Halloween has been celebrated for thousands of years and its traditions have spread throughout the world since the time it originated. Halloween is celebrated in many ways by many people, known for its “spooky vibes” and fun traditions. But one might wonder what traditions are held around the world.

Many places to not celebrate Halloween. For example, American Field Service student Ida Emilie Laugesen from Denmark finds the whole concept of Halloween somewhat childish, but is excited to give it a shot.

“It is more of a children’s holiday, but as an adult we really don’t celebrate it like Americans do,” Laugesen said, “Actually there is always that one kid who goes out trick or treating. But that’s not a thing.”

In Denmark, the Danes hold the Fastelavn, or the Shrovetide. The festival is based on the story of cats being a witch’s and demon’s pet of choice — naturally they would be charged with evil powers — so they would put a cat in a barrel and hit the barrel so when it was cracked open the cat would run away, taking its negative energy along with it. But considering there are standards and animal cruelty laws now, the more popular tradition (for young children) is to take a barrel filled with candy and beaten until cracked open, like a piñata, and the lucky two winners are crowned King and Queen (being the first ones to crack open the barrel).

In Germany, where Americanization has really taken off, the stories of origin are quite similar, with the exception of Halloween being circled around the stories of the Headless Huntsman, according to AFS student Johannes Huy.

“We pretty much copy you guys. For children we dress up [scary costumes] and trick or treat,” Huy said, recalling his own childhood Halloween party. “As adults, it’s basically an excuse to go out and party.”

Somewhat like Denmark, Sweden does not celebrate Halloween as the festive fun Americans do, but more as a day to respect the dead.

“You basically go to a cemetery, light candles and it flowers down on the graves,” junior Oscar Hedlof said.

Some in Sweden choose to put up Halloween decorations and celebrate it as a bigger deal.

“I feel like it should be more about meaning and traditions rather than silly stuff,” Hedlof said.