Halloween-like celebration over the world

By: Jivisha Aggarwal, Pawzfeed Editor, The Pawprint

Halloween is just around the corner so here is a look at some of the other Halloween-like celebrations from around the globe. 

Ireland-: 

Generally considered the founder of modern Halloween with ancient Celtic and Pagan roots and a festival called Samhain they celebrate Halloween with bonfires, games, and traditional foods. Barmbrack, an Irish fruitcake, is very popular with coins, buttons, and rings in it for fortune telling purposes. 

Japan-: 

For over 21 years Halloween enthusiasts from all over the world flock to Kawasaki which is just outside Tokyo for a parade with strict guidelines in place for participation. It is a requirement to sign up and pay a fee to join the paraders. 

The Philippines-: 

Pangangaluluwa is a tradition where children go door to door and sing and ask for prayers for people stuck in purgatory. While trick or treating has become more popular, smaller towns are trying to revive this old tradition. 

Hong Kong-: 

On the 15th day of the lunar month that usually falls around mid-August or September, Hong Kong celebrates the Hungry Ghost Festival. They believe that spirits get restless this time of year so the festival is a way to “feed” the ghosts the food and money they need in the afterlife. 

Bulgaria-: 

Over the last weekend of January people from villages and towns all across Bulgaria come together to celebrate Kukeri in a parade to show off their monster costumes. While each village has a distinct costume style they are all intended to chase away evil spirits. 

Nepal-:

In July or August depending on the lunar Nepalese calendar people in Nepal celebrate Gai Jatra, a festival that honors the dead. The festival includes a lot of singing and dancing to ease the grief of losing a loved one. Participants wear cow costumes or masks which have their origin in the ‘Journey of the Cow’ where families would parade a cow or ox through town before donating it to a temple so the deceased find peace in the afterlife.