Halloween, which originated in Ireland and the USA, has become increasingly established in Germany over the past few decades. But how exactly is this spooky festival celebrated here? In this article, we take a look at the customs, traditions, and events that characterize Halloween in Germany .
What is Halloween?
Halloween is celebrated every year on October 31st and is known for its spooky costumes, candy, and jack-o'-lanterns. Originally a pagan festival associated with the Celtic celebration of Samhain, Halloween has evolved over the centuries into a popular secular event.
Origins of the Halloween festival
The roots of Halloween go back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, where people believed that the spirits of the dead would return to the world of the living. With the Christianization of Europe, pagan and Christian traditions merged, resulting in the current form of Halloween.
The introduction of Halloween in Germany
Halloween is relatively new in Germany. It only became popular in the 1990s, primarily due to the influence of American films and series, and increasing globalization. Although the holiday isn't celebrated in the same way everywhere, it's gaining more and more followers, especially in urban areas.
Costumes and disguises
A central part of Halloween is dressing up. In Germany, scary costumes are particularly popular, but funny or creative costumes are also widespread.
Popular costumes in Germany
Classic costumes like witches, vampires, zombies, and ghosts are still favorites in Germany. But pop culture costumes, such as characters from horror films, are also becoming increasingly popular.
Children and the game of trick or treating
Children, in particular, love going door-to-door on Halloween, asking for candy while saying "Trick or Treat." This tradition has become increasingly popular, especially in recent years, although it's not yet as widespread in Germany as it is in the US.
Halloween decorations in Germany
Decorations play a major role in the Halloween celebration. The pumpkin, carved as a jack-o'-lantern, is a symbol of this holiday.
The Story of the Jack-o'-Lantern
The Jack-o'-Lantern has its origins in an Irish legend about a man named Jack who tricked the devil and was condemned to wander forever with a hollowed-out turnip and a coal. In the United States, the turnip was replaced by the pumpkin because it was easier to carve.
Other popular Halloween decorations
In addition to pumpkins, spooky skeletons, cobwebs, and ghost figures can also be found in German homes and gardens. Especially in cities, there are also shops specializing in Halloween decorations.
Parties and events
While children especially enjoy playing trick-or-treating, adults often celebrate Halloween with elaborate parties and events.
Halloween parties for adults
Many German cities hold specially organized Halloween parties where costumes are mandatory. The focus here is on fun, often accompanied by spooky music and spooky decorations.
Well-known events and activities
Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich are known for their large Halloween events. They often host entire street festivals featuring music and food, as well as scary face painting and costume contests.
Clubs and discos with Halloween theme
Many clubs and discotheques in Germany host special Halloween nights where guests are invited to dress up. These parties are often very well attended and are among the most popular events of the year.
Halloween and German culture
Halloween has become an integral part of the German festive calendar in recent years, but it is not without controversy.
Acceptance and criticism of Halloween
While many young people and families enjoy Halloween, there are also critics who see the holiday as a “commercial American invention” and consider it unnecessary.
Religious views and concerns
Some religious groups in Germany are skeptical of Halloween, seeing it as trivializing death and demons. In Catholic regions of Germany, All Saints' Day is celebrated on November 1st, which stands in stark contrast to the spooky traditions of Halloween.
The influence of the USA on German customs
It cannot be denied that the influence of the USA played a major role in the spread of Halloween in Germany. It was primarily through films and TV series that Halloween entered the German consciousness.
Regional differences in the celebration
In Germany there are big differences in how and whether Halloween is celebrated.
Big city vs. rural regions
In large cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich, Halloween is much more present than in rural areas. There are more events and decorated houses. In rural areas, however, Halloween is often celebrated only in smaller circles.
Differences between East and West Germany
Halloween is more widespread in the western German states than in the east, due to the stronger American influence after World War II.
Special regional customs
In some regions of Germany there are also special customs associated with Halloween, such as setting up pumpkin lanterns or lighting candles for the deceased.
Halloween compared to other holidays
Halloween vs. Carnival
Many people compare Halloween to Carnival, as both festivals focus on dressing up. However, Carnival has a longer tradition in Germany and is much more important in some regions.
Similarities and differences
While Carnival is a joyful and exuberant celebration, Halloween is all about horror and terror. Both festivals, however, offer the opportunity to dress up and have fun.
Which celebration is preferred?
This depends heavily on the region. In the Rhineland and the Ruhr region, Carnival is clearly preferred, while Halloween is gaining increasing popularity in other parts of Germany.
Conclusion: How Halloween is developing in Germany
Halloween has become a popular holiday in Germany in recent years. Families and younger generations in particular enjoy dressing up, trick-or-treating, and spooky parties. Although not universally accepted, Halloween has become a staple of German culture and will likely remain a staple in the future.
FAQs
Do all Germans celebrate Halloween?
No, Halloween isn't equally popular in all parts of Germany. It's celebrated less in rural areas, especially.
How has Halloween developed in Germany?
Halloween became popular in Germany in the 1990s due to the influence of American pop culture and has continued to evolve since then.
What are typical Halloween foods in Germany?
Typical foods include spooky decorated cookies, pumpkin soup and, of course, sweets for the children.
Where can you experience the best Halloween parties in Germany?
In big cities like Berlin, Hamburg and Munich there are big Halloween parties and events every year.
Is Halloween a public holiday in Germany?
No, Halloween is not a public holiday in Germany. However, it coincides with Reformation Day in some federal states.