Halloween - Why Cats, Bats and Spiders?
Animals That Go Bump in the Night
So many of our Halloween symbols are animals. Black Cats, Bats, Owls, Spiders and even Toads have all become a part of Halloween. This lens will give you some insight into how this came about and will also provide you with the real facts about each of these animals.
You'll find other symbols of Halloween, too, like costumes for the whole family (including the family dog) and books with great Halloween craft and recipes that will make your Halloween celebration a howling success.
Scarecrow Black Cat Card by naturegirl7
Contents at a Glance
Scottish Prayer
From ghoulies and ghosties
And long-leggedy beasties
And things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord, deliver us!
The Animals of Halloween
What makes Halloween spooky? All the night animals, of course. All those things that go bump in the night.
~ The stories about the bats that suck your blood and fly in your hair.
~ The spiders that spin their sticky webs.
~ The owls, once thought to be harbingers of evil, that who-hoot at you and then fly down silently and snatch up their prey.
~ And let's not forget the witches' familiar, the cat.
~ The little toad even got a bad rap in ancient times.
Our superstitions about animals and their association with Halloween has been passed down through the generations and cultures. Today it makes great, spooky fun, but we know that most of the superstitions are untrue.
How Bats Became a part of Halloween
To the people of the middle ages, who feared anything that they didn't understand, just the way bats looked was enough to link them with evil and witches. When you add the fact that it was thought that witches used them in their brews and that bat blood was an ingredient in an ointment that witches rubbed on their bodies before attending a Sabbath, then bats were destined to be a symbol of Halloween.
After all, Bats fly through the night (using their radar) to avoid objects and catch their insect prey. But people of the middle ages knew little about science. Bats also gather in large numbers in dark, caves, sleeping with their wings wrapped around them just like the long black cloaks that witches wear.
In South America, the vampire bat drinks the blood of animals, including humans, but most other bats help humans by eating thousands of insects each night. The other bats eat fruit.
Because of superstition and misunderstandings, the bat has become a permanent part of Halloween.
Reference: Barth, Edna, Witches, Pumpkins and Grinning Ghosts, The Story of the Halloween Symbols.

Little Bat Infant Costume - $ 15.00
This caped cutie , lil' bat costume makes an adorable Halloween Costume or portrait outfit. The costume includes: The Hooded Cape, Bat Mittens and Bat Booties with Nonskid Soles. Size: 0-9 Months
Chiroptera Bats

by LisasLair
Amazing Bats
Author Unknown
Thousands of bugs for a tasty treat.
Flying through the moonlit air ---
Traveling here and traveling there.
Hibernating when the weather's cold,
Gathered with hundreds of friends, I'm told.
Many bats are endangered, I'm sad to say ---
There are fewer and fewer bats every day.
Be kind to bats, that's the thing to do ---
Tell your friends and your family too!
Creatures of the Night
Owls - A Halloween Symbol
In ancient Greece, the owl was sacred and was a familiar of the Goddess of wisdom, Athene. But in Rome, owls were harbingers of evil.
Europeans in the middle ages feared the owls stare and its eerie call. The Screech Owl, with its witch-like scream was the most feared. In fact, at that time it was believed that witches could turn into owls that would trick the unsuspecting traveler.
Today, some cultures and superstitious people believe that the call of a screech owl signals death or a disaster.
So that is why owls have become part of our Halloween decorations and parties.
Reference: Barth, Edna, Witches, Pumpkins and Grinning Ghosts, The Story of the Halloween Symbols.
Hedwig the Owl Costume
Night Owl Print
Mr. Owl
Edna Hamilton
I looked at him, he looked at me;
I couldn't tell you of his size,
For all I saw were two big eyes;
As soon as I could make a dash,
Straight home I ran, quick as a flash!
Owl Pellets - How Interesting!
Cats and Halloween
Did you ever wonder why one of the favorite symbols of Halloween is a black cat?
In ancient times, cats have been a symbol of magic and power. Witches had cats as familiars, but these cats came in all colors, not just black. During the "witch trials" many innocent cats were killed along with the so called witches, because their accusers thought that they were the witches' familiar. Even after the trials, people distrusted cats because of the stealthy way they move, those sinister yellow eyes and their calm demeanor during scary times. Since most cats look dark colored at night, the black cat became linked with witches, the Druid Samhain and the night, thus becoming a part of Halloween.
There were many sayings about cats:
~ Never let a cat into the same room with a corpse. It might be a demon and turn the dead soul into a vampire.
~ A ship with a cat on board is never wrecked, for the cat acts as a counter-charm.
~ Honest as a cat when the cream is out of reach.
~ A cat that sits with its back to the fire is raising a storm.
~ If a cat rubs against you, expect good luck. It it yawns, opportunity awaits.
Reference: Barth, Edna, Witches, Pumpkins and Grinning Ghosts, The Story of the Halloween Symbols.

Black Cat Toddler Costume -
$ 13.00
This Black Cat costume is one of our Caped Cuties. It includes the Black Hooded Cape with Hot Pink Witch Embroidery and the Black Cat Chest Emblem, the attached hood with cat ears, and an attached cat tail. Size: Toddler (2-4)
Black Star Cat Eyes Sticker

by naturegirl7
More About Black Cats
Moses the Kitten
Spiders and Halloween
Spiders work tirelessly to spin their webs each night in hope of capturing some insect prey, but these webs and their makers have become associated with haunted houses and graveyard crypts. Also, the poisonous Black Widow spider, with it's black and red colors just looks evil and her bite can be deadly.
Most gardeners welcome spiders because they are like having a pest control service that works 24/7 for free. But none the less, Spiders and Spider webs are an integral part of our Halloween decorations.
Toddler Spider Costume
Spider Spins a Story
Poor Unpopular Toads
Round about the caldron go;
In the poisoned entrails throw.
Toad, that under the cold stone,
Days and nights hast thirty-one
Swelter'd venom sleeping got,
Boil thou first i' the charmed pot!
from William Shakespeare's, Macbeth
Because of a toads self defense system of excreting a skin irritant, people in Europe during the time of the "witch scare" thought that they were poisonous and that witches made familiars of toads.
Today we know that toads are very helpful creatures that eat harmful insects so they are good to have in the garden. Toads skin absorbs water and this is why they can appear to swell up "magically". Toads are wonderful little creatures that can live as long as thirty-five years.
But because of their early association with witches, have become a small part of Halloween.
Reference: Barth, Edna, Witches, Pumpkins and Grinning Ghosts, The Story of the Halloween Symbols.

Lil' Frog Prince Costume - $ 22.00
This adorable Frog Prince costume is a perfect fit for Halloween or for family portraits. Included with this costume is the Frog Romper with nonskid soles, Headpiece with Frog Eyes and Crown, and The Lily Pad that makes sound "RIBBIT" Size: 1-2
Mooned Bat Poster

by estjohn
The Bat
Theodore Roethke
He likes the attic of an aging house.
His fingers make a hat about his head.
His pulse beat is so slow we think him dead.
He loops in crazy figures half the night
Among the trees that face the corner light.
But when he brushes up against a screen,
We are afraid of what our eyes have seen:
For something is amiss or out of place
When mice with wings can wear a human face.
Things That Go Bump In the Night
Felix LeRoy Perry
Demons and devils dance macabre all alone
Witches on broomsticks in blue candlelight
Challenge ghouls in rags for the rights to the night
With stench on their breath, werewolves bay at the moon
Vampires feed in frenzy before the night ends too soon
Spiders and cobwebs multiply by ten-fold
Goblins and bats become ever so bold
Its Halloween night you surely should know
Things that go bump in the night will all show!
Reusable Trick or Treat Bag
Instead of using those wasteful and environmentally unfriendly plastic bags for Halloween trick or treating, try a reusable cloth bag this year. These can be customized with the child's name, but are cute just like they are.
These are designed by naturegirl7

Halloween Books on Amazon
Halloween Symbols, Crafts and Recipe Books
Animal Costumes for People at Amazon
Parrot Costume
This beautiful bird costume includes: multi-colore more...0 points
Black Cat Suit Adult Costume
Halloween Costume - A creature of the night. She's more...0 points
Curious George Child Costume
Halloween Costume - Here?s a great Curious George more...0 points
CHILD Tigger Deluxe Plush Costume - Officially Licensed TM Costume
Hoo, Hoo, Hoo! Has Anyone Seen Other Tiggers Aroun more...0 points
Pirate Parrot
Our Pirate Parrot features a colorful, easy-on fea more...0 points
Mary Had a Little Lamb, Its Fleece as White as Snow! And Your Baby Boy Will Be Super Cute in this Cute as Can Be Lamb Costume!
Mary Had a Little Lamb, Its Fleece as White as Sno more...0 points
Toddler Cute Little Plush Fur Tiger Costume (Footies not included with Toddler Size)
Ferocious Little Tiger.. GRRRR! - PLUSH Tiger Stri more...0 points
Tiger Plush Headband
This Tiger Plush Headband is a fun accessory for a more...0 points
Minnie Mouse Costume: Girl's Size 7-8
It's High Couture from the House of Mouse! Dress y more...0 points
Pink Sparkle Pixie Wings
These beautiful Fairy Pixie wings will be perfect more...0 points
Bratz Cat Costume: Girl's Size 4-6
Includes dress, bolero jacket and ears. Sandals an more...0 points
Scaredy Bat Toddler Costume
Includes: Bodysuit with attached scalloped sleeve more...0 points
Dax, the Cat, Reading About Stellaluna, the Bat!

Halloween Animals in the News
- Party animals: South Floridians get social with their pets -- and each other
- More than 2000 people showed up with their dogs to Huizenga Park in Fort Lauderdale for the 2009 Humane Society of Broward County's Walk for the Animals. (Ginny Dixon Metro/Correspondent / March 7, 2009) by Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel When Art Basel ...
- Dirt-Cheap iPhone Trick Captures Great Ape Close-Ups
- ?People throw food into the exhibits to see the animals react,? Rober told Wired in an e-mail interview. ?This is very bad for the animals.? By contrast, Rober said, his clever setup ?turned out to be a noninvasive, fun way to achieve that interaction ...
- Young animal advocate donates holiday gifts to Western PA Humane Society
- An animal lover from what seemed like the moment she was born, Gracie had always been surrounded by animal companions. At three-years-old, Gracie's first dog was a Great Dane and SharPei mix named Lady. The dog had been found by the shelter tied to a ...
- New Fashion Trend: Crazy Animal Hats
- These animal hats are most unusual. Why would anyone, celebrity or not, wear one of these hats out in public? I can see wearing some of these hats to a Halloween party. Are the people who wear these hats wanting 15 minutes of fame?
Dinosaur Dog Costume
Dog Costumes on Amazon
More Dog Costumes on Amazon
Halloween Stuff on eBay
Other Lenses You May Enjoy
Hoot at us!
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Reply
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RuntFarmSeries
Oct 16, 2009 @ 11:19 am | delete
- What a great lens! Very fun to read with a ton of amazing information and resources. When you get the chance, I'd love it if you'd visit my lens and say hello.
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bahalloween
Oct 12, 2009 @ 9:37 am | delete
- This is a great idea to teach children about why certain animals became synonymous with Halloween. The toddler costumes are very cute and I love the pet costumes. My friend recently purchased a couple of them for her kitty cats. Too funny! Not meant for cats at all.
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naturegirl7
Oct 12, 2009 @ 7:50 am | in reply to grannysage | delete
- Well that's a relief! I'd hate to think that even evil medieval witches would throw little bats into a pot. I didn't know that the holly leaf was called bat's wool. Like 90% of the people, I took Shakespeare's poem literally. :) Thanks for clearing that up.
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grannysage
Oct 11, 2009 @ 10:36 pm | delete
- Very fun lens. I love the toddler costumes. I've had the pleasure of buying the costume for my grandsons since they were born.
Just to add to the conversation, the wool of bat and eye of newt referred to in Shakespeare's poem were actual herbs. Bat's wool was holly leaf. So witches probably weren't stewing up real bat parts. *grins*
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Frankster
Oct 25, 2008 @ 8:04 pm | delete
- Excellent, informative and fun lens! 5 stars. Bear hugs, Frankster
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About Naturegirl7
This Halloween Magazine page written by
naturegirl7
My husband and I have always loved nature and the outdoors. We currently maintain a 9 acre private wildlife preserve.
We are Master Gardeners...
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