Hall-ow·een [hal-uh-ween, -oh-een, hol-] noun
Halloween or All Hallows’ Eve is a yearly celebration held on the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Saints or All Hallows on October 31st. It’s a day that can be traced back to the pagan festival or ancient Ireland also known as Samhain. It is thought to mark the end of summer and the onset of winter and is celebrated with feasting, bonfire, sacrificial offering and homage to the dead.
A tradition that is celebrated worldwide has caught Australia’s attention and this phenonomen is vastly becoming more popular each year.
Typical Halloween symbols include black cats, bats, spiders, ghosts, skeletons, witches and wizards. These are among the most popular costume’s used on Halloween. Pumpkins, graveyards, cobwebs, coffins and haunted houses are among the traditional decorations for those who celebrate.
Trick-or-treating otherwise known as knocking on stranger’s doors and asking for lollies, is one of the most famous traditions of Halloween and one which children delightfully take part in whilst wearing a costume.
But this celebration is not just for children. Adults can hold Halloween parties or stay up late watching horror movies. And in time with finishing uni this year, what better way to celebrate then dress up as your favourite character, mingle with friends and enjoy a cold class of punch (ingredients are whatever you choose).
So in the spirit of celebrating, here is a list of potential Halloween costumes, horror movie ideas and party treats.
Costumes:
Forget the spice girls; try dressing up as the boys from One Direction, Miley Cyrus is her bare-all VMA outfit, The Great Gatsby Characters, or the cast of mean girls. Get creative with your costumes and go as Disney characters with a twist (make Ariel a rock-chick or snow white indie).
Movies:
When a Stranger Calls (1979 version), Carrie, Amityville Horror, The Mothman Prophecies, The Hills Have Eyes, Wolf Creek, The Changeling, 1408 and Nightmare on Elm Street.
Party Treats:
Head to Woolworths for the limited edition Halloween candy or get creative by using just orange, green or black candy. For ideas on how to dress up food (cupcakes and cakes) to suit Halloween, check these out.
When it comes to drinking, spice up that old cocktail with these fresh ideas!
Have a Happy Halloween!