Halloween rituals: What do Gifhorn residents think about the spooky fun?

Halloween rituals: What do Gifhorn residents think about the spooky fun?

At this time of year, many towns and villages get really excited around Halloween! On October 31st, young and old alike gather to celebrate the mysterious night that has its roots deep in Celtic culture. [WAZ Online]. The season and the end of the harvest were heralded. A custom that is still alive today.

Originally, people believed that the dead roamed around on this evening, looking for living people who would die in the coming year. To ward off these spirits, the Celts dressed up in scary costumes and placed small offerings to appease the souls. Fire also played a central role, as they were supposed to drive away evil spirits and at the same time rekindle the hearth fires for the winter. Britannica describes that Samhain was actually seen as the beginning of the new year, and the evening before - now better known as Halloween - was considered a time when the line between the living and the dead became blurred.

From Ireland to the USA

With the immigration of the Irish in the 19th century, Halloween found its way into American culture, where it quickly became popular. In the USA, Halloween has since developed into a colorful spectacle that has now spread to Germany. Especially in this country the custom of “Trick or Treat!” calling or celebrating Halloween costume parties are becoming increasingly popular. According to WAZ Online, enthusiasm for the horror festival has also increased in recent years.

Of course, the linchpin of Halloween is also the costumes. Wissen.de describes that the first disguises consisted of animal masks and skins, while today witches, vampires and zombies populate the streets. The Jack-o'-Lanterns, the hollowed-out pumpkins, also come from an Irish legend. This tradition has caught on in the United States, where the originally hollowed-out beets are now used to make pumpkins because they are easier to handle.

Modern customs and critical voices

In recent years, modern customs such as haunted houses, scary movie marathons and the preparation of Halloween food have also become more popular. Children go from house to house asking for sweets - a tradition that has its roots in ancient Celtic customs. In some regions, Halloween is even compared to Día de los Muertos in Mexico, where elements of both celebrations are interwoven.

But not everyone is excited about Halloween. Critics criticize the increasing commercialization and the often unreflective handling of cultural elements. The call for a respectful approach to traditions is becoming louder, even if the focus is on fun and community.