Buzz
With Halloween just around the corner, skeletons dangle from windows, and jack-o'-lanterns grin with toothless smiles. While some dive into the eerie spirit of the season, others steer clear, almost like it's Christmas. For kids, though, the excitement is undeniable, fueled by the prospect of mountains of candy and the chance to dress up as their favorite characters.
It's not surprising that many countries around the world have embraced the North American version of Halloween. Yet, there are also unique customs—some quite similar, others entirely different from the trick-or-treat tradition—that remain relatively unknown.
Here are 10 fascinating trick-or-treat-inspired customs from various cultures around the globe
10. Rummelpott
Known as “Noisy Pot,” Rummelpott is a tradition observed in northern Germany and Denmark, where the new year is celebrated a bit differently than elsewhere (i.e., without excessive drinking and empty resolutions). In the cold winter of late December, children dress in costumes and masks, hoping to avoid being recognized by the spirits of the past year who might follow them into the new year, clinging to them like the embarrassing moments we all carry from New Year’s Eve.
A tradition now at risk due to the rise of commercialized Halloween, groups of children visit door to door, singing folk songs and banging their Rummelpott—usually made from a pig's bladder. They then request treats such as candy, food, coins, or any symbols of good fortune the kind neighbor might offer (e.g., a horseshoe, chimney sweep figurine, toadstool, or clover).
9. Guising
Guising (or “galoshin”), which means dressing up as someone or something else, is a distinctive Scottish custom that dates back to the 16th century. Similar to trick-or-treating, children would disguise themselves as evil spirits, aiming to blend in with the malevolent forces of the night.
Children who arrived at a house disguised as evil spirits were expected to perform a party trick—whether that be a dance, a song, or a poem—before receiving a treat, which was believed to protect them from the wicked spirits roaming that evening.
Interestingly, some of the treats given included fruit and nuts, and in keeping with the times, money or sweets—but never pork pastry (because who doesn’t love a cold pastry alongside their sugar rush?). The Witchcraft Act of 1735 specifically banned the consumption of pork and pastry during this sacred night, a law which was eventually repealed. Today, children can indulge in their pork pies as they wish.
8. Belsnickling
A Christmas tradition rooted in German folklore (and later spreading to North America), Belsnickling is centered around Belsnickle, a companion figure to Sinter Claus and a stricter counterpart to the jolly Saint Nicholas. Clad in fur and wielding a small wooden whip, he would reward good behavior and punish the naughty, always aware of the mischief children were up to.
What makes Belsnickling such an eerie experience is that it’s typically performed by adults dressed as Belsnickle, visiting neighbors who must try to guess the identity behind the mask. The underlying purpose of the visit, however, was simply to share a drink with your fellow townspeople, even though the sight of these adults in homemade masks might send a chill down the spine of anyone today.
7. Mummering
Newfoundland, Canada, is the home of a unique and rather eccentric tradition known as mummering. The term 'mummering' can be traced back to the ancient Greek word 'Momus,' which refers to miming, masking, or frolicking—a true embodiment of satire.
During the annual Mummers parade, participants dress in full disguise and venture into town, stopping by for what they call a 'mug-up' or a kitchen party. Especially common in rural areas, the mummers are welcomed with food and drinks, and after staggering around the house, the homeowners must guess who the mummers really are.
Originally an English custom, the modern version of mummering requires participants to dress in extravagant costumes and has evolved into a public display, allowing people who join the tradition to interact with strangers in a new way.
6. Cavalerita
Closely tied to Los Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November, is the Mexican version of Halloween, known as Mi Cavalerita.
To honor the departed, children dressed as tiny skeleton figures wander from house to house. Instead of the usual 'trick-or-treat,' they might ask, 'Me da mi calaverita?' or 'Could you give me a little skull?' These are, of course, candy skulls.
A song accompanies this tradition, in which children ask for their calaverita to be 'fed.' They might be rewarded with food and snacks such as fresh fruits and small tamales. Of course, sugary skulls are also given, ensuring the children's 'cavaleras' are filled.
5. Pão-por-Deus
A somber tradition was born in the aftermath of the catastrophic 1755 earthquake that destroyed Lisbon. As the city lay in ruins, a shortage of supplies led desperate, hungry people to go door to door, begging for food in God's name. This led to the creation of a new tradition.
Pão-por-Deus, meaning 'bread for God,' has its origins in a natural disaster. While the tradition has evolved into something akin to modern Halloween, it still survives, particularly in towns that celebrate All Saint's Day on November 1st. Participants go door to door asking for food or treats, but unlike Halloween, this tradition involves no costumes or scares and happens during the day.
The tradition has evolved into a celebration just for children. Gone are the days of receiving bread; instead, children now enjoy cakes, sweets, and even cash, which, let’s be honest, would be a delightful change.
4. Saint Martins
Here’s a celebration that doesn’t involve costumes and won’t result in threats of a candy-blackmail scheme. However, it’s still a door-to-door event. After Halloween, German children enjoy nearly two weeks off to recover from the sugar overload, allowing their bodies to reset before the next sweet-filled occasion.
On November 11 every year, children participate in the Saint Martin’s Day parade, carrying lanterns. The procession, which takes place at dusk, consists of around 4,000 children under ten years old, all accompanied by adults.
Known as Martinssingen, the tradition involves a door-to-door experience where children sing Lantern songs in exchange for cookies called Weckmann or Stutenkerl. The procession culminates in a grand bonfire, the Martinsfeuer, marking the end of the festivities.
3. Ramadan Caroling
While seemingly combining two Western holidays—Christmas and Halloween—Ramadan caroling, also known as Haq Al Laila, is a unique tradition with no actual connection to either holiday.
Throughout Ramadan, especially as iftar approaches, children in Central Asia often visit homes singing cheerful songs to spread joy. They are dressed in colorful traditional attire and are given treats or money in return. This practice is thought by some to symbolize the importance of social connections and family ties.
2. Hoya Hoye
In Ethiopia, during the entire month of August, people gather for festive celebrations in honor of Buhe, a holiday marking the day Jesus was transfigured on Mount Tabor. The festivities are particularly celebrated by young men and boys, showcasing their devotion in a spectacular fashion.
On a special day known as hoya hoye, the younger generation visits homes within their communities, carrying bouquets and reciting unique poems to honor the households. They offer good wishes and prayers for the forthcoming Ethiopian New Year, hoping for blessings such as fertility for those unable to conceive and health for the impoverished.
It is customary for the leader to carry a stick instrument and strike the ground while being followed by others, singing a rhythmic song. After the group completes their song of praise, they are typically rewarded with homemade bread or occasionally money as a gesture of gratitude.
1. Easter Witches
Although Sweden does not celebrate Christian holidays in the traditional sense, Easter spans five days and has transformed into a time for families to gather, rather than focusing on religious observances. On Maundy Thursday, known as Skärtorsdagen in Swedish, children dress up as Easter witches and visit homes to wish everyone a happy Easter. Naturally, candy plays a prominent role in these visits.
The legend of the witches is quite intriguing. These witches, believed to be agents of Satan, are said to fly to Blåkulla, a mystical place, to meet with the devil during the witch's sabbath, which also coincides with Easter. They travel on brooms, cows, poles, or even other people, always ensuring they carry oil stored in horns given to them by the devil.
To protect against these witches, large bonfires were traditionally lit, a practice that has endured over time. Modern celebrations now include children wearing face paint, headscarves, aprons, and shawls to conceal their faces as they race around, dressed as witches.
