Halloween, Asian-style

Halloween, Asian-style

Halloween, my absolute favorite day of the year, is one of the world’s oldest holidays and dates back to pagan times. Trick-or-treating actually originated in Ireland.

In Western countries, Halloween is often observed by pumpkin patching, trick-or-treating and dressing up as scary alter-egos on October 31. It is a time when we eat pumpkin-flavored everything. In Eastern countries, spirits are acknowledged and commemorated but not in the same way as in the West. Halloween has a more whimsical feel to it in the United States.

In Asia, the equivalent of Halloween is not celebrated on October 31 and is usually spent honoring the spirits of the lost and deceased ancestors.

Japan

The equivalent of Halloween would be the Obon Festival (お盆), celebrated in July/August. Lights are lit so the spirits will be able to find their families and memorial stones are cleaned, as the Japanese believe their ancestors will return to their birthplaces. Fruit and vegetables are laid upon a butsudan (Buddhist altar) as an offering. Obon is one of the most important Japanese traditions. Bon odori, a type of folk dance, is also widely practiced during Obon.

China

The Hungry Ghost Festival (中元节 ) is held during the 7th lunar month. During this festival, it is believed that the gates of hell or the underworld open and ghosts are allowed to roam the Earth, looking for food. The Chinese take this festival very seriously. During the festival, they offer prayers and paper money to their deceased ancestors. They all honor the hungry ghosts (in order to bring luck and keep safety within their families) with a feast. Wayang, or Chinese opera is usually held outside and is very loud, as to attract the hungry ghosts and appease them.

It is considered unlucky to get married, travel or move during the Festival time. Hell money (fake paper money) is burned and offered to the deceased ancestors as well as paper cars and houses. The Chinese feel this will help their ancestors become more comfortable in the afterlife.

Korea

South Korea’s Halloween-esque celebration is called Chuseok and is celebrated in September or October.  Families pay respect to their ancestors by visiting their graves and offering fruit, rice and other foods. This holiday also resembles the American Thanksgiving in some respects. New harvests are offered to local deities and ancestors, so Chuseok may originate from ancient shamanistic moon celebrations.

The real difference between these celebrations in the West and in the East, is that Halloween is considered a light-hearted, fun holiday; whereas the festivals held in Asia seem to have a much more serious tone. We also celebrate spirits/ghosts but more as a form of entertainment.

Oh and one more difference. Candy. There is no other holiday where you can dress up as whom or whatever you choose and knock on a stranger's door and receive free treats!