This holiday came to us from Western culture and quickly gained its popularity, but let's leave classic Halloween with its costumes and sweets aside and talk about how it is intertwined with Ukrainian traditions and rituals.

Halloween in Ukraine: Celebrating Spirits and Ghosts

In Ukraine, Halloween does not have as long a history as in the United States, and first became popular only in recent decades. However, Ukrainians quickly adopted this holiday and gave it their own local twist. Celebrating Halloween in Ukraine is celebrating ancient Slavic rituals and beliefs.

1. Masks and costumes: In ancient times, when many believed in the existence of ghosts and spirits, Ukrainians wore masks and costumes to scare away evil spirits and deceive them. Today during Ukrainian Halloween, many people wear costumes to represent spirits or monsters.

2. Candles and Lanterns: Lighting candles and lanterns is part of the Ukrainian tradition on Halloween. In ancient times, lamps and candles were used to accompany departed souls to the next world and illuminate the path for spirits. This symbolizes the connection between the world of the living and the dead.

3. Kalachi: In Ukraine, there is a tradition of baking special bread known as “sorcerers” or “kalachi”. They are often decorated with various symbols associated with Halloween, such as skulls, witches or black cats. The rolls were then distributed to children during the holiday.

4. Horror customs: During Ukrainian Halloween, various performances, performances and “houses of horror” are often held. They are inspired by scary fairy tales and legends, and are designed to entertain and frighten the participants of the holiday.

5. Remembering Ancestors: Halloween in Ukraine also becomes a time for remembering ancestors and deceased relatives. People often decorate graves with candles and flowers and visit them to honor those who have passed away.

Halloween in Ukraine is a unique fusion of Western and local traditions. This is a time when youth and adults can enjoy creativity and fun.