Halloween 101 When the world dons a golden robe, pumpkin spice becomes the unofficial scent of the universe, and we all pretend that the early sunsets are just, well, "cosy". But, my dear reader, there's a twinkling star in this twilight tale: Halloween! So, buckle up your broomsticks, as we embark on a whimsical journey through the canals of Halloween, with a sprinkle of Danish charm from Flying Tiger Copenhagen. Let's get scary... The haunting history of Halloween Mark your calendars Halloween around the world The haunting history of halloween "From whence did this spooky soirée spring?" you muse, sipping on a pumpkin-spiced something. Well, let's journey back, way back. Halloween, believe it or not, wasn't birthed from a desire to dress up as our favourite characters or to stockpile sweets until Christmas. Its inception is deeply rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. As summer bid its farewell and winter crept in, the Celts believed that the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. This was the night when ghosts returned to earth, causing mischief and mayhem. But, as with many tales, the story of Halloween underwent numerous revisions. Enter the Romans, with their own festivals of the dead, who merged their traditions with Samhain when they conquered Celtic territories. Then, with a wave of Christian influence, Samhain was morphed into All Hallows' Eve, the night before All Saints' Day. Now, let's hop across the pond. As immigrants brought their traditions to America, the melting pot of cultures added its own flavours. The American rendition of Halloween borrowed a bit from here and a tad from there, sprinkling in some community gatherings, adding the zest of trick-or-treating, and before you knew it, Halloween transformed into the commercial and community event we know and love today. A night where the most haunting concern is the potential shortage of spirits – both the ethereal and the bottled kind – at your shindig. Mark your calendars For those of us occasionally adrift in the sea of dates (and let's face it, in this digital age, who isn't a tad disoriented?), here's a beacon of clarity: Halloween, that bewitching festivity, descends upon us every 31st of October. It's a night steeped in ancient lore, where the boundaries between the realms of the living and the departed are believed to blur. A mystical evening when, if legends are to be believed, spirits roam free and the supernatural becomes just... natural. But in the midst of this ethereal enchantment, there's a more earthly allure. It's also, quite coincidentally, the night when our self-control around chocolate and sweets seems to mysteriously vanish. Poof! Gone! And while it's technically the precursor to All Saints' Day, a solemn religious observance, in the hearts of many, it's truly about the thrill of dressing up, the joy of community gatherings, and, of course, the delightful bounty of treats. Because, let's face it, while we might appreciate the history and the mystique, for many of us, Halloween is really about donning that perfect costume and indulging in a candy feast, isn't it? Halloween around the world As the world turns and October's end nears, a fascinating tapestry of traditions unfolds across the globe. Each thread, each custom, tells a tale of remembrance, celebration, and sometimes, just a good old-fashioned scare. Starting in North America, the USA's Halloween is a commercial and cultural behemoth, with trick-or-treating, haunted houses, and pumpkin-spiced everything. Meanwhile, Mexico's Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant celebration honouring deceased loved ones with colourful parades, altars, and iconic sugar skulls. Hopping over to South America, countries like Brazil and Argentina don't traditionally celebrate Halloween in the North American sense. However, the influence of pop culture has seen costume parties and decorations become more popular, especially among the younger generation. In Europe, while many countries have adopted the American-style Halloween, each adds its own twist. Ireland, the birthplace of Halloween, still celebrates with bonfires and games. In Denmark, trendsetters are fusing traditional Samhain elements with contemporary festivities, crafting a uniquely Nordic nocturnal celebration. Asia offers a rich palette of traditions. In Japan, the O-Bon festival sees families lighting lanterns to guide spirits home. Over in China, the Hungry Ghost Festival is observed, where offerings are made to appease wandering spirits. And let's not forget the Philippines, where Pangangaluluwâ involves children singing in exchange for prayers or treats. Africa has its own array of customs. In South Africa, the Cape Town Carnival, although not strictly a Halloween event, is reminiscent of it with its vibrant costumes and celebrations. In some parts, ancient animist beliefs merge with newer traditions, creating unique observances. Down in Oceania, Australia and New Zealand, influenced by their Western counterparts, have seen a rise in Halloween festivities. However, it's still a budding celebration, often met with a mix of enthusiasm and traditional springtime events. Lastly, Antarctica. While not a continent bustling with local traditions, the scientists stationed there have been known to celebrate with a costume party or two, proving that the Halloween spirit can thrive even in the coldest of conditions! In essence, as October ends, the world becomes a stage for a myriad of mesmerising traditions, each echoing the same themes of life, death, and the mysterious in-between. It's a global gala, a testament to humanity's shared love for stories, celebrations, and, occasionally, a delightful scare. From its ancient Celtic roots to its global embrace, Halloween is a testament to humanity's love for mystery, magic, and a good party. Whether you're diving deep into history, marking your calendar, or globe-trotting from your living room, there's a Halloween flavour for everyone. And with Flying Tiger Copenhagen in your corner, you're sure to celebrate in style. Sign up for our newsletter Dive deeper into global ghoulish galas! Sign up for our newsletter and unmask the magic every month! Sign up here