Interpreting Different Halloween Traditions Around The World
Interpreting is important and beautiful work; because it brings people together, regardless of culture or language of origin. Language interpreters and their work literally bridges the gap between people from different countries and backgrounds. In addition to understanding the actual language, professional interpreters must remain up-to-date with cultural nuance. They understand that language is so much more than just words, because it incorporates the traditions, values, humor of the culture. As Halloween is just a few days away, what better way to celebrate than by learning how different cultures recognize the holiday?
Interpreting and 3 different Halloween traditions around the world:
1. Mexico
Dia de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead) is a culturally significant 3-day festival, dedicated to remembering loved ones that have died. Primarily recognized in Mexico, the 3 days from October 31 to November 2 are culturally significant. The belief maintains that the space between the physical world of the living, and the spiritual world of the dead is at its thinnest.
Coinciding with the changing seasons, the "veil" that separates these two worlds is thin enough to allow for communication with loved ones that have passed on. Therefore, the Mexican festival on October 31 is more about acknowledging mortality, while celebrating the living with vibrant parades and feasts. Reminiscing about loved ones, and making offerings to the recently departed and wearing sugar skull makeup reminding others of mortality. Whereas the singular day in the United States is about demanding candy from neighbors or getting into mischeif.
2. Japan
Over in Japan, the culture has adopted Halloween... while also dedicating a day to remember their own dearly departed. October 31 has exploded in recent decades. Throughout the country, adults will dress up in costumes and participate in colorful parades to mark Halloween. July 15 on the other hand, marks Obon, which is the somber Buddhist festival dedicated to paying respects to ancestors. This is the day when people will light lanterns and start bonfires to guide their ancestors home and visit their graves with offerings.
3. Scotland & Ireland
Interpreters have debated where modern U.S celebrations originated from. Some maintain that it began in Scotland and Ireland with the Samhain festival (pronounced SOW-in). The Celtic festival on November 1 marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the "darker half" of the year. In Gaelic, the name literally translates to November, although celebrations technically begin on the evening of October 31. Dating back to some of the earliest known Irish literature in the 9th century, Samhain has been celebrated with huge gatherings and feats. It was also the time when ancient burial mounds were open, and therefore seen as portals to the underworld.
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