While many think that Halloween may not be important abroad, I am here to tell you that (at least in Ireland) Halloween is definitely not left behind. In fact, many traditions of Halloween originated in Ireland.
First, the Pagan celebration of Samhain is known as the beginnings of Halloween and was a day that the boundaries between the living and the dead were lessened.
Overall, while festitvities may not be as large in every city of Ireland compared to the US, there are parties to be found. Specifically if you are in Cork (as I am), Dublin, or Belfast or Derry in Northern Ireland.
Here are some examples of traditions that were taken from Irish traditions:
Costumes
Known to be originated with the Celts who would dress up in costumes to disguise themselves in case they encountered evil entities.
Jack O Lanterns
The term comes from an Irish folktale, Stingy Jack. While originally made out of turnips and potatoes, Irish immigrants in America changed the tradition to pumpkins when they were found to be better suited.
Snap Apple/Bobbing for Apples
The game was known to be played after visiting the neighbors where an apple is suspended from a string and children are blindfolded, trying to get a bite. This then progressed to bobbing for apples within a basin of water.
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