Halloween

Rich in tradition, Halloween has no shortage of symbols and customs. There are many common
Halloween traditions, and even more Halloween customs celebrated by many different cultural and
ethnic groups. Halloween parties are not complete without lots of spooky decorations to set the mood.
Here is a listing of Halloween traditions and symbols, for your enjoyment and use.

All Hallow's Eve - Another word for Halloween night. This term dates back centuries to old druid and
Celtic cultures.

Bats - Bats are part of the dark, sinister side of Halloween. Bats are purported to suck the blood of
victims. Bats can turn into vampires,  and vice versa. 

Black Cat - a symbol of bad luck. Don't let a black cat cross your path, or you will certainly come upon a
string of bad luck. Black cats are associated with witches. Some witches are known to be able to
transform to a black cat and back.

Dracula, Count Dracula - The evil lord of the castle in Transylvania.  When the moon is full,  Dracula
turns into a Vampire. 

Frankenstein - A monster created in the laboratory of scientist Victor Frankenstein. Frankenstein has a
gentle and intelligent personality.  But, you wouldn't know that. His scary, monstrous appearance
causes everyone to run before getting a chance to know him. 

Full Moon - Vampires arise out their coffins only at night, and only during a full moon.

Garlic and Garlic Necklaces - ward off evil spirits, a vampire will not venture near the neck of a woman
who wears a garlic necklace, mo matter how beautiful she may be. The only problem is, normal, good
lucking guys will then avoid her, too.  

Ghosts - They can be good ghosts or bad ghosts. They can be friendly, or terrifying. Ghosts are poor
souls who have died and are trapped between this life and the next. The "in between" place is called
the netherworld. 

Goblins - similar to ghosts and ghouls.

Halloween Costumes - If you are going to a Halloween party or out to Trick or Treat, you need to dress
up in a costume.  No costume, no treats. Halloween costumes can be friendly or scary, simple or
elaborate. If you don't have money for a costume, be creative and make your own.  Haunted Hayrides -
begin in early October, and continue daily through the month. It's not a hayride, if its not
haunted. This hugely popular attraction is a boon to farms that hose them. People will wait hours for
their rides. They will venture out a haunted hayride despite cold, rain, and even snow!

Haunted House - Ghosts inhabit the house. There's bats in the belfry. Evils spirits abound.
People avoid haunted houses for good reason, except during Halloween. This time of year, people will
shell out big bucks for the big scare.

Jack O'Lantern - also spelled Jack O Lantern. A pumpkin  becomes a Jack O'Lantern when it is carved.
It's believed the Irish brought the tradition of pumpkin carving to America.

Lighted Pumpkins - Also lighted turnips and rutabagas. Scary faces are carved into pumpkins and a
candle is lit inside. They keep the evil spirits away.  Mummy - In some ancient cultures, a person who
dies is embalmed and wrapped in strips of white cloth. During Halloween, mummies come alive and
walk upon the earth, scaring people. Chances are they won't catch you. But, if they do, what could they
do with you all wrapped up from head to foot!?  

Netherworld - A place, or passageway, between heaven and earth. Often referred to a "a thin veil"
between these two worlds. Do not be in a hurry to see the Netherworld.

Paranormal - a strange or unexplained occurrence or incident. It is includes ghosts, witches, crop circles
and other unexplained events. 

Pumpkins - We are proud to say that pumpkins are a huge symbol of both Fall and Halloween. They
come in many shapes, sizes and colors. They look great painted, decorated, carved, or uncarved.

Spiders - There's something very creepy about spiders. And, don't bump into a spider web. You just
might stick.

Trick or Treat - Children go out dressed up in their Halloween costumes. They knock on doors, and say
"Trick or Treat". If they do not get a treat, look out! Trick or Treat was believed to have started with boy
scouts.

Werewolf  or Wolfman- a man that transforms to a wolf.

Wiccans - A religious group that call themselves wiccans or witches. They will argue vehemently that
evil witches of Halloween do not exist.  Here's an interesting theory about wiccans: If you disagree with
them, and they are correct, then they can not by definition cast an evil spell on you, as they claim they
are good witches. As for me, I will hedge my bets and not say anything nasty......just in case.

Witches - Did you know witches can be good, and witches can be bad. We definitely distinguish a
difference between witches of Halloween and witches of the Wiccan religion. Wiccans are nice witches.
They just happen to share the same name with Halloween witches. Halloween witches are definitely
evil, and can cast evil spell on people. 

Vampire - An evil creature who rises from their coffin during a full moon to find victims. They bite the
necks of victims, sucking out their blood. Victims themselves become vampires.