What are common Halloween rituals? How is Halloween celebrated differently in certain cultures?
In an episode of Bad Friends, Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee dive into the different Halloween traditions they had growing up. Their discussion includes a look at other cultures that don’t necessarily celebrate Halloween with great importance.
Let’s look at Santino and Lee’s interpretation of Halloween during their respective childhoods.
Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee’s Halloween Festivities
In a spirited Halloween discussion, they explored the significance of decorating homes to entertain neighborhood children. Santino displayed passion when discussing the issue of residents who forgo participating in such traditions, suggesting they deserve to be pranked for their lack of holiday spirit, as he reminisced about his own experiences with the holiday from his childhood.
Adding to the personal tales of their Halloween rituals, Santino recalls a lady from the neighborhood who infamously gave out pennies instead of treats, leading to mischievous repercussions from the local youth.
Halloween Traditions and Cultural Differences
The conversation evolved as Lee humorously proposed the concept of ‘reverse trick-or-treating,’ where the tradition is flipped, and treats are requested from the trick-or-treaters. Santino spun a creative yarn of a Halloween celebration at a mental institution, adding an unconventional twist to the traditional festivities.
The exchange became international as Carlos Herrera reminisced about the contrasting celebrations of his childhood, lacking Halloween but rich in other traditions. Acknowledging the festive cultural importance depicted in Coco, they connected the emotions conveyed in the film Coco to the real-life significance of Mexico’s Día de los Muertos.
Context
Halloween, also known as All Hallows’ Eve, is a widely celebrated holiday observed on October 31st in many countries. Rooted in Christian traditions and influenced by Celtic harvest festivals, Halloween has evolved into a day associated with the macabre and supernatural. The holiday is characterized by various customs such as trick-or-treating, costume parties, pumpkin carving, and watching horror films. These traditions foster a sense of community participation and provide an opportunity for individuals to engage in playful activities while embracing the spooky atmosphere.
Participating in holiday traditions holds significance as it strengthens cultural bonds and fosters a sense of belonging. Halloween serves as a platform for people to come together and celebrate shared customs that have been passed down through generations. However, cultural differences can be observed in how Halloween is celebrated around the world. For instance, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Mexico honors deceased loved ones with vibrant festivities on November 1st and 2nd. This highlights the diverse ways people commemorate their ancestors or connect with supernatural beliefs during festive occasions.
Moreover, representation plays an essential role in shaping our experiences during holidays like Halloween. Films have become integral to our understanding of this celebration’s themes and emotions. Pixar Animation Studios has been at the forefront of creating animated movies that resonate with audiences worldwide.
