Rich in tradition, Halloween has no shortage of symbols and customs. There are many common Halloween traditions around the world. And there are even more unique 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.
Did You Know? Halloween traditions around the world vary widely. Some countries celebrate it, while others do not. In countries that do not celebrate it, you might find Halloween celebrated among Americans on assignment there with their families, or in U.S. military bases and their families.
All Hallow’s Eve – Another word for Halloween night. This term dates back centuries to old druid and Celtic cultures.
Bats – They own the dark, sinister side of Halloween. Also, bats are purported to suck the blood of victims. They can turn into vampires, and vice versa. Do everything you can to avoid them when they turn inot vampires. More on bats.
Black Cat – These cats are 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 into a black cat and back. More on Black Cats.
Coven – This is a group of witches. If they are good witches, you’re safe. However, if they are bad witches… Beware!
Dracula, Count Dracula – Dracula is the evil lord of the castle in Transylvania. When the moon is full, he turns into a Vampire. Of course, you well know that they thirst for blood…. yours. About Count Dracula
Frankenstein’s Monster – This monster was created in the laboratory of scientist Victor Frankenstein. Allegedly, 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 cozy up and really know him. More on Frankenstein.
Full Moon – Vampires arise out of their coffins only at night, and only during a full moon. Watch out for full moons at any time of the year. On nights with a full moon, a whole lot of hanky and panky goes on.
Garlic and Garlic Necklaces – Use garlic to ward off evil spirits. Vampires will not venture near the neck of a woman who wears a garlic necklace, no matter how beautiful she may be. However, this will cause normal, good-looking guys to 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 where they dwell is called the netherworld. More about ghosts
Ghoul – A ghoul is yet another scary creature, similar to a ghost. But, a ghoul is simply scary and has little character. He robs graves to feed on dead bodies. Unlike ghosts, a ghoul wasn’t previously a human being. And, unlike some ghosts, a ghoul is never friendly.
Goblins – They are similar to ghosts and ghouls. These small and grotesque creatures are mischievous and demon-like characters. You should avoid them at all costs.
Grim Reaper – He is the fictional personification of death. The Grim Reaper is dressed in a long, black or blood red robe with a hood. Sometimes you can see a skeletal face. The Grim Reaper carries a long-handled scythe (or sickle). He comes at death to take bad people to Hades. Certainly, this should cause you to change your evil ways before it’s too late. More on the Grim Reaper.
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, then be creative and make your own. More on Halloween Costumes.
Vampires are real. Every day I meet at least one person who sucks the life out of me.
Halloween Decorations – Second only to Christmas, Halloween decorating is fun and enjoyable as we seek to make the perfect displays indoors and out. In contrast to Christmas, decorating for Halloween is a no-stress activity. More on Halloween Decorations.
Halloween Spiders – Seeing a spider any time of the year creeps you out. This is especially true during Halloween. More on Halloween spiders.
Haunted Hayrides – begin in early October and continue daily through the month. It’s not a hayride if it’s not haunted. This hugely popular attraction is a boon to farms that host them. People will wait hours for their rides. They will venture out on a haunted hayride despite cold, rain, and even snow!
Haunted House – Ghosts inhabit a haunted house. There are bats in the belfry, too. Evil spirits abound. Above all, people should 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 – Scary faces are carved into pumpkins and a candle is lit inside. They keep the evil spirits away. Also, in ancient Ireland, people carved and lit turnips and rutabagas to ward off evil spirits. Read about carving turnips, the original Celtic tradition
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 because they are slow.
Netherworld – This is the place, or passageway, between heaven and earth. It is often referred to as “a thin veil” between these two worlds. Occasionally, lost souls get trapped in it. Certainly, do not be in a hurry to see the Netherworld.
Paranormal – This is a strange or unexplained occurrence or incident. It includes ghosts, witches, crop circles, UFOs, and other unexplained events. More on Paranormal Activities and Events.
Pumpkins – We are proud to say that pumpkins are a huge symbol of Autumn, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. They come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. They look great painted, decorated, carved, or uncarved.
Samhain – He is also referred to as the Lord of Darkness, or the Lord of Death. Depending upon who you talk to, Samhain can be any, or all of these. More on Samhain
Scarecrows – Not everything about Halloween is scary. Scarecrows successfully cross over between fall decorations and Halloween. They are popular in decorating for both events and are much friendlier for young children. More on Scarecrows and How to Build a Scarecrow
Spooks – We’re not talking about CIA spies. Rather, a spook is another name for a ghoul or a ghost. They take pleasure in scaring people.
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.
Warlocks – He is the male version of a Halloween witch. A warlock is not related to the good witches of the Wiccan religion. More on Warlocks
Werewolf or Wolfman– This is a man who transforms into a wolf. More on werewolves
Wiccans – This is a religious group that calls themselves Wiccans or witches. They will argue vehemently that the evil witches of Halloween do not exist. And, here’s an interesting theory about Wiccans: If you disagree with them, and they are correct, then they cannot 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 spells on people. More on Witches
Vampire – A vampire is an evil creature who rises from their coffin during a full moon to find victims. They bite the necks of victims and suck out their blood. As a matter of fact, the victims themselves become vampires. More on Vampires
Additionally, people who like this article on how to make Halloween traditions around the world will also like:
Origin and History of Halloween – the roots of Halloween date back centuries, back to Celtic holiday of All Hollow’s Eve.
Pumpkin Nook’s Halloween Central– From how to carve pumpkins to pumpkins facts, myth and lore.
Halloween Party Recipes – For pumpkin carving parties, Halloween parties and of course the big night.
Party Games – Make sure to have plenty of games for a fun and successful party.
More on Pumpkin Carving – The “how to” along with pumpkin carving tools and kits.
Pumpkin Picking Tips – How to pick the perfect pumpkin- – in the patch, at the roadside stand, or at the store.
Without a doubt, this time of year, you are looking for an awesome new Halloween recipe or two. Then check out some of the biggest and best recipe collections on the internet now.
Pumpkin Recipes – Indeed, over 155 Halloween and pumpkin recipes. And, the collection is still growing.
Halloween Party Recipes – Are you planning a Halloween party? Most importantly, put the icky, gross, and gory into your party snack tray.
TGN’s Garden Recipes – You grow them all season. Now, you cook and bake your harvest.
Apple recipes – Let’s cook and bake with apples, too.
Holiday Recipes – Without a doubt, all sorts of recipes for all sorts of holidays.
