Halloween

Halloween History

Halloween is a widely-celebrated observance that initially served to honour deceased loved ones and marked the end of the harvest season. It is associated with various cultural aspects, including carving pumpkins, wearing costumes, and participating in trick-or-treating. Originally stemming from ancient Celtic traditions, the customs incorporated into modern Halloween celebrations now vary across the globe but continue to promote community engagement and general revelry.

This internationally recognised event has its roots in the ancient Celtic tradition of Samhain, which New Zealanders can trace back to 19th-century Irish and Scottish settlers' influence. Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, a transitional period during which it was believed that the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest. The arrival of these European settlers introduced various Halloween customs to New Zealand, with the observance evolving over time to reflect local preferences and values.

Today, Halloween celebrations in New Zealand have adopted a distinctly local feel, with traditional aspects such as trick-or-treating, costume parties and pumpkin carving remaining popular activities. Some communities also organise public events, including parades, haunted houses, and themed attractions to create memorable experiences for their residents. Halloween in New Zealand consistently falls on the 31st of October, aligning with its Northern Hemisphere counterparts, allowing New Zealanders to actively participate in a global cultural event while celebrating local traditions and creativity.

Halloween facts

• According to Google Trends’ , the top Halloween costumes of 2023 include Barbie, Spiderman, and Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family.
• In early Celtic celebrations, turnips or other root vegetables were used in place of pumpkins. A burning lump of coal was placed inside the hollowed out vegetable and carried during the festivities.
• Trunk-or-Treat is a common way to celebrate Halloween in New Zealand. This involves children going from car to car in a parking lot to receive candy, rather than going from house to house.
• There is still resistance among certain groups to the holiday, viewing it as emblematic of American commercialism or against certain religious beliefs. Some people turn off their lights or put up signs discouraging trick or treaters.

In the News and Trending in NZ for Halloween

Top things to do in NZ for Halloween

• Dress up in your favorite costume.
• Go trick-or-treating.
• Create a spooky ambiance by decorating your house with Halloween-themed decorations like pumpkins, witches, skeletons, and cobwebs. You can also incorporate typical New Zealand elements like kiwis, Pōhutukawa flowers, or Māori-inspired designs.
• Prepare Halloween-themed treats like pumpkin soup, spider-shaped cookies, or spooky cupcakes. You can find various recipes online that can be adapted to incorporate Halloween themes.