain festivities, the world knows how to celebrate this haunting holiday in style. And what better way to dive even deeper into these cultures than by learning their languages? Whether you’re mastering phrases for a Day of the Dead altar or practicing your Bon Odori dance moves, our native-level instructors at LanguageBird can guide you through the linguistic labyrinth of these fascinating traditions. So, go on – learn, explore, and have a good time this Halloween season!