Halloween is a traditional Christian Festival followed by “All Saints Day”.
The Jack-o’-lantern has a long history with Hallowe’en, although our favorite demonic faces haven’t always been carved out of pumpkins.
Their origin comes from an Irish myth about Stingy Jack, who tricked the Devil for his own monetary gain. When Jack died, God didn’t allow him into heaven, and the Devil didn’t let him into hell, so Jack was sentenced to roam the earth for eternity. In Ireland, people started to carve demonic faces out of turnips to frighten away Jack’s wandering soul. When Irish immigrants moved to the U.S., they began carving Jack-o’-lanterns from pumpkins, as these were native to the region.
People wear masks and costumes based on various themes such as movies or comic characters and head to parties and for trick-or-treat. Trick-or-treat play is one of the most loved ones where children go from house to house, cutely threatening that they will pull a trick or a scare, if they do not receive a treat, which is usually candy.
In Western country all celebrate this Hallowe’en day in the month of October in a Spooky way whereas we, Indians celebrate the same day as “Pitru Paksha”.
In India, the Hindus celebrate the dead or passed away souls (Pitrus), by making offerings in the form of food or clothes. We prepare favourite food of Pitrus and offer the same to Crow. We also believe that Pitrus will visit and bless us in the form of crow and will have our offering food.
In short, a celebration that honours Pitrus and their experiences, rather than mocking or calling them as Dead.
“May all the Pitrus accept my humble offering and bless me to continue this holy deed over the subsequent years also.”
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