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Halloween

Halloween in Other Countries

Halloween in Other Countries
Reading Level
     edHelper's suggested reading level:   grade 6
     Flesch-Kincaid grade level:   10.17

Vocabulary
     challenging words:    revisit, necessarily, emphasis, presented, japan, italy, commercial, various, awaken, anticipate, attend, belief, within, prayer, official, eastern
     content words:    El Dia, All Saints Day, On November, Eastern Europe, Disneyland Paris, Although Halloween, In China, Hungry Ghosts

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Halloween in Other Countries
By Beth Beutler 		  
1     "Halloween" conjures up different reactions in people within America and around the world. America has made Halloween a fun, and commercial, holiday, unlike some other countries. There is an old Celtic (KELT-ik) belief that souls of those who have passed away revisit the earth on October 31, and many countries have more serious traditions to honor the dead. Some, like America, use the night to have some fun. Unfortunately, some folks use the night as a time to play tricks on others, and that could happen in any country.
 
2     In some countries, "Halloween" may not even occur on October 31. Celebrations with other names may occur November 1 or at other times of the fall or even summer. Here's a sampling of what other people do to celebrate "Halloween" or festivals that honor the dead.
 
3     Mexico: El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) - The holiday begins the night of October 31, continuing on November 1 with All Saints Day and November 2 with All Soul's Day. These may be considered by many Mexicans as the most important celebrations of the year. Mexicans use these days as an opportunity to decorate the graves of family and friends who have passed away. November 1 focuses on children who have died, and November 2, on adults. People often set up altars with food to welcome the souls for a visit.
 
4     Italy: On November 1 in Sicily, children anticipate that they will awaken on November 2 to sweets and toys left by their dead relatives. Does that feel creepy to you?
 
5     Eastern Europe: Time is spent in prayer and with visiting cemeteries, and Catholics attend Mass. It is usually a quiet day for thinking, although you may find some musical tributes being presented.

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