Halloween, also known as Hallows’ eve, is celebrated on October 31 in several countries. It has its roots in pagan celebrations that marked the end of the harvest season and various festivals honoring the deceased, including the Celtic Samhain festival. In contrast, Day of the Dead, also called Dia de Los Muertos, is a holiday observed in Mexico. Parts of the United States and Latin America also commemorate Day of the Dead on November 1 to pray for and remember loved ones who have passed away.
Now let’s compare the origins of these two holidays. Day of the Dead originated from native Mexican cultures that existed 2,500 to 3,000 years ago. These cultures conducted ceremonies to celebrate their ancestors’ deaths. The festival initially occurred during the ninth month of the Aztec calendar and extended throughout the entire month. On the other hand, Halloween is believed to have emerged from pagan customs and is linked with the Celtic festival Samhain. During this festival, it was believed that souls could enter our world as “the door” to the Otherworld opened.
The celebrations of the hallows’ eve and day of the dead differ greatly. While the Day of the Dead is a time for rejoicing and remembering deceased friends and family members, Halloween is associated with costumes and spooky traditions. In Mexico, the Day of the Dead specifically honors children and infants who have passed away, while adults are remembered on November 2nd. This occasion takes place on November 1st, when people visit graveyards and construct personal altars adorned with the favorite food, drinks, photos, and other keepsakes of the departed. They hope to encourage the souls to return for a visit. Additionally, graves are adorned with orange Mexican marigolds, and toys are brought for deceased children. For adults, bottles of pulque, mescal or tequila are often left as offerings. Some individuals even wear shells on their clothing to produce sounds while dancing, as it is believed to awaken the spirits of the deceased.
Both children and adults celebrate Halloween in modern times. Children wear costumes and go trick-or-treating for candy, using the traditional phrase “trick or treat” to imply mischief if no treat is given. While ghostly and fear-inducing costumes are part of the tradition, costumes of any theme have become common over time. Popular games during October and Halloween include apple bobbing and visiting haunted houses. Halloween also extends to adults and teenagers who enjoy throwing costume parties. In contrast, Day of the Dead is not meant to be scary; instead, it is a time for remembering and welcoming our deceased loved ones into our homes.
People have a unique and grand altar dedicated to their beloved foods and drinks. They share stories and clean the burial place. Those who celebrate believe that spirits come to visit. The Day of the Dead focuses on them, while Halloween is about us — choosing costumes, seeking out the scariest haunted houses, and prioritizing candy acquisition. It’s a time for being the most frightful, terrifying, and shocking.
