When fall rolls around, many may think of the pumpkins, school starting again, Halloween, and the changing of the seasons. In America we have many diverse traditions, so what are some more across the globe?
Let’s start with one very well known in the States: Halloween is a fun tradition of getting candy, dressing up, and putting up decorations. Now one question many may ask, where did this holiday come from? Well the holiday of Halloween came from an ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain (sah-win). Samhain takes place on the evening of October 31st and moves into November 1st. The holiday is said to be the division of the year, making it easy for spirits to pass through this world and the other world. It is a tradition to honor ancestors during this holiday. Christianity incorporated this tradition of honoring the dead into All Saints which takes place on November 1st, which is followed by All Souls November 2nd which includes wearing costumes and masks to ward off evil. When the Irish emigrated to the U.S. in the 19th century they brought these traditions with them, mixed with time and American culture, it has turned into the holiday we all know and love today.
One holiday you may have heard of but don’t know much about is Diwali, which is the Hindu festival of lights; this year the holiday will be on October 20th 2025. The festival shows a triumph of light over darkness. The holiday takes place in the Hindu month of Kartik, which in Western terms starts mid-October and ends mid-November. The primary day of Diwali takes place on the new moon and the darkest day. The festival is a 5 day celebration, the first day is Dhanteras which is a day for wealth and prosperity inviting the Goddess Lakshmi. The second day is Kali Chaudas where people reject evil from their homes and invite in the Goddess Kali. The third day is the primary day of Diwali which celebrates the light over the darkness and it is also Goddess Lakshmi’s birthday. The fourth day is Govardhan Puja, which is a day to worship Lord Krishna and the Earth. The fifth and final day is Bhai Dooj which celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. This holiday has been celebrated for more than 2,500 years and is a time of light and positivity.
Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that many people know and celebrate! It celebrates those who have passed on and connects families, living and dead, with offerings and celebration. The first night of the holiday is November 1st which starts at 12 am. This time is known as Dia de los Angelitos or Day of the little Angels, It is a day for the children who have passed away. They are often honored with an altar where offerings like their photos, favorite candies, toys, and sugar skulls with the names of the children are displayed. The second day starts at midnight of November 2nd, known as Dia de los Difuntos, which remembers the adults who have passed on. They are also remembered with altars and offerings, though the offerings are more geared towards adults. Many family members remember their loved ones with song and dance as well. The afternoon of November 2nd is a celebration for all who have passed. This is the more well known Día de los Muertos, where people come together with skeleton painted faces and music in a variety of festivals and celebrations. Often on the last day many families celebrate their loved ones by visiting their graves and cleaning them up, as well as decorating them with marigolds and sugar skulls. The holiday is a day to remember the dead and connect with those who have passed on with celebration.
Another lesser know festival is The Mid-Autumn Festival. It is also known as the mooncake festival or the moon festival. It takes place on October 6th. This holiday is the second most important in China next to Chinese New Year. Many families come together and celebrate! Some gather with family, having a big dinner, eating mooncakes, and worshipping the moon. The holiday is also celebrated in America, Malaysia, and Singapore. There is an annual festival in Washington D.C. where there are authentic artisans and food! So next time you look at the moon, think of the culture and history of this holiday.
A variety of cultures with different customs celebrate this time of year, so I encourage everyone to learn more about the holidays celebrated around the world. Fall has definitely started, and the seasonal change calls for enjoying the cooler weather and the changing foliage. Winter is on the way, so celebrate while you can before Mother Nature goes to sleep and the nights get long.
