Scare Yourself Silly with these Halloween Symbols
BOO!!
Halloween is currently celebrated all around the world.
Started by the Celts and celebrated each year on October 31st, there are numerous Halloween symbols that conjure up scary imagery and haunting manifestations of the supernatural.
Symbols for Halloween include bats, gravestones, witches, pumpkins, owls, cats, and skulls.
"When witches go riding,
and black cats are seen,
the moon laughs and whispers,
'tis near Halloween."
~ Author Unknown
All Images: VintageCrafts.com
Contents at a Glance
1. Bats
Eternal Life
As bats and owls are nocturnal, both of these animals are known as omens of bad luck or evil and associated with All Hallow's Eve.Bats were thought to indicate the presence of spirits or ghosts. One superstition held that if a bat flew around a house three times on Halloween, death would be coming soon.
The famous vampire bat, is the only mammal that feeds on blood.
In China however, Red Bats are symbols of long life, and amulets are worn as lucky charms to bring happiness. The red bat is thought to ward of evil. Five red bats can also represent the "five good fortunes" of health, longevity, love, wealth and virtue.
"For as the eyes of bats are to the blaze of day, so is the reason in our soul to the things which are by nature most evident of all."
~ Aristotle
Fun Webkinz Stuffed Bat
Webkinz Plush Stuffed Animal Black Bat
Amazon Price: $15.95 (as of 11/27/2009)
This is the newest toy fad. It comes with a secret code that is your key into Webkinz World. At the Adoption Center you are guided through the registration, including naming your pet and printing out an adoption certificate. You'll receive your pet's biography, letting you know its favorite foods and secret wishes.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
2. Pumpkins (Jack-O-Laterns)
Spirits of The Dead
Pumpkins carved to make Jack-O-Lanterns are a common symbol of Halloween.The color orange is the color of Fire. As a Fire color, orange helps to create change, and brings about action.
The candles placed inside the pumpkin, represent the power of illumination, bringing light to the darkness in our souls and in our minds.
Jack-O-Lantern literally means "Jack of the Lantern" and an Irish legend tells of a man named Jack, who could not enter heaven or hell and was doomed to wander aimlessly each night, with only a candle, in a hollowed out turnip to guide him. To keep him away, local villagers would carve scary faces into turnips and place them in their windows. Irish immigrants in the United States began using commonly available pumpkins rather then turnips, and the practice continues to this day. Thus the flickering flames from the Jack-O-Lantern eventually became associated with the spirits of the dead.
"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
Pumpkin Light
Golden Asia Solar #C5111A FS Pumpkin Solar Light
Amazon Price: $17.03 (as of 11/27/2009)
Four Seasons, Translucent Pumpkin Solar Light, Running Time Up To 8 Hours On Full Battery. Built In Light Sensor That Will Turn Light On and Glow Automatically At Nighttime.
3. Witches
Supernatural Beings
Witches are mistress' of the occult.Witches are said to have the power to preform rituals, evoke magic and concoct formulas and spells to connect with the spirit world and manipulate its forces.
Legends tell of witches gathering twice a year when the seasons changed, on April 30 - the eve of May Day and on the eve of October 31 - All Hallow's Eve.
The witches would gather on these nights, arriving on broomsticks, to celebrate with the devil. Superstitions told of witches casting spells on unsuspecting people, transforming themselves into different forms and causing other magickal mischief.
It was said that the only way to meet a witch, you had to put your clothes on the wrong side out and walk backwards at midnight, on Halloween night.
The Witches Caldron
"Eye of newt, and toe of frog,
Wool of bat, and tongue of dog
Adder's fork, and blind-worm's sting,
Lizard's leg, and owlet's wing
For a charm of powerful trouble,
Like a hell-broth boil and babble
Double, double, toil and trouble,
Fire burn, and caldron bubble"
~ William Shakespeare
4. Gravestones
Visitors from Beyond The Grave
Gravestones are where the world of the living can meet the world of the dead.Halloween, like the Mexican Day of the Dead, celebrates visitors from the spirit world.
Early grave markers, or gravestones, were actually heavy rocks and boulders that were placed on graves, because it was believed they were needed to keep the dead from rising from their graves.
In Europe and in Old New England, carvings on gravestone markers were mostly images of pain, torment and eternal damnation, this was thought to frighten the living into maintaining a life of virtue. Images were usually variations of skeletons, angels of death and dark winged skulls.
"At first cock-crow the ghosts must go
Back to their quiet graves below."
~ Theodosia Garrison
5. Black Cats
Witchcraft
Black cats have long been believed to be a symbol of the supernatural.Egyptians considered cats sacred and symbolic of their goddess Bast, protectress of the Pharaoh and of women. Bast was seen as a cat or a cat-headed woman, she was considered the divine Mother of all cats. The Roman goddess linked to Bast, was Diana. In the Middle Ages, Diana was thought to be the "Queen of Witches" and thus, cats were thought to be related to witchcraft and considered a common pet and familiar of the witch.
Since the witch hunts of the middle ages, when cats were connected to evil and witchcraft, the black cat is often associated with misfortune and bad omens. It is considered particularly bad luck if a black cat crosses your path. Ironically, a black cat walking towards you is considered lucky, while one walking away is said to be stealing your luck.
"When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam,
May luck be yours on Halloween."
~ Author Unknown
Black Cat Stuffed Animal
Webkinz
Webkinz Halloween Black Cat Limited Edition
Amazon Price: $10.88 (as of 11/27/2009)
Webkinz Black Cat Special Edition. Cat plush is made of several different fabrics. Both cotton stuffed and beanie. Tag on arm contains a code for the Webkinz "Adopt A Pet" website, virtual pet game.
6. Skull and Crossbones
Death and Danger
The skull and crossbones were once deemed to be warnings of danger, death and disease.The Skull is the seat of our wisdom and our power to think. It reminds us of our mortality and the impermanence of life.
In alchemy, the skull represents the receptacle used in the process of transformation. Bones also represent death, and a return to the earth. The skull and crossbones represent poison and danger to pirates; whether pictured on a bottle or emblazoned on the black flag of a ship, these two symbols evoked fear of imminent death.
"Webster was much possessed by death, and saw the skull beneath the skin."
~ T.S. Eliot
"Eat, drink, and be scary. "
~ Author Unknown
7. Owls
Wisdom or Darkness
Owls are often associated with witches, especially at Halloween.At one time it was believed that owls would swoop down on Halloween night and eat the souls of the dying.
"The wailing owl screams solitary to the mournful moon."
~ David Mallet
Although the owl is a classic symbol of wisdom, it is feared by some cultures, which are uncomfortable with the night. Owls are connected with sorcery, silence, death and the ability to see through darkness or deception. Since it hides in darkness and fears the light it has often come to symbolize the "Prince of Darkness", Satan.
The occasional presence of the Owl in scenes of the Crucifixion is due to the Owl's most ancient attribute of wisdom, and with this meaning, it represents Christ, Who sacrificed Himself to save mankind, "To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. . ." (Luke 1:7).
Enchanted Forest Owl
Stuffed Owl
Lambs and Ivy Enchanted Forest Plush Owl, Green
Amazon Price: $12.84 (as of 11/27/2009)
This wise and adorable owl is a perfect addition to the Enchanted Forest collection. The owl is plush. This Owl sits on a unique treetop lamp while a sweet bird chirps on top of his favorite mushroom.
Avg. Customer Rating:
Halloween Practices
More about Halloween
Halloween: The Best of Martha Stewart Living
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $14.96 (as of 11/27/2009)
List Price: $22.00
Extreme Halloween: The Ultimate Guide to Making Halloween Scary Again
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 11/27/2009)
List Price: $14.95
A Ghostly Good Time: The Family Halloween Handbook
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $7.91 (as of 11/27/2009)
List Price: $10.99
Halloween: Customs, Recipes & Spells
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $11.21 (as of 11/27/2009)
List Price: $14.95
A Halloween How-To: Costumes, Parties, Decorations, and Destinations
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $12.21 (as of 11/27/2009)
List Price: $17.95
What scary movies do you like to watch on Halloween?
1
Peanuts Holiday Collection (It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown / A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving / A Charlie Brown Christmas) (Deluxe Edition)
Everyones favorite Peanuts Holiday titles all in o more...3 points
3
![An American Werewolf in London (Full Moon Edition) [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51hAp5ZhKPL._SL75_.jpg)
An American Werewolf in London (Full Moon Edition) [Blu-ray]
Re-discover one of the most gripping horror films more...1 point
4
Halloween - Unrated Director's Cut (Widescreen Two-Disc Special Edition)
The original slasher film about Michael Myers, the more...1 point
6
Pooh's Heffalump Halloween Movie
It's a hilariously haunting Halloween in the Hundr more...0 points
Your Scary Thoughts About Halloween?
-
Reply
- RollingLuggage RollingLuggage Nov 9, 2009 @ 5:03 pm
- Wonderful lens & Great information
-
Reply
- Artemus-Gordon Artemus-Gordon Nov 3, 2009 @ 1:07 pm
- Though the meaning of the holiday has changed so much over the years it is good to see that it is still going strong in every corner of the globe.
-
Reply
- perciavalle perciavalle Nov 2, 2009 @ 12:05 am
- Congrats!!!
-
Reply
- mdpatrick mdpatrick Nov 1, 2009 @ 8:20 pm
- Nice and long and you totally covered every angle. Good job!!!
-
Reply
- WebSpinstress WebSpinstress Nov 1, 2009 @ 7:23 pm
- Congrats on LOTD - another interesting and fun symbol filled-to-the-brim lens to add to my favorites from you! 5*'s and favorited. :-)
- Load More
More Magic
-
Dark Omens and Superstitions
-
An Omen... is a sign that signals a future event; many Omens are historically based upon ancient superstitions and cultural folklore. Some omens are indicative of good fortune, while others are symbolic of impending hardship and doom. Her...
-
Symbolism, Spirituality and Magical Lenses by Monarch13
-
Share The Magic and The Mysteries of The Universe, through The Lenses of Monarch13. We will highlight some Traditional Myths and Spiritual Concepts along with Many Scientifically, Researched Theories. "The universe is full of magical things, patient...
-
Moon Magic and Myths
-
The Moon has always been associated with magic, folklore, superstitious beliefs and ancient rituals. Lets delve a little deeper into some of these moon myths that surround us everyday (or should I say every night). Perhaps we may surprise or enco...
Halloween Celebration Ideas
Add Yours
Harry Potter Candy for Halloween
The genius of J.K. Rowling hasn't just created a g more...3 points
Environmentally Friendly Halloween Lights
You can create a wonderfully spooky atmosphere wit more...2 points
Halloween Crafts for Family Fun
Halloween Crafts for Trick or Treat and Fright Nig more...1 point
by monarch13
Join My Fan Club
(more) Explore related pages
Dark Omens and Superstitions- An Omen... is a sign that signals a future event; many Omens are histor...
Black Cats and Halloween- Just how did black cats get associated with Halloween, or Samhain as most Pagans...
Homemade Halloween Decorations- Halloween is one of my favorite holidays! I love all the scarey decoration...
Amulets and Symbols of Protection- Omens, Curses and Hexes that signify Dark Forces, Evil Spirits, Bad Luck and Neg...
- Dark Omens and Superstitions
- An Omen... is a sign that signals a future event; many Omens are histor...
Moon Magic and Myths- The Moon has always been associated with magic, folklore, superstitious beliefs...
