Photo illustration by Barry Kaufman

There’s that familiar pounding on the door by children craving that sweet taste of candy. Some of their faces are painted with cool make up, others are covered in masks and some are quite hard to figure out. Even though some of their disguised faces are hard to read, one thing remains certain; the more candy you add to their pumpkin containers they happier they are; and this is just in America. 

Some countries of the world have adopted their own traditions that come pretty close to customs of the U.S.  From biting into a cake to predict your future to visits from the dead, here are five unique Halloween celebrations.

China: Teng Chieh

You may not see people dressed up in white linen yelling boo in this Chinese version of Halloween; yet ghosts are expected to make an uncanny appearance. Steeped in history, the Teng Chieh is a ghostly family reunion that is held on the seventh month of the lunar calendar. 

On the 14th day, the spirits of the dead rejoin their earthly relatives for a grand celebration. Beautifully lit lanterns and lights are incorporated into the festivities to guide them along this earthly journey.

Ireland: Barnbrack

To understand the origins of Halloween one would have venture on a journey to Ireland’s Celtic past. And similar to the U.S., you’ll find young trick-or-treaters knocking while dressed in spooky costumes. Although a candy diet is a preferred choice for Americans, the Irish have another treat in mind. 

Traditionally barnbrack is baked with different objects to predict the future of the eater.  If your slice contains a coin, it meant prosperity is headed you way; but if a stick was placed inside it means your marriage is set to be doomed. Which was probably a given, if you're still out trick-or-treating at that age.

Portugal

The cemetery doesn’t seem like an ideal place to hang out, especially during the year’s spookiest holiday; but for the Portuguese this is where the festivities take place on Oct. 31.

Chestnuts and wine aren’t consumed by an open fire, but rather in open-air cemeteries while sending up praises to the deceased. In memory of the dead, flowers are also laid at their gravesites.

Italy: All Saints Day

While many countries have retired their Halloween costumes by Nov. 1, Italy is just getting started. All Saints Day is a holiday of remembrance for the Christian martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the church with a great feast. 

However, the celebration doesn’t only involve a Thanksgiving-like celebration. The next day commences with the All Souls Day, when families get together and also honor the dead with flowers.

Germany: Martinstag

Although Halloween is slowly becoming more accepted into German culture, it has its own German-style tradition. Martinstag may seem like its little late in the game since it is celebrated on Nov. 11, but it is a revered holiday nevertheless.  

Typically, its traditions are similar to Halloween because children carrying lanterns walk around their neighborhoods while caroling for sugary delicacies and other treats in honor of the Roman soldier turned patron, St. Martin.