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the crucifix ”. Javed Memon , a Muslim writer , has disagreed , saying that his “ daughter dressing up like a British telephone booth will not destroy her faith ”. Most Hindus do not observe All Hallows ’ Eve , instead remembering the dead in the festival of Pitru Paksha , during which Hindus pay homage to and perform a ceremony “ to keep the souls of their ancestors at rest .” The celebration of the Hindu festival Diwali sometimes conflicts with the date of Halloween ; but some Hindus choose to participate in the popular customs of Halloween . Other Hindus , such as Soumya Dasgupta , have opposed the celebration on the grounds that Western holidays like Halloween have “ begun to adversely affect our indigenous festivals .” Neopagans do not observe Halloween , but instead observe Samhain on 1 November , although some neopagan individuals choose to participate in cultural Halloween festivities , opining the idea that one can observe both “ the solemnity of Samhain in addition to the fun of Halloween .” Other neopagans are opposed to the celebration of Halloween , believing that it “ trivializes Samhain ”, and “ avoid Halloween , because of the interruptions from trick or treaters .” The Manitoban writes that “ Wiccans don ’ t officially celebrate Halloween , despite the fact that 31 Oct . will still have a star beside it in any good Wiccan ’ s day planner . Starting at sundown , Wiccans celebrate a holiday known as Samhain . Samhain actually comes from old Celtic traditions and is not exclusive to Neopagan religions like Wicca . While the traditions of this holiday originate in Celtic countries , modern day Wiccans don ’ t try to historically replicate Samhain celebrations . Some traditional Samhain rituals are still practised but at its core , the holiday is simply a time to celebrate darkness and the dead — a possible reason why Samhain is often confused with Halloween celebrations .”
9 Around the world
The traditions and importance of Halloween vary greatly among countries that observe it . In Scotland and Ireland , traditional Halloween customs include children dressing up in costume going “ guising ”, holding parties , while other practices in Ireland include lighting bonfires , and having firework displays . In Brittany children would set candles in skulls in graveyards . Mass transatlantic immigration in the 19th century popularized Halloween in North America , and celebration in the United States and Canada has had a significant impact on how the event is observed in other nations . This larger North American influence , particularly in iconic and commercial elements , has extended to places such as South America , Australia , New Zealand , ( most ) continental Europe , Japan , and other parts of East Asia . In the Philippines , on the night of Halloween , Filipinos return to their hometowns and purchase candles and flowers , in preparation for the following All Saints Day and All Souls Day ( Araw ng Patay ) on 1 November . :
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