Thousands of kids dress up, put out their jack-o-lanterns, and go door to door shouting “trick or treat” on Halloween every year in the United States. Many kids and their parents look forward to All Hallows’ Eve because it is a night full of candy, a little mischief, and, most importantly, memories. Not many nations, meanwhile, are as enthusiastic about the occasion. You might get a little bit of a surprise if you intend to celebrate Halloween in Australia.
Origins Of Halloween
All Hallows’ Eve, often known as Halloween, has its roots in Celtic culture in the British Isles and is frequently associated with the festival of Samhain, also known as Summer’s End. This event signaled the conclusion of the summer, the harvest season, and the start of the year’s darker half.
The belief that this time is a “liminal time” contributes to Halloween’s eerie element. As a result, ghosts and fairies (known as the Aos Si) can enter the physical world because the barrier separating it from the spiritual one is weakened. In the past, people used to leave food and drinks outside for these fairies in order to attract them and help them survive the winter.
As a result of the fairies’ visits from the spiritual world, Halloween has become a time when people dress up as fairies, the deceased, or other ghouls and visit neighbors to ask for food in place of the traditional Aos Si.
Although the custom originated in Celtic Britain, it soon made its way to America due to a large number of immigrants from Ireland and Britain who crossed the Atlantic. Halloween was fully embraced by America in the 20th century, and it was Americanized to become what it is now. The United States currently celebrates Halloween significantly more than the British Isles do.
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Does Australia Have A Halloween Holiday?
Do you have plans to celebrate Halloween in Australia? If so, you might want to think twice or, at the very least, pack some extra Halloween magic. Halloween is not observed in Australia the same way it is in the United States. While some Australians celebrate Halloween, others do not. Some people would even think that the question of commemorating Halloween in Australia is controversial.
When Is Halloween In Australia?
Like many other western countries, Australians also celebrate Halloween on October 31 every year. The day before All Saints’ Day is sometimes referred to as All Hallows’ Eve. Around this time of year, costume parties are held, and plenty of kids go trick-or-treating.
Why Do Not All Australians Celebrate?
Since it is regarded as an American holiday, many Australians disagree that the nation should observe it. Many are left wondering why someone would wish to celebrate a holiday that wasn’t made by or for citizens of their own nation. People could feel disassociated from Halloween as a result of this. Many Australians, unlike those in the United States, don’t wait until October to visit a haunted house or prepare pumpkin seeds.
Additionally, a lot of Australians ponder the significance of the occasion. Some people think that it’s more about making purchases than giving out sincere tricks and treats. In the US, trick-or-treating was attended by more than 73 million kids in 2021. It’s simple to understand how the cost of Halloween candy, costumes, and decorations can really build up and give the impression that the occasion is more about spending money than letting kids have fun.
What Makes Some Australians Celebrate?
Halloween is observed by some Australians. In actuality, Castlemain, Victoria, hosted the nation’s inaugural Halloween celebration in 1858. Even though Halloween is an Americanized festival, some people don’t care. Other American holidays, like St. Patrick’s Day and Valentine’s Day, are already observed in Australia. Thus, many people do not find this to be alarming.
Additionally, a lot of Australians desire to take part in Halloween because it’s an additional occasion to celebrate and have fun. Parents enjoy dressing up their kids in goofy and terrifying outfits. They desire quality time with family and friends, pumpkin carving, and cozy movie marathons on the couch.
Halloween serves as another chance for many Australians to spread some cheer and strengthen their sense of community. Additionally, it offers kids a reason to pull out their favorite costumes from their wardrobes.
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You Can Still Celebrate Halloween In Australia On Your Way!
Don’t worry if you’ll be in Australia on Halloween; you won’t miss out on the joyous festivities. You can continue to have fun. Even while Halloween is becoming more popular in Australia, not everyone you meet will be willing to go to the pumpkin farm with you (assuming you can find one). For the celebration to come to life, all you really need is the Halloween spirit.
Locate a Community for Halloween Trick-or-Treat
Even though not everyone in Australia celebrates Halloween, some people do. This indicates that you are not yet required to store your Halloween trick-or-treat buckets. You might be in a community that does celebrate, depending on where you are staying. If not, you might be able to ask a local about communities close by that do. In this manner, you can still take your family trick-or-treating if you so desire. Or you might stroll around the neighborhood and take in the Halloween-themed decorations.
Decorate your home’s interior
To enjoy Halloween, you don’t need to leave the house. By hanging decorations within your house, you can do it at home. You can decorate your living room with objects you buy from a store and hang yellow or other colored lights all over the space. You might also create your own. Cut out black cats, bats, and pumpkins from felt or construction paper. After decorating them with your family, hang the finished products on your walls. This will give you the freedom to use your creativity and design any decorations you want with your family. You might also place various candy bowls in your home and let your kids trick-or-treat inside.
Dress in your preferred Halloween costume in Australia
You get to dress up in spooky costumes for Halloween in Australia, which is one of its best features. The good news is that if you carry a Halloween costume with you or get creative with the clothes you currently own, you can accomplish this wherever you are in Australia. You can get ready and remain at home. Or, if you’re feeling particularly daring, get dressed and go outside. Go on a stroll around the block to flaunt your new appearance, or visit the store to get some candy. In either case, Halloween will undoubtedly be more magical if you look at the part.
Pineapple Carving
Is carving jack-o-lanterns your preferred Halloween activity? So, don’t be alarmed. Your preferred tradition won’t have to be abandoned. It might, however, appear quite different. In contrast to the United States, Australia’s autumn is not the best time for pumpkin growth. Many people have chosen to carve different fruits as a result. This season, try making a creepy face out of a pineapple, papaya, or watermelon. You might prefer this peculiar Halloween ritual even more than the original because they are less expensive and more widely available than the classic pumpkin.
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