Halloween

Halloween History

Halloween, a popular observance originating from ancient Celtic traditions, is celebrated worldwide on the 31st of October. The event is marked by numerous customs that include costumes, trick-or-treating, and carving decorative jack-o'-lanterns from pumpkins. Halloween provides an opportunity for people of all ages to dress up, indulge in fun activities, and share spooky stories, while also remembering the deceased in a light-hearted manner.

Though Halloween's origins are rooted in Celtic customs, the modern celebration of the holiday spans many different cultures and countries, including Germany. In Germany, the influence of Halloween can be observed through the American cultural influx following World War II. Today, Halloween is characterized by various aspects that have gained popularity among Germans such as parties, costume parades, and decorating homes with carved pumpkins or themed accessories.

In Germany, the influence of Halloween has also spawned hybrid festivities like "Hexennacht," or Walpurgis Night, which is celebrated on April 30th. This folkloric event combines elements of Halloween with Germanic pagan traditions, featuring activities such as bonfires, dancing, and dressing up as witches and devils. Halloween itself, however, still mainly takes place on October 31st, and its observance within German communities continues to evolve as the holiday adopts an increasingly distinctive character in the country. German Halloween enthusiasts can often be found enjoying unique gatherings or themed attractions, ensuring that the spirit of the holiday remains alive and thriving in the heart of Europe.

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.
• Some Germans celebrate Halloween by hiding all their knives, as they believe that returning spirits might harm themselves on any knife left out.
• Despite the growing popularity of Halloween in Germany, a small number of people have Samhainophobia, which is an irrational fear of Halloween. This term is derived from the Celtic celebration of Samhain, which Halloween is said to have originated from.

In the News and Trending in Germany for Halloween

Top things to do in Germany for Halloween

• Dress up in your favorite costume.
• Go trick-or-treating.
• Hosting or attending costume parties is a common way to celebrate Halloween in Germany. People dress up in costumes like witches, vampires, ghosts, or various spooky characters.
• Gathering with friends or family and watching Halloween-themed movies or German horror films is another popular activity. Some popular choices include Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari, Nosferatu, or Hollywood classics like Halloween.