Double, double, toil and trouble; fire burns and Cauldron bubbles. In most parts of the world in countries such as the US, Canada, UK, France, and others, people are carving out jack’o lanterns, planning costumes, decorating houses, and more because of the Halloween celebrations. In the aforementioned countries, Halloween is a big celebration, almost as big as Christmas. In fact, in the United States, Halloween is a billion dollar industry. Americans spend over $10 billion dollars a year on halloween. That’s more than the GDP of South Sudan, Lesotho, and Liberia combined. With so much money spent on Halloween by western countries, it is surprising to many in the western countries that Halloween isn’t celebrated in some countries. Here are ten countries that do not celebrate the Halloween ;
1. MONGOLIA 🇲🇳
After seeing an increasing number of people celebrating Halloween in Mongolia, thanks to a high focus on teaching foreign languages in schools, and other cultural influences, the country decided to put a ban on Halloween in 2018. The ban was repeated for emphasis in 2019 by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sports. According to the Ministry, the fast pace modernization could eventually erode the country’s nomadic and Buddhist culture.
2. RUSSIA 🇷🇺
As much as Russian youths may love Halloween, the Authorities, together with the Orthodox church, are waging a strong war against the holiday. Russian lawmaker, Vitaly Minolov has even linked the holiday with the activities of dangerous occult organizations, and he says ; “it violates Russian law”. Because of this, Russian youths cannot celebrate Halloween openly.
3. RWANDA 🇷🇼
The tiny Central-african nation of Rwanda put a ban on Halloween in 2013. The reason, because of the belief that it was encouraging people to move away from the Rwandan culture and way of life.
4. TURKMENISTAN 🇹🇲
Despite a growing popularity among youths, Halloween still remains an oblivious holiday in the Central Asian nation of Turkmenistan. While there’s no official ban against It is not a recognized holiday, and so, October 31st is just like every other day.
5. JORDAN 🇯🇴
The issue of Halloween has been a hot topic in Jordan for some time. Finally, in 2014 the government decided to put a ban on all Halloween celebrations. In 2012 arsonists set fire on a west Amman that had previously hosted a Halloween party the night before. The local Muslim brotherhood describe Halloween as a holiday for the worshippers of Satan. Because Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country, the government had to give in to the demands of the Muslim brotherhood, banning Halloween for good. Jordan, however, celebrates the Eid II
6. MALAYSIA 🇲🇾
In 2014, one of Malaysia’s highest Islamic bodies, The Council, placed a ban in halloween. They instructed all Muslims in the country not participate christian celebration of the dead as it violates Islamic teachings. They further advised Muslims to remember and honor their dead by praying and reading the Koran.
7. CHINA 🇨🇳
Apart from a few Expats, and American culture lovers in China, Halloween is not a popular holiday. Yhe Chinese, however, celebrate The Hungry Ghost Festival (Zhong Yuan Festival). Like the Halloween, it is done to honor and remember dead lobed ones. During the festival, people burn joss paper, give food to monks and the deceased, they also chant scriptures. It occurs on the 15th night of the seventh Chinese month, which is usually around the August 15th.
8. NIGERIA 🇳🇬
Like most African countries, Halloween is not celebrated in Nigeria. However, the country has other indigineous festivals similar to the Halloween. Some of these festivals include the Odo and the Odu Egungun festivals. These festivals like the Halloween, are done to honor and celebrate the dead.
8. MAURITANIA 🇲🇷
Like most Islamic states, Halloween is not celebrated in the African country of Mauritania. With 99% of the population being Sunni Muslims, there’s no law against Halloween. It is a nonexistent holiday for Mauritanians.
10. COSTA RICA 🇨🇷
Halloween is not popular in Costa Rica, and it is not widely known. However, on the 31st of October, Costa Rica celebrates the National Masquerade day. During that day, people wear mask depicting famous people in Costa Rican history. Today, it usually includes characters from Politics, Mythology, Soccer, and even movies.
So there you have it, these are some of the countries where Halloween isn’t celebrated, or at least, where it is not popular. There are more countries where Halloween isn’t celebrated or at least acknowledged. Is Halloween celebrated in your country. Please share your thoughts in the comment section.
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