Halloween is an American tradition that seems to have gained momentum in Greenland, and today the ‘trick or treat’ search for sweets by knocking at random doors is very successful among children. In contrast to this ‘normal’ Halloween, the ‘Greenlandic Halloween’, on January 6, is something quite different, a night when you most definitely do not want your kids out on the street. Traditions vary from place to place, and seem to be more extreme in the remote settlements, but like most Greenlandic ghost-related traditions, this is seriously scary: a common tradition is that a disguised person roams the streets carrying a bat, ready to hurt anyone they meet. Another tradition is that people you know visit you at home, completely disguised: the idea is that you should try to guess who it is, but they will not reveal themselves, as the intention is to completely freak you out. Stories of frightening ghost-like creatures (Qivitoq) go along with this tradition. Mitaartut (singular ‘mitaartoq’) are silent masked performers who visit families typically on Epiphany, January 6th. These mysterious characters knock on doors, enter homes, and communicate without words by using humorous gestures and movements that correspond to their disguises, instead. People often playfully tease and laugh at the funny things Mitaartut do, but these actors stay true to their characters, and at the end of their visit they are rewarded with treats such as cakes, candy, and cigarettes. The custom’s name ‘Mitaarneq’ translates to ‘cutting faces’ which refers to the practice of smearing soot on the face and distorting it with strings stretched from ear to ear when masks are not used. Participants also showcase a variety of imaginative costumes and masks, sometimes even mimicking famous artworks: the masks portray a mix of traditional scare spirits and contemporary themes, reflecting both cultural heritage and modern influences, for example Munch‘s painting ‘The Scream’. Mitaartut, the traditional masked custom in Greenland, and Halloween share some similarities (both Mitaartut and Halloween celebrants wear costumes and masks; in both traditions people visit houses or go door-to-door; both Halloween and the Greenlandic customs are celebrated in a playful and festive atmosphere) but there are also significant differences: Halloween has Celtic origins and has evolved over centuries, whereas mitaarneq has it roots in indigenous Inuit culture; Halloween is often associated with themes of spooky and supernatural elements, in contrast, mitaartut does not and their masks and disguises may include humorous or traditional elements; Halloween is primarily for children, whereas mitaartut customs may involve more complex social interactions; while Halloween is celebrated on October 31st, mitaartut customs in Greenland are often associated with January 6th and the winter season. In summary, while both Halloween and the Greenlandic mitaartut customs involve costumes, masks, and visiting homes, they have distinct cultural, historical, and thematic differences. Halloween has a broader and more commercialized appeal, while the Greenlandic traditions have deeper cultural roots within the Inuit communities of Greenland.
