Veles's Night and Halloween have common roots, but differ in symbolism and traditions in different cultures. In particular, Halloween, popular in the United States and Europe, is known for its colorful costume parties, pumpkins with carved faces, and more. Learn more about how these holidays are celebrated in different parts of the world

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Halloween and Veles Night are considered mystical holidays that come from antiquity and are filled with the spirit of riddles, mysteries and autumn magic. We decided to gather facts about how these holidays are celebrated in different parts of the world - Europe, USA and Ukraine, as well as their unique traditions.

Despite the fact that the roots and cultural contexts of these holidays are different, they are related to the veneration of spirits, protection from evil forces and changes that occur in nature with the onset of dark nights.

HALLOWEEN IN THE USA 🎃

Halloween, which is celebrated on October 31, originated from the ancient Celtic holiday of Samhain, when people believed that the line between the world of the living and the dead was becoming thin. Halloween traditions include pumpkin decorating, costume parties and visiting homes for “trick or treating.”

Jack's Pumpkins and Lights

Pumpkins carved into the shape of scary faces and filled with candles have become a symbol of Halloween. This symbol comes from the legend of Jack the Lantern, a cunning blacksmith who tricked the devil and was doomed to wander forever with a pumpkin lantern.

Costumes and masquerades

Halloween costumes play an important role. People wear masks and outfits to ward off evil spirits. From classic witches and vampires to pop culture characters, costumes have become more diverse and creative lately.

Trick-or-treating and home decorating

The tradition of going from house to house begging for candy (“Trick-or-treating”) is an integral part of Halloween, especially popular with children. Houses are also decorated with cobwebs, skeletons, and ghosts, creating an atmosphere of mystery and fear.

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HALLOWEEN IN EUROPE🎃

In Europe, Halloween has become popular relatively recently. Many countries have adapted it by adding elements of their culture.

For example, in the UK, in addition to pumpkins, turnips are also often carved, which was a tradition before the spread of the pumpkin. And in Spain, Halloween merges with “All Saints' Day,” when the departed are remembered.

At the same time, costume parties are popular in France, and some cities hold festivals and parades.

If we talk about interesting facts and differences of this holiday, here in Scotland there is a rite of “gaysing”, when children go around the houses in costumes, reciting poems or singing songs.

Also of interest is that in Europe there is an emerging trend to celebrate Halloween in an eco-friendly way, avoiding plastic decorations and choosing natural decorations, such as dried flowers and candles.

VALES NIGHT IN UKRAINE👹

Velesova Night is a Slavic holiday also held on the night of October 31 to November 1 and is associated with the pagan god Veles, the patron saint of cattle breeding, wealth and the underworld. This holiday marks the transition from summer to winter and the approach of the cold season.

Honoring ancestors

On Veles Night the Slavs remembered their ancestors, believing that their souls come to the world of the living. Families set tables with treats for the spirits and left candles to guide them to our world. This tradition has survived in some regions of Ukraine.

Also an important element of the holiday is fire, which symbolizes purification and protection. In the olden days, people made fires to protect themselves from evil spirits. In some regions of Ukraine people still make bonfires and jump over them to “purify” and drive away evil.

Slavic images and costumes

Unlike American outfits, costumes for Veles Night traditionally depict Slavic spirits, deities, and mythical creatures such as mermaids, domovykh, and leshes. These images reflect ancient Slavic mythology and features of local legends.

Both of these holidays reflect man's mystical connection with nature, an attempt to realize the unknown and the magical. Halloween with its modern traditions is an opportunity to relax, have fun and immerse oneself in the world of scary stories, while Veles Night is a more spiritual holiday, reminding of the ancient connection with the world of ancestors.

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