Many beautiful colors and masks are worn during the holiday, almost to show the good side of the dead (Festivals That Honor the Dead). Notice, that many holidays related to death in the English language speaking world, is a time to mourn. While in comparison, many holidays related to death in non-English cultures, is a celebration. For example, America celebrates "Memorial Day" which is a day of mourning in The United States. Memorial Day is a day to reminisce, and honor the dead with moments of silence perhaps, or simply mutual mourning in a family. There is no celebration of death, or any light heartedness about the dead at all.
These examples show that other non-English culture countries around the world look to build strong relationships with the dead, rather than live in the fear of their possible presence. Cultures that do not fear the dead are those that have not been introduced to or grown up with the thought that deceased family members could be something to fear. In Hamlet, Hamlet is scared of the sight of his father. As the ghost first approaches him, he screams "Angels and ministers of grace, defend us! Be thou a spirit of health or goblin damned, Bring with thee airs from heaven or blasts from hell"(51). This quote shows that Hamlet is afraid of the power of this ghost, and is questioning his purpose in being in this living realm. Horatio and Marcellus are obviously skeptical of what the ghost's purpose is as well, but all three are hesitant to follow the ghost. However, "Hamlet loves and remembers his father while everyone else forgets him in their eagerness to get on with their lives" (Low). This reflects the fact that Hamlet still has ties to his father and might not want to let go. His inner interest in future communication with his dad leads him to eventually follow the ghost.
The ghost scene has influenced many English countries and cultures throughout time.
