Halloween originated in Ireland, and it is traditionally a pagan holiday to celebrate the end of the harvest, warding off evil spirits who might bring plagues or sickness. It was said, and still is, that the veil between the living and the dead is thinnest on October 31st. Into bonfires were thrown bones of slaughtered livestock and haunted masks were worn in an attempt to either scare or appease these evil beings.
The origin of All Hallow Eve has flourished for many centuries in Ireland. What we see today, around the world, is a little different celebration of the holiday.
America has popularized Halloween and it has spread into a global affair.
Minda, our hired domestic helper, is from the Philippines. She recalls her childhood Halloweens as very scary, with evil painted faces as well as the popularized collection of candy. She is also quick to say that Philippinos know that they are copying American traditions.
Johanna, a French friend, told me that this was her first Halloween ever. Her husband and daughter moved to Hong Kong a month ago, and six year old Sylvia was eager to buy a witch’s outfit and join in her inaugural night of tricking and treating.
I enjoyed a late night rooftop party with two Australians who were also celebrating their first Halloween. In full costume, they reveled in the exciting night of spooking and carried bags of candy to pass out to children.
The Brits I met on Halloween were eager to point out that they don’t celebrate Halloween in England. But many of them will dress up in Hong Kong.
My German friend wouldn’t allow her three year old daughter to dress up and collect candy. This mother is extremely health conscious and doesn’t fully understand what the whole point is. I’ve talked to some Chinese families who feel the same way.
I had to explain to a few friends what “trick or treat” actually means.
Confused looks ensued with this explanation:
“If they don’t give you candy, it’s appropriate to play a trick, like throwing eggs at their house, or toilet papering their car.”
On the whole, Hong Kong is in full throttle on Halloween night. Even the night before Halloween, a famous Hong Kong bar street was adorned with scary faces and people eager to paint the town in full costume.
I’ve had one of the best Halloween nights here in Hong Kong. As corpse bride, I was escorted home at 4:00am on top of bicycle handle bars, screaming all the way….a rather haunting sight.
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