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The current version (pumpkins, costumes, trick-or-treating, etc.) was adopted directly from America 15 years ago or so. The typical Norwegian version of Halloween (Allehelgensaften) is mostly of significance for Christians.
In medieval times and early modern times one of the important features was the kekripukki, technically the evil twin of Santa Claus. The band of the kekripukki consisted often of young men and women in costumes, accompanied by the female elf of plenty. The band in scary costumes left on the second day of kekri with empty stomaches to tour nearby villages and demanded tribute of yesterday's leftovers. The strongest or the most handsome man in the village was assigned to guard and treat the kekripukki, while the rest of the band enjoyed free meals. If the band and the kekripukki was content with the offerings, the village was protected by evil spirits and the elf of plenty promised a good harvest next year, and moved on to the next village.
The theme was technically the same as in trick-or-treating, except this was made by adults, and children only in the receving village could participate. Though cheap houses or villages sometimes were a target of minor violence or contempt by the band, mostly the idea was to continue the feast with other people you knew anyway.
The church, as this was technically witchcraft, banned it and this tradition disappeared in the 1700's.
sorry, that sad titles belongs to Canada.
Our news has been talking about snow storms in the US for three days and it is not even "international news".
USA and Canada share the world's longest and most peaceful border. They are also by far the largest trade partners as well. Of course you will see many American events in Canada. In America we see plenty of Canadian events as well. We love Canada!
Many Americans closer to the border sometimes do not consider Canada even "international".
USA and Canada share the world's longest and most peaceful border. They are also by far the largest trade partners as well. Of course you will see many American events in Canada. In America we see plenty of Canadian events as well. We love Canada!
Many Americans closer to the border sometimes do not consider Canada even "international".
different country, different political system, different currency, different laws. Windsor is next door to Detroit and they are completely different.
Canada is as international as Vietnam to the US and vise versa.
Does Germany consider what happens in Austria as local? Canada and US are not even as close as they don't share the currency, and there is no free movement of labour either.
different country, different political system, different currency, different laws. Windsor is next door to Detroit and they are completely different.
Canada is as international as Vietnam to the US and vise versa.
Does Germany consider what happens in Austria as local? Canada and US are not even as close as they don't share the currency, and there is no free movement of labour either.
Canada still feels and looks like the United States, most stores are the same, very similar road signs/system, same language (except QC), and much more in common! Why dislike the US so much?!
Some countries (like Norway) have adopted Halloween. I do not think Thanksgiving will catch on. Is not Thanksgiving basically about eating turkey and watching (American) football? That sounds pretty boring.
Except Halloween originally comes from Ireland, whereas Thanksgiving has always been an American holiday. There's no reason for us to have it. It wouldn't mean anything to us.
Thanksgiving is just a harvest feast. Many cultures already have one. The only thing that distinguishes Thanksgiving is a bit of historical context (the 'first' Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims and the Indians) and the menu of Turkey and some characteristic side dishes.
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