Halloween - DanishClass101

Halloween

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Lesson Transcript

Culture Class: Holidays in Denmark, Lesson 24 - Halloween

Hello and welcome to the Culture Class: Holidays in Denmark Series at DanishClass101.com.

In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Danish holidays and observances. I’m Michael, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 24, Halloween. In Danish, it’s called halloween.

In Denmark, the American tradition of Halloween has gradually grown in popularity. Still, there are not as many people dressed up on October 31st as in the U.S.

On the other hand, more and more people carve pumpkins in the weeks leading up to Halloween. Amusement parks have also become a popular Halloween activity for many.

In this lesson, you'll learn how Danes celebrate Halloween.

Now, before we go into more detail, do you know the answer to this question:

When did the interest in Halloween really begin to grow in Denmark?

If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening.

In a sense, Halloween is simply another version of Denmark's Carnival celebrations. The major distinction, of course, is the "spooky," or uhyggelige, atmosphere Halloween provokes.

Since the early 2000s, toy stores have sold Halloween gear so children can be dressed up for Halloween events in schools and afterschool programs.

Some have also introduced the "trick-or-treat" tradition, or rasle, but it's still not a common, widespread tradition.

Some workplaces hold Halloween parties with themed food and decorations. In addition, many young people have private parties with a Halloween theme or go to a Halloween party at a nightclub.

Besides the "spook" factor, Halloween is also a great time to break up the otherwise uneventful "autumn," or efterår, season. It also means a big boost for pumpkin farmers during this time.

Carving pumpkins has become a nice autumn tradition for people of all ages. Even though the images people carve are often spooky, the candles placed inside emit a warm glow that, in turn, exudes a sense of coziness both inside and outdoors.

Over time, people have become more and more creative with their carving patterns. There are even opportunities to participate in competitions for scariest, funniest, or most beautiful carving around the country.

Amusement parks such as Tivoli and Legoland have, for some years, used Halloween to attract more visitors with spooky Halloween decorations.

In addition, there is another American Halloween tradition that has recently gained traction in Denmark: the "haunted house," or spøgelseshus. While most haunted houses are located within amusement park grounds, little by little, additional haunted houses are becoming popular. It's likely only a matter of time before haunted houses are an essential Halloween activity.

For young people who prefer to have Halloween thrills at home, many have horror movie marathons.

Now it's time to answer our quiz question:

When did the interest in Halloween really begin to grow in Denmark?

It was in 1998 when the tabloid newspaper Ekstra Bladet, introduced annual Halloween events in Copenhagen, where you could win prizes for best costume and participate in horror movie marathons.