It seems like nearly every culture has its own festival of the dead. In many places around the world, the search for understanding and acceptance of the hereafter led to traditions that honor the deceased or avoid malevolent spirits or death itself.
In a couple of towns in Guatemala, that looks like giant kites flying around cemeteries. Some people in Germany celebrate with a “quiet day,” in which dancing, shopping and other activities are set aside to focus on lost loved ones. Hundreds of years ago in Ireland, Celtic tradition paved the way for what we now call Halloween. In Nepal, people adorn dogs with flowers, and in Bolivia, human skulls are brought to the cemetery to be honored.
Here’s just a taste of a few more of the many unique traditions that can be found around the world.
SAMHAIN
Centuries ago in Ireland and Scotland, ancient Celts celebrated Samhain at the end of harvest season. For three days and three nights, everyone in the community would pray, sacrifice cattle and take fire from a communal bonfire back to their homes to light the hearth. Celts also believed that during Samhain, the supernatural world crossed over with this one. In an attempt to elude fairy kidnappers and wandering souls, people would dress as animals or monsters. The belief was that the gods looked unfavorably on those who did not participate in Samhain, and the punishment was illness or death.
