Only Americans - Halloween Edition
Living overseas really makes you appreciate more where you come from. There are things that drove me crazy in the states that now I yearn before: the supped up El Camino blaring the latest Nas track, the holographic pictures of Jesus on the rear window of cars that the first time I saw it I wondered if it was a sign, you get the picture ;).
Halloween in Belgium is different than in the states. It seems kids go around on different nights (which I think is dictated by the school or neighborhood they live in) and they dress as scary things like witches, ghosts, goblins, etc. You won’t find a buzz lightyear in the bunch! Traditionally large groups of kids go together from house to house and they will stand in front of your house yelling Dah-may Bon Bons (yes I’m taking french and don’t know how to spell the first word so I spelled it out phonetically. The French is going well obviously :D). The kids scream it until people throw candy on the ground from their window or doors (think of a pinata breaking). This is our 2nd halloween in belgium and we haven’t had anyone come yelling and haven’t seen any kids dressed up around town either.
There is a small population of Americans in the area though, so leave it to them to do Halloween like only an American can! On Friday night, the boys donned their costumes of choice and off we went to Trunk or Treat!
This was really awesome! I’d say there were about 30-40 “trunks” that participated! Most of the participants dressed up and really got into the spirit. There were probably a couple hundred children that walked through with their parents to get candy. The kids loved it and as parents it was just so nice to see the kids experience it. This is something that only Americans could have done (there seemed to be plenty of British and Canadian kids enjoying it as well though)!
Ian still loves the super heroes and I think always will.
And below is master Brum
How was everyone else’s Halloween
November 3rd, 2007 at 7:00 am
Halloween is a very new custom in Germany. I think it was only one or two years ago that kids ringed at my door for chocolate the first time. Costumes, like what you describe for Belgium, are based on scary stuff like monsters and witches. There are other occasions where a broader range of costumes is worn (”Fasching” or Carnival).
I think Halloween is celebrated here because of the big influence US-American TV shows have.
November 3rd, 2007 at 7:14 am
DO people generally like it Andreas? I know in the states when other nationalities holidays bleed over, we all like it! Oktoberfest is a great one, for example.
I love halloween. It was great as a kid and is still great as an adult. It’s just a time to have fun!
November 3rd, 2007 at 9:55 am
Hmm that’s hard to say. I think the kids love it. I can remember when I was younger I always asked why we don’t have Halloween when I saw it the movies.
Personally I like the spooky stuff, but don’t care for the trick-or-treat thing.
November 5th, 2007 at 10:40 am
A guy I work with, just last week, told me his chuch held a Trunk or Treat in their parking lot. I’d never heard of it until then. And now twice in just a couple of days.
November 7th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
That’s pretty cool Delmer! Glad I could make it into one of those “I’d never heard of it until then. And now twice in just a couple of days.” stories
November 22nd, 2007 at 1:38 pm
We love Halloween Sara!! Have a look at this post on my blog here http://scrapzo.blogspot.com/search/label/Halloween
We now have the perfect excuse to dress up and get into the Halloween spirit with our little man! We had a fab time - your little uns look so cute - bless! Love the outfits!