7 Strange Halloween Traditions from Around the World

Jordana Weiss | October 31, 2018

4. Ognissanti – Italy

In the various regions of Italy, there exist a number of unique traditions for the celebration of Ognissanti, or All Saints, which is celebrated on November 1^st. Instead of carving pumpkins in the last days of October, families buy flowers and decorate their family tombstones, so they’re freshly cleaned and beautifully decorated for the upcoming holiday. Most families go to church for the celebration of Ognissanti on November 1^st, however, the real party happens on November 2^nd, a day called i Morti which is dedicated to the recently departed. Many families go in masse to their family gravesite, and it’s thought that while they’re there, the spirits of their deceased family members go back to their empty houses to visit. When the families return from the graveyard, they ring the doorbells so that the spirits can leave undisturbed.

In Sicily, children are given candy and gifts, and they’re told that these presents come from their deceased relatives. Special treats like ossi de mord (bones of the dead) and pane dei morti (bread of the dead) are served, and many families come together for a special meal to honor the deceased.

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