By: Henry B.
It’s the season for turkey and pumpkins here in America. But what do other countries celebrate during this time of year? What traditions are important to different cultures, and how are they celebrated?
This article will give you insight into some of the other autumn festivities that happen around the world.
Samhain (pronounced sow-win)
Irish people celebrate Samhain. Picture cited from: History Channel
Samhain is celebrated in Ireland and sometimes in Gaelic immigrant families. Samhain falls on October 31 and November 1. To symbolize the end of the harvest, the Irish put apples, pumpkins, or other crops on the altar. To represent the spirits of the dead, skulls or bones are placed on the altar.
There are many rituals associated with Samhain today. These include dancing, feasting, taking nature walks, and building altars to honor their ancestors. Samhain is the origin of Halloween. It marks the end of summer and the harvest, and it is a day that the Celtic people believe that the line between the dead and the living is especially thin.
Moon Festival
Mooncakes are a popular food during the Mid Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival. Picture cited from: Elite Havens Magazine
The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival, is celebrated in China and Vietnam by Chinese and Vietnamese immigrant families. Popular foods include mooncakes, tea, and fruit baskets. It is a time spent with family and friends. Other traditions include making lanterns and giving gifts.
The Moon Festival is a time to celebrate the Chinese gods and the moon. It is when the moon is at its fullest.
Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead altar Picture cited from Cinco Soles
Day of the Dead is celebrated throughout Latin America and in immigrant families. It is a time to get together with family to honor loved ones who have passed away. While the holiday celebrations vary between countries, it is usually a colorful festival that highlights loved ones in a positive rather than somber way.
In Perú, people bake a bread called Guaguas de Pan. This is a sweet bread that is in the shape of an infant. Flavorings and fillings include orange, almond anise, other spices, chocolate, jam, and Nutella.
In Mexico, people paint skulls on their faces to represent the likeness of a loved one. They also create altars in their homes called ofrendas that are lined with the favorite foods of family members who have passed.
Abu Simbel Festival (pronounced aa boo sim bl)
Temple of Ramses ll Cited from: History Channel
Many Egyptians gather early in the Temple of Ramses II to watch as the sunlight starts to hit the innermost temple room at sunrise. Once the statues fall back into shadow after the sun continues to rise, people gather to eat, drink, and celebrate. There are often traditional singers and dancers to celebrate the event.
Ramses II wanted his internal chamber to be lit twice a year, once during October on his birthday and once during February.
These are just a few celebrations that happen around the world in autumn. And while many of these festivities are varied in tradition, they honor a tradition passed down from generation to generation and are a part of people’s heritage.