Halloween in Germany

The name Halloween serves important significance in having its roots in Celtic rituals of the olden days and Christian observation of All Hallows’ Eve. Halloween has found an exceptional place in the culture of Germans. So, let’s have a look at how this mysterious holiday came into being in Germany and what makes it so special in this lively country.

History

The origin of Halloween dates back to the ancient festival of Samhain. It was a festival of Celts. It marked the end of harvest season and the start of winter. The Celts hold a belief that on the 31st October night, the boundary in the middle of living and deceased was blurred letting the spirits wander on Earth. Over time this changed into the Christian holiday All Hallows’ Eve. Eventually, it came to be known as Halloween.

In Germany, Halloween started to become popular by 1990 having an impact on American Pop culture as well as increasing the commercialization of the holiday. Nevertheless, the German version of Halloween deserves a special mention for retaining an exclusive character including traditions and local customs in the blend.

How Halloween is celebrated by the Germans

In recent years Halloween has become a favorite of the Germans, especially the younger generation has become fans of Halloween. Here’s how they dip in the enjoyment of Halloween celebrations. Like other parts of the world, Germany holds costume parties in which people dress themselves as ghosts and witches and even as pop culture icons. Many cities hold themed parties in clubs, bars as well as community centres. Thus, Halloween becomes an active social event.

Germans embrace Halloween by getting involved in decorations like jack-o-lanterns, spooky lights and cobwebs. In several places creatively carved pumpkins and festive displays enhance the mood of Halloween in autumn.

Many German towns and cities have set up of haunted houses and scary tours to entertain hunters of thrill and excitement. Time and again these attractions feature decorative sets and famous actors who bring Halloween to life providing an immersive experience for the scare searchers.

Globalization and its impact

The growth of Halloween in Germany paved the way for the blend of global influences and local traditions which in turn created new forms of festivity. While the Halloween celebration in America differs from the Halloween celebration in Germany, it deserves special significance in reflecting the country’s candidness to embrace new customs and include them in the country’s cultural fabric.

The holiday also holds significance in providing an opening for Germans to indulge in some lively entertainment enjoying the scary and fanciful elements of Halloween while they celebrate the change of seasons. It is actually a scope for communities to unite, for families to bond over get-ups and candy as well as for friends to dip in the enjoyment of festive gatherings.

.