September 29, 2022
Marie Merci Uwase, Employment Consultant, Build ON
Arriving in Canada in October, particularly on October 31st, could be the most surprising culture shock a newcomer to Canada can experience. This day, whereby many people are dressed in different types of scary costumes and masks, has kids running all over the place going door to door with their little baskets asking for candies. Many stores and houses are decorated in scary decorations and figures; for a person who comes from a country where this is not a norm, Halloween can be a surprising or shocking experience!
The Origins
Influenced by a Celtic (Indo-European) ancient tradition, Halloween is thought to have been brought to North America in 19th century by Irish and Scottish immigrants. Through the American culture influence, movies and social media, Halloween spread to other countries all over the world.
Celebrations
While celebrating Halloween is forbidden in different religions such as Islam and Judaism amongst others, Halloween is celebrated in Christianity as All Hallows’ day or as an All Saints’ Day whereby Christians pray for and honor departed souls. As for people who are not affiliated with any religion, Halloween is considered as any other celebration where people can gather to have fun.
October 31st
Halloween is celebrated by many people in Canada and this day is remarkably part of the Canadian culture. On this day, many stores are decorated in spider webs, ghosts and other scary figures; selling all types of candies and costumes. Families decorate their houses similarly with orange and black as the main colours and place an orange pumpkin in front of their doors or yards. The orange pumpkin is mostly carved as a “jack-o-lantern” by family members or friends as a part of an activity on this day.
Things to do on Halloween
Halloween can be fun for children! On October 31st, children dress up in different types of costumes and masks to disguise their identity and carry a basket or bag to go knocking from door to door in their neighbourhoods. When the door opens they will say “trick-or-treat!” and the person who opens the door will hand them some candies, and they will go to another door and do the same until they have a bag full of candies or until they are tired. Many parents participate in this activity by accompanying their children around the neighbourhood and this tradition is very normal in Canada. People who are offering candies on Halloween day will usually leave their lights on for children to recognize that candies are being offered at that particular house, however it is not a surprise when children knock on a door with lights off because it might be tempting to get their bag filled with candies. Even though there is no age limit to participate in this tradition, many children entering their teenage years stop trick-or-treating when they are around the age of 15-16.
Why celebrate Halloween?
On Halloween, during gatherings, many people like to tell creepy stories around a bonfire outdoors or around a good tea/coffee indoors, especially since October is the first month that can experience a light snowfall in many provinces of Canada. Some people enjoy discovering haunted attractions or pranking their friends and family members. Some cities also organise Halloween events such as Halloween Parade in Toronto, Haunt Manor in Niagara Falls, Zombie Walk in Montreal, Fright Nights in Vancouver and other activities around Canada. There is always something going on around cities on this day.
In Canadian culture, Halloween brings joy to both children and adults. Many people wish each other a “happy Halloween”, some people bring candies or treats to share at their work places and it is another reason for people to get together, dressed up in costumes or not, to celebrate! Even though Halloween can be meaningful for some Canadians, it is mostly considered as a celebration day which is not attached to any religion. If ever invited to a party on this day, it is advised to ask if it is a Halloween costume party if you want to join in the FUN of Halloween! This day could also be an opportunity to get familiar with the Canadian culture, meet your neighbours and mingle with new people!