Different cultures for “Halloween” around the world

Recently, Halloween has been celebrated in Western countries every October. Therefore, let us talk about the "Halloween" of different cultures in various regions of the world. Every culture has its own way of remembering death. In China, people observe the Qingming Festival. In many Western countries, children dress up for Halloween. In Mexico, families gather to celebrate the day of the dead. These three traditions deal with death but express very different emotions and cultural values.

The Qingming Festival, also called Tomb-Sweeping Day, usually takes place in early April. It is a time for Chinese families to visit their ancestors’ graves. The name “Qingming” means “pure brightness,” which reflects the season’s clear skies and fresh spring air. During this festival, families clean tombstones, burn incense, and offer food to their ancestors [1]. These actions are believed to show respect and gratitude toward the deceased. The festival is neither sad nor scary; instead, it connects the living and the dead through remembrance and family loyalty. It also reflects the Chinese belief in filial piety and that family ties continue beyond death.

In contrast, Halloween has a very different atmosphere. It is celebrated on 31 October in many Western countries. The holiday grew out of the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the start of winter [2]. People once believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred, allowing spirits to roam the earth. Today, Halloween is more about fun than fear. Children wear costumes, carve pumpkins, and go door-to-door asking for candy on this day. Many adults also join the celebrations with parties and decorations for Halloween. While its roots lie in superstition, modern Halloween focuses on creativity, imagination, and social entertainment rather than honoring ancestors.

In Mexico, Halloween overlaps with Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, offers yet another perspective [3]. Celebrated on 1 November and 2, it combines indigenous traditions with Catholic influences from Spanish colonization [3]. Unlike Halloween, it is not about ghosts or fear. It is a colorful and joyful event that honors the memory of loved ones who have passed away. Families build ofrendas (altars) in their homes and decorate them with flowers, candles, food, and photos of the deceased. Cemeteries have become places of music and celebration. People believe that spirits return to visit their families during this time, so they are welcomed with their favorite dishes and songs. The festival expresses love rather than sorrow, and death is seen as a natural part of life’s cycle.

Although Qingming, Halloween, and the Day of the Dead all relate to death, they have different cultural meanings. Chinese tradition highlights respect, duty, and continuity between generations. The Western version focuses on imagination, humor, and community fun. The Mexican festival celebrates life through death, transforming remembrance into a vibrant reunion. Each festival shows how societies use rituals to face the same universal truth: that life and death are deeply connected. These traditions remind people, in their own ways, to remember the past, cherish the present, and celebrate the bond between the living and the dead.

By TIANZHI WANG

References:

1. Wikipedia. Qingming Festival. 2025. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qingming_Festival].

2. Wikipedia. Halloween. 2025. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween]

3. Wikipedia. Day of the Dead. 2025. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead]