10/01/2012

Halloween Costume Characters

By Paul Schirud


Halloween is without a doubt a pleasurable time of the year. Not mainly for kids but for older individuals in addition. After all, who doesn't relish getting dressed as his or her favorite ghoul, goblin, superhero, or bad guy, and step out trick-or-treating or even to a Halloween occasion. Halloween is an event commemorated worldwide and in nearly every country since there are seasonal and religious connections which are widespread. It has been around for pretty much five centuries.

There is some conjecture about the origins of Halloween(not the name) but the celebration. A number of experts link it to the Roman feast of Pomona, who was the goddess of fruits and seeds. Some others believe it began as Parentalia, the "festival of the dead". It is nonetheless, more often linked to the Celtic festival referred to as Samhain, a Gaelic occurrence which commemorates the end of summer time.

Naturally the name "Halloween" is more generally linked to the Scottish variance of "All-Hallows-Eve", or, the night before All-Hallows-Day or All Saints day. It arose in 1556, and throughout the centuries All-Hallows-Eve became Halloween. Halloween is October 31st, and it is commemorated around the world, though its not all cultures commemorate during this date. Certain nations around the world commemorate on the 2nd Tuesday in December.

Halloween has lots of symbolism and imagery which has transformed over the years and many countries and movements have contributed to it. Most significantly are the Jack-o'-lantern, Dracula, ghosts, death, evil, and dark scary themes. Black and orange are Halloween's official colors. Halloween has spawned a whole industry of costume manufacturers and every year the latest craze of popular movies and characters contributes to offerings.

There's also several activities that have become customs of Halloween. Trick-or-treating is among the most preferred. Kids from coast to coast dress up and go house to house in their neighborhoods gathering candy and goodies. There are Halloween celebrations, prank playing, games including bobbing for apples, and attending haunted houses & graveyards.

Favorite foods at Halloween are candy or caramel apples, candy corn, popcorn, apple cider, and baked pumpkin seeds. Several other cultures have traditional foods they prepare for example Ireland's barmbrack that's a fruit bread.

Halloween symbolizes the season of the harvest and the end of summer. Fall or Autumn in the northern hemisphere is when the weather turns cool and cultures harvest their crops in preparation of winter. Many people maintain it is their favorite season citing cooler weather, back to school, the start of the American Football season, and several other reasons. All in all it is a great time and remains an important part of the calendar year.




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