Without a doubt, Halloween is one of the most popular and widely celebrated holidays
in modern times. But interestingly, it is not totally unique. Around the world, people celebrate similar festivities and holidays relating to the spirit world and the super-natural. Impress your family and friends with a bit of trivia!
Hungry Ghost Festival
The Ghost Festival is a Buddhist-Taoist holiday for the dead, celebrated in a number of Asian countries. It is held every 14th or 15th day of the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar. It is believed that the gates of the underworld open and the spirits of the dead visit the earth. Known as preta or “hungry ghosts,” they suffer from past misdeeds as well as the neglect of their descendants who do not make offerings to them.
During the Ghost Festival, people may set out ancestor tablets or photos of ancestors in a shrine. Then they make offerings of food, incense and prayers. A popular practice is burning joss paper for dead relatives, which is thought to help them obtain comforts in the afterlife.
The Hungry Ghost Festival is one of several Chinese festivals that involves ancestor reverence. A similar event takes place in Japan, called the Obon Festival. In Thailand, it is known as Por Tor.
Gai Jatra
In this major Nepalese festival, villagers who lost loved ones in the past year lead cows in a sacred procession through the streets. Locals believe that cows, which are sacred in Hinduism, can guide the souls of the dead in the afterlife. If cows cannot be obtained, young boys in costume may serve as a substitute. People also dress up and celebrate with each other during this time.
According to legend, the festivities date back to the 17th century when a king and queen lost their beloved son. To cheer up his wife, the king encouraged his subjects to dance and perform in front of the royal palace. The queen was delighted, and since then, the tradition has continued year after year!
Day of the Dead
When it comes to international versions of Halloween, most Americans will probably think of this Mexican holiday first. Known in Spanish as Dia de los Muertos, it is a festive holiday held in honor of departed loved ones that takes place from October 31 to November 2. In the Roman Catholic world, the first and second days of November mark All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, respectively, and these religious holidays to pray for departed souls coincide with the Day of the Dead.
Unlike the hungry ghost holidays in Asia, Day of the Dead emphasizes merry-making. Rather than mourn the loss of loved ones, one relives their memories with joy. Instead of fearing death, one laughs and accepts it as a part of the cycle of existence.
For three days in Mexico and Latin America, cemeteries come alive with wonderful decorations, people set out food and make offerings, and everyone participates in song and dance. Locals believe that the souls of the dead come and join them in the celebrations.
Pchum Ben
Pchum Ben Festival is one of the most important holidays in Cambodia. In this culture, Pchum signifies “gathering” or “meeting” and ben means to “ball” or “cup” something into portions, such as rice.
The event takes place during the first 15 days of the month of Pheakta Bot, which translates to September-October in the Gregorian calendar. It is believed that souls in the underworld are temporarily freed at this time, so they can search for food on earth. Cambodians believe that some unhappy spirits suffer as “hungry ghosts” and can benefit from prayers and offerings made by the living.
For the first two weeks of the festival—known as Kan Ben—people offer food for their dead ancestors at dawn. Traditionally, rice balls are offered. Buddhist monks also pray for the souls of the dead. The 15th and last day of the whole festival is called Pchum Ben and is the biggest celebration of all.
