Halloween is here―and whether cloaked in a veil of bright autumnal leaves, or breathing in the fragrant spring air as we are here Down Under, celebrations for the October holiday are undeniably increasing in popularity year upon year.
The origins of Halloween can be partially traced to Samhain, a festival of the Celts of ancient Britain and Ireland, who celebrated the New Year on a date that corresponds to November 1 on contemporary calendars.
During the festival of Samhain it was believed that the souls of those who had died in the past would return to their homes, while those who had passed away during that year would make their journey to the otherworld. People would set bonfires atop hills in order to relight their hearth fires for the winter, as well as to scare away evil spirits. They sometimes wore disguises or masks to avoid being recognised by the spirits they thought present. This is one of the ways that frightening ghouls such as witches, hobgoblins and demons came to be associated with the Halloween we know today.
Whether taking to the streets to trick-or-treat, planning to get cosy on the couch for a horror movie marathon, or gearing up to attend one of the shreik-inducing public events being held across most major cities, this year many Australians will be embracing the annual fright-night.
However some countries don’t mark October 31st on the calendar at all, with Spain, for example, being protective of cultural traditions like All Saints’ Day, which they strive to keep alive over Halloween. Conversely, some of the countries that have whole-heartedly embraced the holiday might surprise you.
The Bel Paese, like Australia, the UK, and Germany, is one of the countries gradually coming around to the idea of celebrating Halloween.
In fact, in Italy’s larger cities, elaborate fancy dress parties and events are becoming more and more commonplace, which is unsurprising, considering that the country is known for its enduring folkloric traditions, festivals and saint days at which traditional costuming is the norm.
This year in Florence, for example, one of the Hallow-themed events on offer for tourists and locals is a 4km creepy-costumed run in Cascine Park. The historic Villa di Artimino, a short distance from the city centre, will also be transformed into a Villa Stregata (Haunted house), where brave visitors will be lead through a themed itinerary lasting an hour and a half.
On November 1, many Italians also celebrate Ognissanti, or All Saints day, the aforementioned deeply religious holiday which Spainiards hold so dear. Unlike Italy’s many feast days dedicated to one specific saint, this holiday is dedicated to all of the saints as a whole.
The celebration of Ognissanti varies from region to region. In Sicily, it is believed that the dead are resurrected to bring gifts to children that have behaved well throughout the year. In Sardinia, much like trick-or-treating, children go door to door to ask for offerings from the spirits of the deceased. Some Romans are known to share a meal near the gravesites of loved ones passed, while in the regions of Abruzzo and Trentino, people create lanterns by placing candles in pumpkins―sound familiar?
Whether an excuse to indulge in our favourite sweet treats, an opportunity to showcase our cosplaying prowess or a chance to enrich ties to cultural tradition, Halloween is a holiday that undoubtedly provides countless opportunities for family fun and enjoyment. From the entire editorial team here at Il Globo ― spooky salutations!
