I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion. ~Henry David Thoreau
When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam,
May luck be yours on Halloween.
~Author Unknown
There is nothing that gives more assurance than a mask. ~Colette
Hobgoblins know the proper way to dance:
Arms akimbo, loopy legs askew,
Leaping into darkness with delight,
Lusting for the ecstasy of fright,
Open to the charm of horrors new....
~Nicholas Gordon, poemsforfree.com
Nothing beats a haunted moonlit night on All Hallows Eve.... And on this fatal night, at this witching time, the starless sky laments black and unmoving. The somber hues of an ominous, dark forest are suddenly illuminated under the emerging face of the full moon. ~Kim Elizabeth
Read More Here!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Halloween Quotes - Part 9
Halloween Quotes - Part 9
May Jack-o-lanterns burning bright
Of soft and golden hue
Pierce through the future’s veil and show
What fate now holds for you.
~Author Unknown
On Hallowe'en the thing you must do
Is pretend that nothing can frighten you
And if somethin' scares you and you want to run
Just let on like it's Hallowe'en fun.
~Author Unknown
Clothes make a statement. Costumes tell a story. ~Mason Cooley
Proof of our society's decline is that Halloween has become a broad daylight event for many. ~Robert Kirby
Hark! Hark to the wind! 'Tis the night, they say,
When all souls come back from the far away-
The dead, forgotten this many a day!
~Virna Sheard Read More Here!
May Jack-o-lanterns burning bright
Of soft and golden hue
Pierce through the future’s veil and show
What fate now holds for you.
~Author Unknown
On Hallowe'en the thing you must do
Is pretend that nothing can frighten you
And if somethin' scares you and you want to run
Just let on like it's Hallowe'en fun.
~Author Unknown
Clothes make a statement. Costumes tell a story. ~Mason Cooley
Proof of our society's decline is that Halloween has become a broad daylight event for many. ~Robert Kirby
Hark! Hark to the wind! 'Tis the night, they say,
When all souls come back from the far away-
The dead, forgotten this many a day!
~Virna Sheard Read More Here!
Halloween Quotes - Part 8
Halloween Quotes - Part 8
They that are born on Halloween shall see more than other folk. ~Saying of unknown origin
Being in a band you can wear whatever you want - it's like an excuse for Halloween everyday. ~Gwen Stefani
You wouldn't believe
On All Hallow Eve
What lots of fun we can make,
With apples to bob,
And nuts on the hob,
And a ring-and-thimble cake.
~Carolyn Wells
On Halloween, witches come true;
Wild ghosts escape from dreams.
Each monster dances in the park....
~Nicholas Gordon, poemsforfree.com
A house is never still in darkness to those who listen intently; there is a whispering in distant chambers, an unearthly hand presses the snib of the window, the latch rises. Ghosts were created when the first man awoke in the night. ~J.M. Barrie Read More Here!
They that are born on Halloween shall see more than other folk. ~Saying of unknown origin
Being in a band you can wear whatever you want - it's like an excuse for Halloween everyday. ~Gwen Stefani
You wouldn't believe
On All Hallow Eve
What lots of fun we can make,
With apples to bob,
And nuts on the hob,
And a ring-and-thimble cake.
~Carolyn Wells
On Halloween, witches come true;
Wild ghosts escape from dreams.
Each monster dances in the park....
~Nicholas Gordon, poemsforfree.com
A house is never still in darkness to those who listen intently; there is a whispering in distant chambers, an unearthly hand presses the snib of the window, the latch rises. Ghosts were created when the first man awoke in the night. ~J.M. Barrie Read More Here!
Halloween Quotes - Part 7
Halloween Quotes - Part 7
Of calling shapes, and beck'ning shadows dire,
And airy tongues that syllable men's names.
~John Milton
Acting is like a Halloween mask that you put on. ~River Phoenix
Stir the fire till it lowe
How like a queen comes forth the lonely Moon
From the slow opening curtains of the clouds
Walking in beauty to her midnight throne!
~George Croly
True love is like ghosts, which everyone talks about but few have seen. ~Author Unknown
Backward, turn backward,
O Time, in your flight
make me a child again
just for to-night!
~Elizabeth Akers Allen Read More Here!
Of calling shapes, and beck'ning shadows dire,
And airy tongues that syllable men's names.
~John Milton
Acting is like a Halloween mask that you put on. ~River Phoenix
Stir the fire till it lowe
How like a queen comes forth the lonely Moon
From the slow opening curtains of the clouds
Walking in beauty to her midnight throne!
~George Croly
True love is like ghosts, which everyone talks about but few have seen. ~Author Unknown
Backward, turn backward,
O Time, in your flight
make me a child again
just for to-night!
~Elizabeth Akers Allen Read More Here!
Halloween Quotes - Part 6
Halloween Quotes - Part 6
Men say that in this midnight hour,
The disembodièd have power
To wander as it liketh them,
By wizard oak and fairy stream.
~William Motherwell
Charlie Brown is the one person I identify with. C.B. is such a loser. He wasn't even the star of his own Halloween special. ~Chris Rock
A gypsy fire is on the hearth,
Sign of the carnival of mirth;
Through the dun fields and from the glade
Flash merry folk in masquerade,
For this is Hallowe'en!
~Author Unknown
Once in a young lifetime one should be allowed to have as much sweetness as one can possibly want and hold. ~Judith Olney
Auld Daddy Darkness creeps frae his hole,
Black as a blackamoor, blin' as a mole....
~James Ferguson Read More Here!
Men say that in this midnight hour,
The disembodièd have power
To wander as it liketh them,
By wizard oak and fairy stream.
~William Motherwell
Charlie Brown is the one person I identify with. C.B. is such a loser. He wasn't even the star of his own Halloween special. ~Chris Rock
A gypsy fire is on the hearth,
Sign of the carnival of mirth;
Through the dun fields and from the glade
Flash merry folk in masquerade,
For this is Hallowe'en!
~Author Unknown
Once in a young lifetime one should be allowed to have as much sweetness as one can possibly want and hold. ~Judith Olney
Auld Daddy Darkness creeps frae his hole,
Black as a blackamoor, blin' as a mole....
~James Ferguson Read More Here!
Halloween Quotes - Part 5
Halloween Quotes - Part 5
There are nights when the wolves are silent and only the moon howls. ~George Carlin
Shadows of a thousand years rise again unseen,
Voices whisper in the trees, "Tonight is Halloween!"
~Dexter Kozen
There is something haunting in the light of the moon; it has all the dispassionateness of a disembodied soul, and something of its inconceivable mystery. ~Joseph Conrad
Ghosts, like ladies, never speak till spoke to. ~Richard Harris Barham
If a man harbors any sort of fear, it makes him landlord to a ghost. ~Lloyd Douglas Read More Here!
There are nights when the wolves are silent and only the moon howls. ~George Carlin
Shadows of a thousand years rise again unseen,
Voices whisper in the trees, "Tonight is Halloween!"
~Dexter Kozen
There is something haunting in the light of the moon; it has all the dispassionateness of a disembodied soul, and something of its inconceivable mystery. ~Joseph Conrad
Ghosts, like ladies, never speak till spoke to. ~Richard Harris Barham
If a man harbors any sort of fear, it makes him landlord to a ghost. ~Lloyd Douglas Read More Here!
Halloween Quotes - Part 4
Halloween Quotes - Part 4
'Tis the night - the night
Of the grave's delight,
And the warlocks are at their play;
Ye think that without
The wild winds shout,
But no, it is they - it is they.
~Arthur Cleveland Coxe
One need not be a chamber to be haunted;
One need not be a house;
The brain has corridors surpassing
Material place.
~Emily Dickinson
Those seemingly interminable dark walks between houses, long before street-lit safety became an issue, were more adrenalizing than the mountains of candy filling the sack. Sadly Halloween, with our good-natured attempts to protect the little ones, from the increasingly dangerous traffic and increasingly sick adults, has become an utter bore. ~Lauren Springer
Where there is no imagination there is no horror. ~Arthur Conan Doyle, Sr.
Just like a ghost, you've been a-hauntin' my dreams,
So I'll propose on Halloween.
Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little girl like you.
~Classics IV Read More Here!
'Tis the night - the night
Of the grave's delight,
And the warlocks are at their play;
Ye think that without
The wild winds shout,
But no, it is they - it is they.
~Arthur Cleveland Coxe
One need not be a chamber to be haunted;
One need not be a house;
The brain has corridors surpassing
Material place.
~Emily Dickinson
Those seemingly interminable dark walks between houses, long before street-lit safety became an issue, were more adrenalizing than the mountains of candy filling the sack. Sadly Halloween, with our good-natured attempts to protect the little ones, from the increasingly dangerous traffic and increasingly sick adults, has become an utter bore. ~Lauren Springer
Where there is no imagination there is no horror. ~Arthur Conan Doyle, Sr.
Just like a ghost, you've been a-hauntin' my dreams,
So I'll propose on Halloween.
Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little girl like you.
~Classics IV Read More Here!
Halloween Quotes - Part 3
Halloween Quotes - Part 3
Hold on, man. We don't go anywhere with "scary," "spooky," "haunted," or "forbidden" in the title. ~From Scooby-Doo
When witches go riding,
and black cats are seen,
the moon laughs and whispers,
‘tis near Halloween.
~Author Unknown
Bring forth the raisins and the nuts-
Tonight All-Hallows' Spectre struts
Along the moonlit way.
~John Kendrick Bangs
From ghoulies and ghosties
And long-leggedy beasties
And things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord, deliver us!
~Scottish Saying
This Halloween the most popular mask is the Arnold Schwarzenegger mask. And the best part? With a mouth full of candy you will sound just like him. ~Conan O'Brien Read More Here!
Hold on, man. We don't go anywhere with "scary," "spooky," "haunted," or "forbidden" in the title. ~From Scooby-Doo
When witches go riding,
and black cats are seen,
the moon laughs and whispers,
‘tis near Halloween.
~Author Unknown
Bring forth the raisins and the nuts-
Tonight All-Hallows' Spectre struts
Along the moonlit way.
~John Kendrick Bangs
From ghoulies and ghosties
And long-leggedy beasties
And things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord, deliver us!
~Scottish Saying
This Halloween the most popular mask is the Arnold Schwarzenegger mask. And the best part? With a mouth full of candy you will sound just like him. ~Conan O'Brien Read More Here!
Halloween Quotes - Part 2
Halloween Quotes - Part 2
Halloween wraps fear in innocence,
As though it were a slightly sour sweet.
Let terror, then, be turned into a treat...
~Nicholas Gordon, poemsforfree.com
Nothing on Earth so beautiful as the final haul on Halloween night. ~Steve Almond
Halloween is huge in my house and we really get into the "spirits" of things. ~Dee Snider
At first cock-crow the ghosts must go
Back to their quiet graves below.
~Theodosia Garrison
'Tis now the very witching time of night,
When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out
Contagion to this world.
~William Shakespeare Read More Here!
Halloween wraps fear in innocence,
As though it were a slightly sour sweet.
Let terror, then, be turned into a treat...
~Nicholas Gordon, poemsforfree.com
Nothing on Earth so beautiful as the final haul on Halloween night. ~Steve Almond
Halloween is huge in my house and we really get into the "spirits" of things. ~Dee Snider
At first cock-crow the ghosts must go
Back to their quiet graves below.
~Theodosia Garrison
'Tis now the very witching time of night,
When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out
Contagion to this world.
~William Shakespeare Read More Here!
Halloween Quotes - Part 1
Halloween Quotes - Part 1
I'll bet living in a nudist colony takes all the fun out of Halloween. ~Author Unknown
As spirits roam the neighborhoods at night,
Let loose upon the Earth till it be light...
~Nicholas Gordon, poemsforfree.com
Eat, drink and be scary. ~Author Unknown
Pixie, kobold, elf, and sprite,
All are on their rounds tonight;
In the wan moon's silver ray,
Thrives their helter-skelter play.
~Joel Benton
A grandmother pretends she doesn't know who you are on Halloween. ~Erma Bombeck
Witch and ghost make merry on this last of dear October’s days. ~Author Unknown Read More Here!
I'll bet living in a nudist colony takes all the fun out of Halloween. ~Author Unknown
As spirits roam the neighborhoods at night,
Let loose upon the Earth till it be light...
~Nicholas Gordon, poemsforfree.com
Eat, drink and be scary. ~Author Unknown
Pixie, kobold, elf, and sprite,
All are on their rounds tonight;
In the wan moon's silver ray,
Thrives their helter-skelter play.
~Joel Benton
A grandmother pretends she doesn't know who you are on Halloween. ~Erma Bombeck
Witch and ghost make merry on this last of dear October’s days. ~Author Unknown Read More Here!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Halloween Costumes Ideas - Part 1
Halloween Costumes Ideas
iPod Commercial
Dress in ALL black, and use black make-up to cover exposed skin. Carry around an iPod and dance wildly.
Static Cling
Wear any kind of mismatched clothes, pin one pant leg up, pin dryer sheets on you as well as socks, small towels, etc., and then use hair gel to make your hair look like it has static.
Partly Cloudy With A Chance of Showers
Wear blue surgical scrubs, glue cotton in a patchy pattern all over the shirt and carry a squirt gun.
Dog the Bounty Hunter
Wear black jeans, a bullet-proof vest without a shirt, a leather band around your biceps, tool belt with a can of mace, and, of course, a long blond mullet. Carry around a "Wanted" poster with your fugitive's picture and information. Flash the "hang loose" sign a lot, and call everyone "Brah." Read More Here!
iPod Commercial
Dress in ALL black, and use black make-up to cover exposed skin. Carry around an iPod and dance wildly.
Static Cling
Wear any kind of mismatched clothes, pin one pant leg up, pin dryer sheets on you as well as socks, small towels, etc., and then use hair gel to make your hair look like it has static.
Partly Cloudy With A Chance of Showers
Wear blue surgical scrubs, glue cotton in a patchy pattern all over the shirt and carry a squirt gun.
Dog the Bounty Hunter
Wear black jeans, a bullet-proof vest without a shirt, a leather band around your biceps, tool belt with a can of mace, and, of course, a long blond mullet. Carry around a "Wanted" poster with your fugitive's picture and information. Flash the "hang loose" sign a lot, and call everyone "Brah." Read More Here!
Hallowwen Ideas: Number 29 and 30
Hallowwen Ideas: Number 29 and 30
Idea #29
Keep all your pumpkin carving tools in a tool box so you'll know where they are every year. Keep them clean and sharpened and you'll be all set for carving!
Idea #30
You can make your own pumpkin carving stencils from clip art and your printer. Find something simple that you like, make a negative of it and print it out! Read More Here!
Idea #29
Keep all your pumpkin carving tools in a tool box so you'll know where they are every year. Keep them clean and sharpened and you'll be all set for carving!
Idea #30
You can make your own pumpkin carving stencils from clip art and your printer. Find something simple that you like, make a negative of it and print it out! Read More Here!
Hallowwen Ideas: Number 27 and 28
Hallowwen Ideas: Number 27 and 28
Idea #27
When choosing a pumpkin to crave for Halloween, make sure that you find one that fits the carving idea you have.
If using a template, make sure that it will fit.
Idea #28
You can use tool from around the house, like an ice cream spade, to clean out the inside of your pumpkin. Visit Pumpkin Carving 101 for lots of pumpkin carving information. Read More Here!
Idea #27
When choosing a pumpkin to crave for Halloween, make sure that you find one that fits the carving idea you have.
If using a template, make sure that it will fit.
Idea #28
You can use tool from around the house, like an ice cream spade, to clean out the inside of your pumpkin. Visit Pumpkin Carving 101 for lots of pumpkin carving information. Read More Here!
Hallowwen Ideas: Number 25 and 26
Hallowwen Ideas: Number 25 and 26
Idea #25
Use a plastic cauldron partially filled with hot water, then add some dry ice and a glow stick to create an eerie centerpiece for your table. Be careful handling the dry ice! It can burn skin very easily.
Idea #26
If you are having a party for the kids, make sure to have lots of entertaining games ready to go. The classic "Hal O. Ween and his Squishy Body" is a great one, you'll find the instructions to it and more here. Read More Here!
Idea #25
Use a plastic cauldron partially filled with hot water, then add some dry ice and a glow stick to create an eerie centerpiece for your table. Be careful handling the dry ice! It can burn skin very easily.
Idea #26
If you are having a party for the kids, make sure to have lots of entertaining games ready to go. The classic "Hal O. Ween and his Squishy Body" is a great one, you'll find the instructions to it and more here. Read More Here!
Hallowwen Ideas: Number 23 and 24
Hallowwen Ideas: Number 23 and 24
Idea #23
Tie small glow sticks to string attached to helium balloons and let them sail over your house for spooky lights in the sky. Make sure to tie off the strings to something solid so they do 't get away! Goblin Light article @ Halloween Magazine
Idea #24
Black lights add an eerie touch to your party or haunt. You can find them all over year round, use the florescent lights as opposed to screw in bulbs which are not true U.V. light. Read More Here!
Idea #23
Tie small glow sticks to string attached to helium balloons and let them sail over your house for spooky lights in the sky. Make sure to tie off the strings to something solid so they do 't get away! Goblin Light article @ Halloween Magazine
Idea #24
Black lights add an eerie touch to your party or haunt. You can find them all over year round, use the florescent lights as opposed to screw in bulbs which are not true U.V. light. Read More Here!
Hallowwen Ideas: Number 21 and 22
Hallowwen Ideas: Number 21 and 22
Idea #21
Make a scarecrow for your front porch or yard to great your trick or treaters. Surround it with a scary or autumn scene to really make it stand out!
Stuff jeans and an old shirt with newspaper, use a stuffed mask or plastic pumpkin for the head. Add some straw for effect. If you want to go more horror themed, use one of the many latex scarecrow masks that can be found. There are some very creepy ones that would look great with this set-up!
Idea #22
Use mini ears of Indian corn, mini pumpkins and gourds to embellish your Halloween party table. They make excellent arrangements for an autumn table as well. Read More Here!
Idea #21
Make a scarecrow for your front porch or yard to great your trick or treaters. Surround it with a scary or autumn scene to really make it stand out!
Stuff jeans and an old shirt with newspaper, use a stuffed mask or plastic pumpkin for the head. Add some straw for effect. If you want to go more horror themed, use one of the many latex scarecrow masks that can be found. There are some very creepy ones that would look great with this set-up!
Idea #22
Use mini ears of Indian corn, mini pumpkins and gourds to embellish your Halloween party table. They make excellent arrangements for an autumn table as well. Read More Here!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Halloween Ideas: Number 19 and 20
Halloween Ideas: Number 19 and 20
Idea #19
Hang long strands of white thread on your porch to simulate spider webs. Make them long enough so that little kids will be able to feel them, too. Spray them with water to add an extra creepy factor.
Idea #20
Have a pumpkin carving contest for your kids and their friends. Buy a few smaller pumpkins and give prizes for the most creative. You can also use paints as an alternative. Read More Here!
Idea #19
Hang long strands of white thread on your porch to simulate spider webs. Make them long enough so that little kids will be able to feel them, too. Spray them with water to add an extra creepy factor.
Idea #20
Have a pumpkin carving contest for your kids and their friends. Buy a few smaller pumpkins and give prizes for the most creative. You can also use paints as an alternative. Read More Here!
Halloween Ideas: Number 17 and 18
Halloween Ideas: Number 17 and 18
Idea #17
Having a party for little ghouls? Let them make their instruments out of oat meal cans, tin cans, add a inexpensive plastic flute, noise makers, kazoos and start a musical Halloween parade through your neighborhood! The kids love it and the neighbors will, too!
Idea #18
An alternative to bobbing for apples is to hang them by their stems with thread from the ceiling and let party goers try to bite them! Read More Here!
Idea #17
Having a party for little ghouls? Let them make their instruments out of oat meal cans, tin cans, add a inexpensive plastic flute, noise makers, kazoos and start a musical Halloween parade through your neighborhood! The kids love it and the neighbors will, too!
Idea #18
An alternative to bobbing for apples is to hang them by their stems with thread from the ceiling and let party goers try to bite them! Read More Here!
Halloween Ideas: Number 15 and 16
Halloween Ideas: Number 15 and 16
Idea #15
Videotape your Halloween memories! Interview some of your trick-or-treaters, your yard haunt, carved jack-o-lanterns. You'll be glad you did when you sit down to watch it later!
Idea #16
You can find candy companies on line that will add a personalized wrapper to your candy bars! They are relatively inexpensive and make a great treat to hand out at your yard haunt! Read More Here!
Idea #15
Videotape your Halloween memories! Interview some of your trick-or-treaters, your yard haunt, carved jack-o-lanterns. You'll be glad you did when you sit down to watch it later!
Idea #16
You can find candy companies on line that will add a personalized wrapper to your candy bars! They are relatively inexpensive and make a great treat to hand out at your yard haunt! Read More Here!
Halloween Ideas: Number 13 and 14
Halloween Ideas: Number 13 and 14
Idea #13
Use apples for taper candle holders. Choose small, round apples that will sit stable on a flat surface and remove the stems. Cut a small round hole in the top of each apple - deep and wide enough to securely hold a taper candle. Make sure the apples are shaped so that they have a flat bottom, so they won't tip over.
Idea #14
Great party idea, start a circle ghost story! Sit in a circle and start a scary ghost story. Each guest adds on to the story until it reaches a scary ending! Read More Here!
Idea #13
Use apples for taper candle holders. Choose small, round apples that will sit stable on a flat surface and remove the stems. Cut a small round hole in the top of each apple - deep and wide enough to securely hold a taper candle. Make sure the apples are shaped so that they have a flat bottom, so they won't tip over.
Idea #14
Great party idea, start a circle ghost story! Sit in a circle and start a scary ghost story. Each guest adds on to the story until it reaches a scary ending! Read More Here!
Halloween Ideas: Number 11 and 12
Halloween Ideas: Number 11 and 12
Idea #11
Fog machines are now very inexpensive and readily available during the Halloween buying season, adding one to your haunt or party makes a big impact on your Halloween celebration and will add that extra effect to thrill and scare your trick or treaters.
Idea #12
Add some spider web to your party decorations and haunt, you can find it at most stores selling Halloween products. Just attach to something and pull it out all over! Read More Here!
Idea #11
Fog machines are now very inexpensive and readily available during the Halloween buying season, adding one to your haunt or party makes a big impact on your Halloween celebration and will add that extra effect to thrill and scare your trick or treaters.
Idea #12
Add some spider web to your party decorations and haunt, you can find it at most stores selling Halloween products. Just attach to something and pull it out all over! Read More Here!
Halloween Recipes: Vegetable and Rice Stuffed Pumpkin - (Vegetarian)
Halloween Recipes: Vegetable and Rice Stuffed Pumpkin - (Vegetarian)
You will need:
1 Pumpkin (14 or 15 inches in Diameter) or 2 smaller ones
4 TB Sugar
2 TB Tamari sauce
1 c Water
1/2 LB Fresh shelled chestnuts
1/4 c raisins
1/4 c apricots, Chopped
1 Granny Smith apple, chopped or any tart apple
1/2 c Walnuts, broken but not too Small
1 Stalk celery, chopped
1 medium White onion, chopped
1 medium Red onion, chopped
1 can Corn, drained
1 medium Sweet green pepper, chopped
1 medium Sweet red pepper, chopped
1 medium Zucchini squash, chopped
1 medium Yellow squash, chopped
2 medium Fresh jalapeno peppers, Seeded and minced
2 c Cooked brown basmati rice
1/4 Ts Mace
1/4 Ts Tumeric
Black pepper
1/2 Ts Cinnamon
4 TB Tamari sauce
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Wash pumpkin and cut off the top, angle the cut so that the top will fit back on more easily, use a big spoon to scoop out strings and seeds. Mix sugar and 2 tbs. tamari sauce (you can warm them in the microwave so they will mix more easily ) and spread evenly over insides of pumpkin. Line the bottom of a large pan with single piece of aluminum foil folded over itself 3 or 4 times, pour 1 cup water in pan, place top back on pumpkin and place in baking pan, cover the pumpkin and the pan with foil. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until pumpkin is just starting to become tender, the thicker the pumpkin the longer it will take.
2. Steam the nuts for about 15 minutes. Rinse them in cool water and slip off the brown skins. Chop chestnuts coarsely.
3. Combine chestnuts with raisins, apricots, apple, walnuts, celery, white and red onions, corn, green and red pepper, jalapeno peppers, mace, tumeric and rice, mix well. Add the 4 tbs. tamari and mix again.
4. Dust the inside of the pumpkin with the cinnamon. Pack the pumpkin with the filling and replace the pumpkin top. Return pan to oven, add water to cover the bottom of the pan and bake for 45 to 55 minutes.
5. If you are going to serve the pumpkin on something other then the pan it was cooked in BE CAREFUL. The bottom of the pumpkin may be VERY soft. Wrap the foil from the bottom of the pan up around the pumpkin as you pick it up, this will keep the bottom intact.
When serving this recipe, scrap the inside of the pumpkin with the serving spoon and mix the pumpkin into the stuffing.
If you have leftovers do not leave it in the pumpkin. Remove the filling and scrape out the pumpkin and store in your refrigerator.
Read More Here!
You will need:
1 Pumpkin (14 or 15 inches in Diameter) or 2 smaller ones
4 TB Sugar
2 TB Tamari sauce
1 c Water
1/2 LB Fresh shelled chestnuts
1/4 c raisins
1/4 c apricots, Chopped
1 Granny Smith apple, chopped or any tart apple
1/2 c Walnuts, broken but not too Small
1 Stalk celery, chopped
1 medium White onion, chopped
1 medium Red onion, chopped
1 can Corn, drained
1 medium Sweet green pepper, chopped
1 medium Sweet red pepper, chopped
1 medium Zucchini squash, chopped
1 medium Yellow squash, chopped
2 medium Fresh jalapeno peppers, Seeded and minced
2 c Cooked brown basmati rice
1/4 Ts Mace
1/4 Ts Tumeric
Black pepper
1/2 Ts Cinnamon
4 TB Tamari sauce
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Wash pumpkin and cut off the top, angle the cut so that the top will fit back on more easily, use a big spoon to scoop out strings and seeds. Mix sugar and 2 tbs. tamari sauce (you can warm them in the microwave so they will mix more easily ) and spread evenly over insides of pumpkin. Line the bottom of a large pan with single piece of aluminum foil folded over itself 3 or 4 times, pour 1 cup water in pan, place top back on pumpkin and place in baking pan, cover the pumpkin and the pan with foil. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until pumpkin is just starting to become tender, the thicker the pumpkin the longer it will take.
2. Steam the nuts for about 15 minutes. Rinse them in cool water and slip off the brown skins. Chop chestnuts coarsely.
3. Combine chestnuts with raisins, apricots, apple, walnuts, celery, white and red onions, corn, green and red pepper, jalapeno peppers, mace, tumeric and rice, mix well. Add the 4 tbs. tamari and mix again.
4. Dust the inside of the pumpkin with the cinnamon. Pack the pumpkin with the filling and replace the pumpkin top. Return pan to oven, add water to cover the bottom of the pan and bake for 45 to 55 minutes.
5. If you are going to serve the pumpkin on something other then the pan it was cooked in BE CAREFUL. The bottom of the pumpkin may be VERY soft. Wrap the foil from the bottom of the pan up around the pumpkin as you pick it up, this will keep the bottom intact.
When serving this recipe, scrap the inside of the pumpkin with the serving spoon and mix the pumpkin into the stuffing.
If you have leftovers do not leave it in the pumpkin. Remove the filling and scrape out the pumpkin and store in your refrigerator.
Read More Here!
Halloween Recipes: Stew In A Pumpkin Shell
Halloween Recipes: Stew In A Pumpkin Shell
You Will Need:
1 large pumpkin
Melted butter
Sugar
2 large onions, chopped
4 large garlic cloves, chopped
Olive oil
3 pounds chuck steak, cubed
1 pound tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 1/2 pints beef stock
2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 pounds white potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 pounds raw pumpkin, cut in chunks
2 cans sweet corn
12 canned yellow peach halves, sliced
Syrup from canned peaches
Bouquet garni
1 heaping teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper
To prepare the pumpkin, cut the top to form a lid, angle cutting so the lid will sit on and not fall in. Leave the stem for a handle. Remove the the "guts", the fibers and seeds and discard. Scoop away most of the solid flesh, leaving a sturdy wall of pumpkin, being careful not to cut through it. Measure out 2 pounds of the pumpkin flesh for the stew.
Brush the inside of the cleaned pumpkin with melted butter and sprinkle lightly with sugar. Replace the lid and set the pumpkin aside on a baking sheet.
Cook the onion and garlic in a little oil until soft but not browned. Transfer to a large saucepan. Brown the beef in the oil and add it to the onion mixture in the saucepan. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, half the stock, the bouquet garni, a little salt and plenty of pepper to the meat and onions. Cover and simmer until the meat is almost cooked. This should take about 1 hour.
At this time, put the pumpkin shell in the oven at 375 degrees. Leave it for 30 minutes, or longer if the walls are thick. But be careful not to collapse the walls. You can use a large casserole as a support for the walls.
Add the sweet potato, potato and pumpkin to the saucepan and cover with more stock. Return to a boil and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender, the potatoes are cooked, and the liquid is thickened with the dissolved pumpkin.
Stir in the sweet corn and peaches and simmer for another 15 minutes. Taste, correcting the seasoning and adding a little of the peach syrup. Remover the bouquet garni and discard. Ladle the stew into the pumpkin and put back into the oven for 10 to 15 minutes and serve. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Read More Here!
You Will Need:
1 large pumpkin
Melted butter
Sugar
2 large onions, chopped
4 large garlic cloves, chopped
Olive oil
3 pounds chuck steak, cubed
1 pound tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 1/2 pints beef stock
2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 pounds white potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 pounds raw pumpkin, cut in chunks
2 cans sweet corn
12 canned yellow peach halves, sliced
Syrup from canned peaches
Bouquet garni
1 heaping teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper
To prepare the pumpkin, cut the top to form a lid, angle cutting so the lid will sit on and not fall in. Leave the stem for a handle. Remove the the "guts", the fibers and seeds and discard. Scoop away most of the solid flesh, leaving a sturdy wall of pumpkin, being careful not to cut through it. Measure out 2 pounds of the pumpkin flesh for the stew.
Brush the inside of the cleaned pumpkin with melted butter and sprinkle lightly with sugar. Replace the lid and set the pumpkin aside on a baking sheet.
Cook the onion and garlic in a little oil until soft but not browned. Transfer to a large saucepan. Brown the beef in the oil and add it to the onion mixture in the saucepan. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, half the stock, the bouquet garni, a little salt and plenty of pepper to the meat and onions. Cover and simmer until the meat is almost cooked. This should take about 1 hour.
At this time, put the pumpkin shell in the oven at 375 degrees. Leave it for 30 minutes, or longer if the walls are thick. But be careful not to collapse the walls. You can use a large casserole as a support for the walls.
Add the sweet potato, potato and pumpkin to the saucepan and cover with more stock. Return to a boil and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender, the potatoes are cooked, and the liquid is thickened with the dissolved pumpkin.
Stir in the sweet corn and peaches and simmer for another 15 minutes. Taste, correcting the seasoning and adding a little of the peach syrup. Remover the bouquet garni and discard. Ladle the stew into the pumpkin and put back into the oven for 10 to 15 minutes and serve. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Read More Here!
Halloween Ideas: Number 8, 9 and 10
Halloween Ideas: Number 8, 9 and 10
Idea #8
For an eerie effect, hang glow-in-the-dark bats, skeletons and spiders from the ceilings and trees! Write scary Halloween messages or body outlines on your front walk using colored chalk or washable fluorescent paint. Use a black lights to enhance the effect.
Idea #9
Treating your kids to a spooky Halloween dinner will make them less likely to eat the candy they collect before you have a chance to check it for them.
Idea #10
Create creepy autumn centerpieces by filling vases with dried flowers, brown leaves, and empty branches. Tie a black ribbon bow around each centerpiece. Read More Here!
Idea #8
For an eerie effect, hang glow-in-the-dark bats, skeletons and spiders from the ceilings and trees! Write scary Halloween messages or body outlines on your front walk using colored chalk or washable fluorescent paint. Use a black lights to enhance the effect.
Idea #9
Treating your kids to a spooky Halloween dinner will make them less likely to eat the candy they collect before you have a chance to check it for them.
Idea #10
Create creepy autumn centerpieces by filling vases with dried flowers, brown leaves, and empty branches. Tie a black ribbon bow around each centerpiece. Read More Here!
Halloween Ideas: Number 6 and 7
Halloween Ideas: Number 6 and 7
Idea #6
Add the effect of lightning to your haunted house, yard haunt or Halloween party with the Lightning Machine from Haunted Creations. This unit realistically simulates the effects of both thunder and lightning! Read all about it in the lighting section at:
The Yard Haunter
Idea #7
Use clear food handlers plastic gloves to freeze ice hands to throw in the punch bowl. It will keep it cold and look great! Read More Here!
Idea #6
Add the effect of lightning to your haunted house, yard haunt or Halloween party with the Lightning Machine from Haunted Creations. This unit realistically simulates the effects of both thunder and lightning! Read all about it in the lighting section at:
The Yard Haunter
Idea #7
Use clear food handlers plastic gloves to freeze ice hands to throw in the punch bowl. It will keep it cold and look great! Read More Here!
Halloween Ideas: Number 3, 4 and 5
Halloween Ideas: Number 3, 4 and 5
Idea #3
Hollow out mini pumpkins and use as votive candle holders. They are inexpensive and look really great, you can even carve faces in them!
Idea #4
Ask your Halloween party guests to bring a carved pumpkin to the party. Set up a special table to display them all on (this will also enhance your party décor!)
Idea #5
Serve fresh veggies using a hollowed out pumpkin as a bowl. Cut of the top and clean out, leaving the top in a jagged edge design! Use mini pumpkins to hold dips! Read More Here!
Idea #3
Hollow out mini pumpkins and use as votive candle holders. They are inexpensive and look really great, you can even carve faces in them!
Idea #4
Ask your Halloween party guests to bring a carved pumpkin to the party. Set up a special table to display them all on (this will also enhance your party décor!)
Idea #5
Serve fresh veggies using a hollowed out pumpkin as a bowl. Cut of the top and clean out, leaving the top in a jagged edge design! Use mini pumpkins to hold dips! Read More Here!
Halloween Ideas: Number 2
Halloween Ideas: Number 2
Idea #2
You can carve some truly beautiful and artistic pumpkins freehand, but if you want to create really detailed carvings you'll want to use a pumpkin carving pattern. If you've never carved a pumpkin this way before you may be a bit intimidated, but don't worry, its easier than you think and you'll love the results. You can find all kinds of stencil booklets at retailers during the Halloween season. Old tree trunks or cut sections of thick limbs make great stands for your Jack O' Lanterns. Read More Here!
Halloween Ideas: Number 1
Halloween Ideas: Number 1
Idea #1
Add a classic coffin to your haunt! Vintage Coffins specializes in building a variety of classic coffins using old world craftsmanship, including the ever popular toe pincher style and their "Black Gothic Toe Pincher" Coffin is without a doubt the most beautiful and well made Halloween coffin we have ever seen! This coffin is the ultimate show piece for Halloween, your Halloween party or just to accent your home every day of the year, like we do. Read More Here!
Halloween Recipes: Caramel Apple Heads
Halloween Recipes: Caramel Apple Heads
You will need:
Hats:
6 chocolate wafer cookie wafers
6 chocolate ice cream cones
2 tablespoons melted chocolate or chocolate frosting
Hatbands:
Orange Fruit-by-the-Foot
Hair:
12 black licorice twists
Mouths and teeth:
6 (2-inch) strips of cherry Fruit-by-the-Foot
3 miniature marshmallows
Eyes:
12 tiny green candies
Noses:
3 caramels
Main Ingredients:
1 (14-ounce) bag caramels with sticks*
1 tablespoon water
6 small Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples
Directions
1. For Hats: Place cookies on cutting board. Using tip of a paring knife, make a slit in middle of each for a stick. Insert stick to check opening size. Remove stick; set aside. With a serrated knife, saw 1 1/4-inch off wide end of cones. Spread melted chocolate on cut ends; glue cone onto cookies.
2. For Hatbands: Cut candy into strips to fit around hats with a slight overlap. Moisten one end; wrap around hat, overlapping moist end. Press to adhere.
3. For Hair: Cut each licorice twist in half crosswise, then in half lengthwise. cut 6 to 8 "hairs" from cut end to 1/4-inch of uncut end.
4. For mouths and teeth: With paper backing left on fruit roll, use scissors to cut a mouth from each strip. Snip each marshmallow in half, then each half in half again. Press 2 teeth onto each mouth.
5. For Noses: Cut 3 caramels in half diagonally. Shape each piece into a nose.
6. Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper or foil; coat with nonstick cooking spray.
7. With scissors, cut about 1/2-inch off each stick; insert cut end in stem end of each apple.
8. Coat blade of a knife with nonstick cooking spray.
9. Microwave caramels and water in a 2 1/2-cup bowl on HIGH (100%) 3 to 4 minutes, stirring every minute (careful, use a potholder - mixture gets very hot!), until smooth and bubbly.
10. Dip apples 1 at a time, letting excess drip back into bowl. When dripping stops, scrape caramel off bottom of apple with coated knife. Place on prepared cookie sheet. Refrigerate just until caramel sets, about 15 minutes.
11. To assemble: Press hair (8 strips per apple), hats, eyes and noses in place. Peel mouths off paper; press in place.
Serves 6.
*If you can't find bags of caramels labeled "with sticks", you can buy sticks at crafts and party-supply stores.
Read More Here!
You will need:
Hats:
6 chocolate wafer cookie wafers
6 chocolate ice cream cones
2 tablespoons melted chocolate or chocolate frosting
Hatbands:
Orange Fruit-by-the-Foot
Hair:
12 black licorice twists
Mouths and teeth:
6 (2-inch) strips of cherry Fruit-by-the-Foot
3 miniature marshmallows
Eyes:
12 tiny green candies
Noses:
3 caramels
Main Ingredients:
1 (14-ounce) bag caramels with sticks*
1 tablespoon water
6 small Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples
Directions
1. For Hats: Place cookies on cutting board. Using tip of a paring knife, make a slit in middle of each for a stick. Insert stick to check opening size. Remove stick; set aside. With a serrated knife, saw 1 1/4-inch off wide end of cones. Spread melted chocolate on cut ends; glue cone onto cookies.
2. For Hatbands: Cut candy into strips to fit around hats with a slight overlap. Moisten one end; wrap around hat, overlapping moist end. Press to adhere.
3. For Hair: Cut each licorice twist in half crosswise, then in half lengthwise. cut 6 to 8 "hairs" from cut end to 1/4-inch of uncut end.
4. For mouths and teeth: With paper backing left on fruit roll, use scissors to cut a mouth from each strip. Snip each marshmallow in half, then each half in half again. Press 2 teeth onto each mouth.
5. For Noses: Cut 3 caramels in half diagonally. Shape each piece into a nose.
6. Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper or foil; coat with nonstick cooking spray.
7. With scissors, cut about 1/2-inch off each stick; insert cut end in stem end of each apple.
8. Coat blade of a knife with nonstick cooking spray.
9. Microwave caramels and water in a 2 1/2-cup bowl on HIGH (100%) 3 to 4 minutes, stirring every minute (careful, use a potholder - mixture gets very hot!), until smooth and bubbly.
10. Dip apples 1 at a time, letting excess drip back into bowl. When dripping stops, scrape caramel off bottom of apple with coated knife. Place on prepared cookie sheet. Refrigerate just until caramel sets, about 15 minutes.
11. To assemble: Press hair (8 strips per apple), hats, eyes and noses in place. Peel mouths off paper; press in place.
Serves 6.
*If you can't find bags of caramels labeled "with sticks", you can buy sticks at crafts and party-supply stores.
Read More Here!
Halloween Recipes: Breadstick Bones
Halloween Recipes: Breadstick Bones
You will need:
1 (7-ounce) can refrigerated breadsticks
1 egg white, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Suggested Dipping Sauces:
Bottled marinara sauce, heated
Ranch dressing
Honey mustard sauce
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 375°F (175°C). Grease or spray baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Unroll dough; separate at perforations into 6 breadsticks. Roll each 12 inches long. Carefully tie a loose knot in both ends of each breadstick and place on prepared baking sheet.
3. Brush breadsticks with egg white. Sprinkle with cheese.
4. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Serve warm "bones" with desired dipping sauce.
Makes 6 servings.
Read More Here!
You will need:
1 (7-ounce) can refrigerated breadsticks
1 egg white, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Suggested Dipping Sauces:
Bottled marinara sauce, heated
Ranch dressing
Honey mustard sauce
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 375°F (175°C). Grease or spray baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Unroll dough; separate at perforations into 6 breadsticks. Roll each 12 inches long. Carefully tie a loose knot in both ends of each breadstick and place on prepared baking sheet.
3. Brush breadsticks with egg white. Sprinkle with cheese.
4. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Serve warm "bones" with desired dipping sauce.
Makes 6 servings.
Read More Here!
Halloween Recipes: Bat Wings with Swamp Dip
Halloween Recipes: Bat Wings with Swamp Dip
20 chicken wings (3-1/2 pounds)
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon five spice powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
Swamp Dip (recipe follows)
Directions
1. Place wings in a plastic bag set in a shallow dish. In a small bowl stir together soy sauce, ginger, crushed red pepper, five spice powder and garlic. Pour over wings. Close bag and toss to coat. Chill in refrigerator several hours or overnight, turning bag occasionally. Remove wings from bag, reserving marinade.
2. Place wings on a foil-lined 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake, uncovered, in a 450 degree F oven for 10 minutes. Brush with reserved marinade (discard remaining marinade). Bake 15 to 20 minutes longer or until chicken is tender and no longer pink. Serve with Swamp Dip.
Makes 20 appetizers.
Swamp Dip: In a small bowl stir together a 8-ounce container of dairy sour cream and 3 tablespoons coarse ground mustard. Garnish with fresh whole chives. Serve with bat wings.
Read More Here!
20 chicken wings (3-1/2 pounds)
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon five spice powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
Swamp Dip (recipe follows)
Directions
1. Place wings in a plastic bag set in a shallow dish. In a small bowl stir together soy sauce, ginger, crushed red pepper, five spice powder and garlic. Pour over wings. Close bag and toss to coat. Chill in refrigerator several hours or overnight, turning bag occasionally. Remove wings from bag, reserving marinade.
2. Place wings on a foil-lined 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake, uncovered, in a 450 degree F oven for 10 minutes. Brush with reserved marinade (discard remaining marinade). Bake 15 to 20 minutes longer or until chicken is tender and no longer pink. Serve with Swamp Dip.
Makes 20 appetizers.
Swamp Dip: In a small bowl stir together a 8-ounce container of dairy sour cream and 3 tablespoons coarse ground mustard. Garnish with fresh whole chives. Serve with bat wings.
Read More Here!
Halloween Recipes: Brain Cupcakes
Halloween Recipes: Brain Cupcakes
RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
12 Cupcakes (Classic Cupcake Recipe)
Buttercream Frosting
Food Coloring
1. Bake a batch of classic cupcakes.
2. Spread a coat of light orange icing (we stirred drops of yellow and pink food coloring, and just a touch of green, into 2 cups of buttercream frosting until we had a hue we liked) on a dozen cupcakes.
3. Use a pastry bag fitted with a number 10 round tip to top them with fat zigzags. It works best to first pipe two zigzags down the middle and then fill in the sides. Read More Here!
RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
12 Cupcakes (Classic Cupcake Recipe)
Buttercream Frosting
Food Coloring
1. Bake a batch of classic cupcakes.
2. Spread a coat of light orange icing (we stirred drops of yellow and pink food coloring, and just a touch of green, into 2 cups of buttercream frosting until we had a hue we liked) on a dozen cupcakes.
3. Use a pastry bag fitted with a number 10 round tip to top them with fat zigzags. It works best to first pipe two zigzags down the middle and then fill in the sides. Read More Here!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Halloween costumes
Halloween costumes
Halloween costumes are outfits worn on or around October 31, the day of Halloween. Halloween is a modern-day holiday originating in the Pagan Celtic holiday of Samhain (in Christian times, the eve of All Saints Day).
Although popular histories of Halloween claim that the practice goes back to ancient celebrations of Samhain, in fact there is little primary documentation of masking or costuming on Halloween before the twentieth century. Costuming became popular for Halloween parties in America in the early 1900s, as often for adults as for children. The first mass-produced Halloween costumes appeared in stores in the 1930s when trick-or-treating was becoming popular in the United States.
What sets Halloween costumes apart from costumes for other celebrations or days of dressing up is that they are often designed to imitate supernatural and scary beings. Costumes are traditionally those of monsters such as vampires, ghosts, skeletons, witches, and devils. There are also costumes of pop culture figures like presidents, or film, television, and cartoon characters. Another popular trend is for women (and in some cases, men) to use Halloween as an excuse to wear particularly revealing costumes, showing off more skin than would be socially acceptable otherwise.
Halloween costume parties generally fall on, or around, 31 October, often falling on the Friday or Saturday prior to Halloween.
According to The National Retail Federation’s (NRF) 2007 Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, the top Halloween costumes for children in the United States are:
1. Princess
2. Spider-Man
3. Witch
4. Disney Princess
5. Star Wars Character
6. Pumpkin
7. Ghost
8. Power Ranger
The top Halloween costumes for adults in the same year were:
1. Witch
2. Vampire
3. Cat
4. Princess
5. Fairy
6. Wench / Tart
7. Clown
8. Angel
9. Nurse
Read More Here!
Halloween Trick-or-treating
Halloween Trick-or-treating
Trick-or-treating, is an activity for children on or around Halloween in which they proceed from house to house in costumes, asking for treats such as confectionery with the question, "Trick or treat?" The "trick" part of "trick or treat" is a threat to play a trick on the homeowner or his property if no treat is given. Trick-or-treating is one of the main traditions of Halloween. It has become socially expected that if one lives in a neighborhood with children one should purchase treats in preparation for trick-or-treaters. The National Confectioners Association reported in 2005 that 80 percent of adults in the United States planned to give out confectionery to trick-or-treaters, and that 93 percent of children planned to go trick-or-treating.
The activity is popular in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and due to increased American cultural influence in recent years, imported through exposure to US television and other media, trick-or-treating has started to occur among children in many parts of Europe, and in the Saudi Aramco camps of Dhahran, Akaria compounds and Ras Tanura in Saudi Arabia. The most significant growth — and resistance — is in the United Kingdom, where the police have threatened to prosecute parents who allow their children to carry out the "trick" element. In continental Europe, where the commerce-driven importation of Halloween is seen with more skepticism, numerous destructive or illegal "tricks" and police warnings have further raised suspicion about this game and Halloween in general.
In Sweden children dress up as witches and go trick-or-treating on Maundy Thursday (the Thursday before Easter) while Danish children dress up in various attires and go trick-or-treating on Fastelavn (or the next day, Shrove Monday).
In Ohio, Iowa, and Massachusetts, the night designated for Trick-or-treating is often referred to as Beggars Night.
Read More Here!
Halloween Symbols
Halloween Symbols
The carved pumpkin, lit by a candle inside, is one of Halloween's most prominent symbols in America, and is commonly called a jack-o'-lantern.
Originating in Europe, these lanterns were first carved from a turnip or rutabaga. Believing that the head was the most powerful part of the body containing the spirit and the knowledge, the Celts used the "head" of the vegetable to frighten off any superstitions.
The name jack-o'-lantern can be traced back to the Irish legend of Stingy Jack, a greedy, gambling, hard-drinking old farmer.
He tricked the devil into climbing a tree and trapped him by carving a cross into the tree trunk. In revenge, the devil placed a curse on Jack, condemning him to forever wander the earth at night with the only light he had: a candle inside of a hollowed turnip.
The carving of pumpkins is associated with Halloween in North America, where pumpkins were readily available and much larger, making them easier to carve than turnips. Many families that celebrate Halloween carve a pumpkin into a frightening or comical face and place it on their home's doorstep after dark. In America the tradition of carving pumpkins is known to have preceded the Great Famine period of Irish immigration. The carved pumpkin was originally associated with harvest time in general in America and did not become specifically associated with Halloween until the mid-to-late 19th century.
The imagery surrounding Halloween is largely an amalgamation of the Halloween season itself, nearly a century of work from American filmmakers and graphic artists, and a rather commercialized take on the dark and mysterious. Halloween imagery tends to involve death, magic, or mythical monsters. Traditional characters include ghosts, ghouls, witches, vampires, bats, owls, crows, vultures, pumpkin-men, black cats, spiders, goblins, zombies, mummies, skeletons, and demons.
Particularly in America, symbolism is inspired by classic horror films, which contain fictional figures like Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, and The Mummy. Elements of the autumn season, such as pumpkins and scarecrows, are also prevalent. Homes are often decorated with these types of symbols around Halloween.
Read More Here!
History of name Halloween
History of name Halloween
The term Halloween is shortened from All Hallows' Eve,(Both "even" and "eve" are abbreviations of "evening", but "Halloween" gets its "n" from "even".) as it is the eve of "All Hallows' Day",which is now also known as All Saints' Day. It was a day of religious festivities in various northern European Pagan traditions, until Popes Gregory III and Gregory IV moved the old Christian feast of All Saints' Day from May 13 (which had itself been the date of a pagan holiday, the Feast of the Lemures) to November 1.
In the ninth century, the Church measured the day as starting at sunset, in accordance with the Florentine calendar. Although All Saints' Day is now considered to occur one day after Halloween, the two holidays were, at that time, celebrated on the same day. Liturgically, the Church traditionally celebrated that day as the Vigil of All Saints, and, until 1970, a day of fasting as well. Like other vigils, it was celebrated on the previous day if it fell on a Sunday, although secular celebrations of the holiday remained on the 31st. The Vigil was suppressed in 1955, but was later restored in the post-Vatican II calendar. Read More Here!
History of Halloween
History of Halloween
History of Halloween, like any other festival's history is inspired through traditions that have transpired through ages from one generation to another. We follow them mostly as did our dads and grandpas.
And as this process goes on, much of their originality get distorted with newer additions and alterations. It happens so gradually, spanning over so many ages, that we hardly come to know about these distortions. At one point of time it leaves us puzzled, with its multicolored faces.
Digging into its history helps sieve out the facts from the fantasies which caught us unaware. Yet, doubts still lurk deep in our soul, especially when the reality differs from what has taken a deep seated root into our beliefs. The history of Halloween Day, as culled from the net, is being depicted here in this light.
This is to help out those who are interested in washing off the superficial hues to reach the core and know things as they truly are. 'Trick or treat' may be an innocent fun to relish on the Halloween Day. But just think about a bunch of frightening fantasies and the scary stories featuring ghosts, witches, monsters, evils, elves and animal sacrifices associated with it. They are no more innocent. Are these stories a myth or there is a blend of some reality? Come and plunge into the halloween history to unfurl yourself the age-old veil of mysticism draped around it.
Behind the name... Halloween, or the Hallow E'en as they call it in Ireland , means All Hallows Eve, or the night before the 'All Hallows', also called 'All Hallowmas', or 'All Saints', or 'All Souls' Day, observed on November 1.
In old English the word 'Hallow' meant 'sanctify'. Roman Catholics, Episcopalians and Lutherians used to observe All Hallows Day to honor all Saints in heaven, known or unknown. They used to consider it with all solemnity as one of the most significant observances of the Church year. And Catholics, all and sundry, was obliged to attend Mass. The Romans observed the holiday of Feralia, intended to give rest and peace to the departed. Participants made sacrifices in honor of the dead, offered up prayers for them, and made oblations to them.
The festival was celebrated on February 21, the end of the Roman year. In the 7th century, Pope Boniface IV introduced All Saints' Day to replace the pagan festival of the dead. It was observed on May 13. Later, Gregory III changed the date to November 1. The Greek Orthodox Church observes it on the first Sunday after Pentecost. Despite this connection with the Roman Church, the American version of Halloween Day celebration owes its origin to the ancient (pre-Christian) Druidic fire festival called "Samhain", celebrated by the Celts in Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Samhain is pronounced "sow-in", with "sow" rhyming with cow.
In Ireland the festival was known as Samhein, or La Samon, the Feast of the Sun. In Scotland, the celebration was known as Hallowe'en. In Welsh it's Nos Galen-gaeof (that is, the Night of the Winter Calends. According to the Irish English dictionary published by the Irish Texts Society: "Samhain, All Hallowtide, the feast of the dead in Pagan and Christian times, signalizing the close of harvest and the initiation of the winter season, lasting till May, during which troops (esp. the Fiann) were quartered.
Faeries were imagined as particularly active at this season. From it the half year is reckoned. also called Feile Moingfinne (Snow Goddess).(1) The Scottish Gaelis Dictionary defines it as "Hallowtide. The Feast of All Soula. Sam + Fuin = end of summer."(2) Contrary to the information published by many organizations, there is no archaeological or literary evidence to indicate that Samhain was a deity.
The Celtic Gods of the dead were Gwynn ap Nudd for the British, and Arawn for the Welsh. The Irish did not have a "lord of death" as such. Thus most of the customs connected with the Day are remnants of the ancient religious beliefs and rituals, first of the Druids and then transcended amongst the Roman Christians who conquered them.
Read More Here!
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