photo : Mesaj’s photostream
As October draws to a close children big and small start to get ready for an evening of ghostly goings-on. Whilst for some this means pumpkins and parties, for others it’s about Purgatory and punishment.
All Hallows Eve
Halloween – or All Hallows Eve – is celebrated in many countries. On October 31st children and adults alike get dressed up in ghostly and ghastly costumes, with one intention – having fun. Pumpkins are turned into lanterns; apples put in bowls of water for dunking; and for many ‘trick or treating’ is an important part of the party fun.
But these frivolous festivities have a more serious side. In ancient times when pagans – people who lived in the countryside and lived by working on the land – believed that when the final crops of the summer season were harvested, there was a magical time when the souls of the dead walked among them and winter began to set in. These souls were celebrated by bonfires being lit to help send them on their way to the next world. And to stop them scaring the living!
Pagans also gave treats to the Gods at this time. Crops were offered and animals sacrificed, to thank the Gods of summer for the foods harvested and to keep themselves in the good books of the Gods of winter. The hot embers from the bonfires were given to families as a sort of good luck charm, to warm them through the cold months ahead.
All Hallows Day
November 1st is All Hallows Day, which is also known as All Saints day and in some places as Hallowmass. In Christian countries, this is the celebration of – funnily enough -all saints!
Unlike named saint’s days – for example St George’s Day or St Nicolas’ day – All Saint’s Day honours anyone who happens to be considered a saint, whether they’re known or not. Basically, it’s anyone who made it to heaven having successfully survived Purgatory or by-passed it altogether by being pure and good in this world.
Halloween in Austria
Being a predominantly Catholic country – and reasonably religious to boot (these usually being for skiing, snowboarding and hiking!) – Austrians have a more sombre celebration at Halloween. It’s a night to honour family and friends who have died, as well as prepare for two very important days that follow – Hallowmass and All Souls Day on November 2nd – when prayers are said to help those who haven’t quite made it to heaven. These are the people still in Purgatory as their punishment for earthly naughtiness that keeps them from Nirvana (mixing beliefs a bit here, but it sort of fits!).
At Halloween, Austrian homes are prepared to welcome the dead souls of former family and friends back to earth in readiness for a week of feasting – All Souls Week. And foodie things are what Austrians do exceptionally well!
Bread, water and lighted lamps are left to lure loved ones back to the family base. But some Austrians also go visiting. They take wreathes and lanterns to the earthly homes of the deceased (like this one in Vienna) as a way of showing their respect and love for ones they have lost.
Parties and Parades
So, should you be in Austria this Halloween don’t be surprised if the ghostly, grisly, fun and frolics you’re used to seem to be in short supply – especially if you’re in a rural area. It’s just that for many folk in that fair land, Halloween is about making a more serious statement.
There will be parties and parades, because if nothing else the Austrians know how to have an amazing time. A religious occasion is as good as any other for bringing out the bands; donning the Dirndl; or maybe savouring a sausage or two. And no self-respecting Austrian would wish to miss the chance to celebrate with a swig or more of their lovely liquor!
Grab your Ghost and Go!
Don’t take my word for it – go see for yourself. There’s still time to book a bed and the new season flight schedules are out from most airlines. Best of all it won’t break the bank – fares are favourable at this time of year.
Chalet Lowonahill is an all-season, rustic style holiday home in Styria. It’s an ideal place for you to discover the delights of all 9 provinces of Austria. To find out more, simply click here.
