Halloween in the United Kingdom and Ireland is a family tradition. Cabbages, apples, potatoes and nuts as well as oats are celebratory foods. England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland still host games, wear disguises, and use trickery in celebrations, but children are now encouraged towards politeness by saying, “Anything for Halloween” rather than “Trick or Treat!” Fireworks are also prevalent in Canada and Ireland.
Deceased loved ones graves are visited in Europe, on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, interspersed with the frivolous activities. European cities have large celebrations as do Australia and New Zealand and Halloween parties abound to cater to tourists.
Halloween is not accepted everywhere, however. China remains suspicious of the frivolity, and in Mexico, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) although celebrated with food and drink is not a traditional Halloween. Spanish Catholic beliefs here are combined with Native American traditions. Italy and Poland regard Halloween that does not relate to their cultures, and children don’t celebrate it often.
