Halloween

Halloween History

Halloween, also known as All Hallows' Eve, is a celebration observed in many countries on October 31st, on the eve of the Christian festival of All Saints' Day. It is an occasion to remember and honour the deceased, including martyrs, saints, and all faithful departed Christians. The festivities often involve traditional trick-or-treating, costume parties, and pumpkin carving. Halloween has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a seasonal event marking the end of harvest and the beginning of winter.

In Sweden, the observance of Halloween has grown in popularity over the past few decades, primarily due to cultural influences from the United States. Historically, the closest Swedish tradition to Halloween is All Saints' Day, which can be traced back to the Early Middle Ages. On this day, Swedes traditionally visit cemeteries to light candles and pay respects to loved ones who have passed away. While Halloween celebrations in Sweden are not rooted in the same historical traditions as in other countries, they have adopted many customs popular in the United States and Western Europe, such as dressing up in costumes, decorating homes with pumpkins, and hosting themed parties.

Today, many Swedes embrace the spirit of Halloween by participating in various activities, such as attending costume parties or taking children out for trick-or-treating. Halloween decorations can also be found in numerous public spaces, shops, and homes. In contrast to other countries where Halloween falls strictly on October 31st, the timing of All Saints' Day in Sweden varies, as it is observed on the Saturday between October 31st and November 6th. Nonetheless, Halloween has grown to be an annual event enjoyed by many in Sweden for its festive atmosphere and communal activities.

Halloween facts

• According to Google Trends’ , the top Halloween costumes of 2023 include Barbie, Spiderman, and Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family.
• In early Celtic celebrations, turnips or other root vegetables were used in place of pumpkins. A burning lump of coal was placed inside the hollowed out vegetable and carried during the festivities.
• Despite its relative novelty, Halloween is rapidly growing as one of the major holidays in Sweden, particularly among the younger generation.
• When Swedish children trick-or-treat, they often say Bus eller godis, which translates to trick or treat in English. Some children also sing songs or present small performances in exchange for candy.

In the News and Trending in Sweden for Halloween

Top things to do in Sweden for Halloween

• Dress up in your favorite costume.
• Go trick-or-treating.
• In urban areas or neighborhoods with a higher number of international residents, it's becoming more common to participate in trick-or-treating.
• Swedes often enjoy cozy evenings at home watching Halloween-themed movies, such as horror or fantasy movies. Some families also play Halloween-themed board games or video games together.