While the phrase “trick or treat” probably meant nothing to the people who first celebrated All Saint’s Day, the predecessor to contemporary Halloween, there has always been a strong pull across cultures to honor those who have passed on. These days, candy is America’s preferred meal for the haunted holiday, but other countries have traditions that may surprise you. Here are just a few of them.

Soul Bread
There must be a spiritual connection in the rising of dough, because the practice of making honorific sweet bread is prevalent in England, Portugal, and the Philippines. Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos employs pan de muertos in offerings for a similar purpose.

Highland Fun
Ireland and Scotland have a variety of traditions that may be unfamiliar to an American eye. Monkey nuts – simply peanuts in their shells – are a treat on Halloween, as is raisin-filled barmbrack cake and colcannon (a dish of mashed potatoes and cabbage).

Specialty Sweets
Sweets aren’t totally forgotten outside of America. In Great Britain, bonfire toffee is a popular treat. Candied apples, too, have made their way across the pond. In Jamaica, hibiscus tea is a traditionally enjoyed drink which provides a sugary kick.

Going Beyond…
Some traditions are simply uncategorizable. Finnish Kekri lamb roasts are enjoyed on the holiday, while some Canadians opt to go vegetarian. Meanwhile, the people of Independence, Kansas practice their own anti-celebration called “Neewollah,” as a way to discourage late-night pranks. The dish of choice at this event? Barbecue chili!