The History Of Halloween
Metaphysical Mojo presents: The History Of Halloween 2023.
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This year we present in Dundas, Ontario!!
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During the months of September and October, we will be sharing local stories, myths/legends, recipes, videos, Halloween crafts, games, Halloween trivia and much more. We encourage all to share this page with others so they can experience the magic, wonder, and childhood memories of the Halloween Season.
Bright Blessings to you and your family.
Mabon : A Witches Thanksgiving
The Second Last Sabbat In The Wiccan Wheel Of The Year.
Written by: Johnathon Boyd
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There has been mystery, myth, legend, and lore attached to Wicca and Witchcraft.
I myself am a 2nd generation Wiccan. I am know as, "A Solitary-Ecclectic Egyptian Tradition Witch/Wizard/Sorcerer". All terms are acceptable for a male Wiccan. Wiccans accept everyone no matter what your previous religion was, sexual orientaion, heritage, place of birth etc.
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As with any religion there are fanatics and misguided individuals. Wiccans have a written set of rules to adhere to. We don't accept the concept of Absolute Evil, a Heaven/Hell , or God/Devil. We worship the Father God and Mother Goddess, Male and Female energy
in all of us, balance "As Above, So Below". Wiccans respect nature, animals, the devine matrix, the universe, and how important their role is with everything they come
in contact with. Hollywood Witchcraft is not even close to "The Craft".
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Here are some Wiccan basics to start :
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The Wiccan Rede: Do What You Will, In Perfect Love and Perfect Trust,
And Harm NONE!!
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The Threefold/Karmic Law: Whatever you do Good or Bad, will come
back to you THREEFOLD!!
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Wiccans celebrate Esbats (Full Moon Ceremonies) and Sabbats (Sacred Holidays).
The Wiccan calendar is called the Wheel of the Year and marks the Equinoxes,
Solstices, and Sabbats. Mabon is the second last Sabbat in the Wheel of the Year.
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MABON (ma'-bon), or "Great Sun", is a festival in honour of the Welsh God
of the same name. The legend goes that Mabon, at three days old,
was stolen from The Great Mother (Modron), and taken to the Underworld
to prevent His light from shining upon the Earth. Mabon used his knowledge to
out-smart the Lord Of the Underworld. While residing deep within the Earth,
Mabon used his wits, personal strength and devine energy to become new seed.
Knowing that his future was secured, he would need all his energy to
fertilize the barren, dark Earth to lush greenery once more.
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Mabon celebrates the First Day Of Autumn (Fall Equinox), and the second
harvest, both personal and agricultural. It is a celebration of thanks and blessings
given to Mother Earth for her bountiful cornucopia of food she provides us.
It is the "Witches' Thanksgiving" with lavish feasting, blessings, gratitude, and thanks.
With Mabon's trials in the Underworld, it reminds us to give thanks to our Ancestors.
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Mabon is when Wiccans give thanks for everything they have, everything they are,
and for everything the future holds for themselves and the new souls coming to
the Earth Realm or Physical Plane. It is reflection time for community, personal
joy/freedoms, life on the planet, and to remember everyone who has helped us.
Mabon reminds us to be grateful and give thanks for the many blessings we receive.
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Bright Blessings to you and your family.
Classic Halloween Commercials
The Joy of 70's and 80's Halloween Commercials.
Written by: Johnathon Boyd
I remember as a child of the 70's and 80's waiting for Halloween Commercials! it was exciting to see all the new things that were coming out for kids in the 70's and 80's. There were: new halloween Cartoon Specials, the newest costumes, Horror movies, mcDonald's Gift certificates, Peter Pumpkin trick or Treat Tips, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, The Thriller Video, Ghostbusters, Halloween Candy/Decorations/parties.....the Joy and wonder was astounding !!
Halloween of the 70's and 80's was a time of Waking up to soaped windows/toilet papered trees and smashed Jack'O'Lanterns, Pillowcases for Trick'or'Treating, Snowsuits under your costumes, full size candy bars/cans of pop, trading your halloween molasses kisses, the Unicef box, and trick'or'treating in the whole apartment building. A simpler time when it was great to be a child. Here are a few of my favourite and most recognized Halloween Commercials from when I was a child.
I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.
Bright blessings!
Here are the times to fast forward to for great commercial memories: 0:00-2:37, 3:45-5:41, 6:20-7:40, 8:05-9:49, 10:19-12:26, 12:52-21:35, 22:00-24:25, 25:25-27:32, 28:02-30:02,
30:34-32:00, 32:31-33:49 and 34:20-39:26. These are Horror Movie Ads, Halloween
Cartoon Specials, Halloween Costumes, Classic Video Games and a few Tricks'or'Treats
if you want to check out the whole video! The great fun is seeing all the old clothes,
hairstyles, and prices for things back then.
Here are more great commercial memories! These are Peter Pumpkin Trick'or'Treat Safety, McDonald's/Wendy's Commercials, Halloween Costumes, Duracell, Unicef, Hallmark and a few Tricks'or'Treats if you want to check out the whole video! The great fun is seeing all the old clothes, hairstyles, and prices for things back then.
Tricks 'Or' Treats
"OLD SCHOOL" Trick 'Or' Treating in the 70's and 80's.
Written by: Johnathon Boyd
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Children of the last 20 years will never really know the joys of "OLD SCHOOL" Trick 'Or'Treating! Long gone are the days of Unicef Boxes, Crappy plastic masks held together by staples and a flismy rubber band, Costumes that rip when the wind blows or Having to wear a snowsuit under your Halloween Costume!! Those were the "OLD SCHOOL" Trick 'Or' Treating ways of 70's and 80's Halloween!
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The yearly ritual was as follows:
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A: The Halloween Costume Contest at school, during the day.
Winner gets a Pizza Party for the class!
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B: Get home and SCARF BACK something fast for dinner.
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C: The next thing was to get TWO PILLOWCASES ready for the candy spoils!
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D: Get into your costume (with snowsuit if needed)!!
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E: Plan the route of attack...Where are the most Apartment Buildings?? Back in the
old days, you could go Trick 'Or' Treating through the whole apartment building!
Now...It was time to venture out.
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After the first hour, and one Pillowcase Full, it was time to hit the smaller places in the Neighbourhood. Why?? Because, that is where you get Bags of Chips/Hawkins Cheezies,
Full Size Candy Bars/Cans of Pop, and McDonald's Gift Certificates!! It was the
perfect storm for a wide variety of candy.
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Back at home you would go through your spoils. Of course, anything homemade, apples, fruit etc.
went into the bin from the fear of "Poisoning" or "Razorblades" hiding in the treats.
That was a big hoax created to get kids into home parties and off the streets. We never found anything of the sort in our community. Now...it was time to make the candy swaps, for things
you liked with things you didn't. I would trade away Halloween Molasses Kisses, Koo-Koo Bars,
Rockets Candy, Thrills Gum, Sweettarts, Red Licorice, Taffy Bats, Hawkins Cheezies and
Chips for the good stuff! I had stockpiles of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Black Licorice,
Bubble Gum, Bottle Caps, Three Musketeers/Snickers/Oh, Henry!/ Mars full Size
Chocolate Bars, various other candies and almost a case of Assorted Pop! I would have
a Candy Stash from Halloween that would last until December!
A simpler time when it was great to be a child.
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When you become a teenager, Trick 'Or' Treats stopped. NOW YOU were the one handing
out the candy or were forced to go to the High School Dances. What A pain and really
not a lot of fun. There were a few opportunities for some Halloween House Gatherings,
but for the most part, Halloween was over as a teenager.
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I noticed that SAFE Trick 'Or' Treating started in 1997. This was followed by
"ORANGE & BLACK DAY" in school's. What happened?? No more costumes at school??
Over the years, Halloween and Trick 'Or' Treating have taken some MASSIVE hits.
I am proud to announce, THIS YEAR is different! School's are bringing back Costumes on Halloween, Family Events are adding Trick'Or'Treating and Costume Contests, and
THE SPIRIT OF HALLOWEEN store Opened first week of September! I have seen more
kids in costume at events since October 15th, then I have in the last 7 years!
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Living in the Hamilton area, I was gifted to learn that our location is THE PLACE TO GO on Halloween. The houses in The University Gardens area of Hamilton are done up right!!
Kids from all over the area return yearly to go Trick 'Or' Treating, and they are not
disappointed. Metaphysical Mojo was in the neighbourhood handing out candy last year.
We met a lot of great parents and "Wee Beasties"! It was a great time and fun to see
everyone in the Halloween Spirit. Metaphysical Mojo's SPIRIT GUIDE JOHNATHON SHANNON and REV. DARLENE will be back again This Year sharing
more stories, and handing out candy.
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Below is videos from Samhain/Halloween celebrations at University Gardens.
There are also pictures from The Mojo Howloween Bazaar (2022)!
I hope you enjoy them.
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Bright Blessings!
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Music By : audiohero.com
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HOWLOWEEN BAZAAR
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It's All Hallows Eve:
The History of Devil's Night!
The Pranks People Play On One Specific Day.
Written by: Johnathon Boyd
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As a child of the 80's, going to bed on October 30th and waking up Halloween morning was an adventure! You made sure to keep your Jack'O'Lanterns indoors, your pellet gun loaded, and a pack of Black Cat Firecrackers handy on October 30th. This was Mischief Night or Devil's Night! I would walk to school Halloween morning, to streets littered with Smashed Pumpkins, Toilet Papered Trees, Busted and Soaped Windows, Egged Houses and many other forms of vandalism. The city was hit again with the costly yearly Pranks on October 30th.
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Before the 20th century, Halloween mischief in North America happened on Oct. 31st. Pranks consisted of tipping over outhouses, unhinging farmer's gates, throwing eggs at houses etc. During the 1920's and 30's, Halloween celebrations resembled a rowdy block party, plagued by acts of vandalism due to mounting tension over the Great Depression and the threat of war.
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To curb the vandalism, parents and town leaders tried to bribe kids with candy. Children revamped the tradition of trick'or'treating in costume for sweets! The mischief element slowly disappeared from Halloween altogether. Troublemakers, neighbourhood by neighbourhood, adopted Oct. 30 as their day to pull pranks eg. Toilet-papering of homes and trees, "soaping" cars and windows, and pumpkin smashing.
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Devil's Night or Mischief Night is especially popular in Irish and Scottish populations in the northeastern United States and in the English-speaking communities of Canada.
Examples of the regional varieties include:
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CABBAGE NIGHT: Northeastern United States, where rotten vegetables are collected and left on porch stoops or smeared on doors and windows.
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MAT NIGHT: English-speaking Quebec, where pranksters steal doormats and switch them with the neighbours'.
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GATE NIGHT: in the Midwest, where farmers gates are opened, leaving livestock to roam free.
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October 30th consists of harmless fun in most places, "Devil's Night" in Detroit is notorious for random acts of arson. In 1984, more than 800 fires were set there on Devil's Night, leading to an Oct. 30 curfew for minors that persists to this day. Yearly an army of more than 30,000 volunteers patrol their neighbourhoods to prevent any mayhem.
Bright Blessings!
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Origins of
"It's The Great Pumpkin,
Charlie Brown"
The Peanuts, Pumpkin Carols, The WW1 Flying Ace, & The Great Pumpkin.
Written by: Johnathon Boyd
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Being a Self-Proclaimed King Of Halloween, I have an extensive memory of Halloween: Trivia, Recipes, Stories, Cartoon Specials, Songs, Horror Movies, History/Origins/Rituals of the Holiday, and much more!
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It is time to share some info about one of my Favourite Halloween Cartoon Classics,
"It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" 1966, it almost NEVER HAPPENED!! The
Sunday Peanuts Comic Strip of October 1959, titled "The Great Pumpkin" was the
initial inspiration for the Holiday Classic!!
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With the SMASH success of "A Charlie Brown Christmas", the network granted another
animated special be made. Lee Mendelson was back to get the job done again with a
baseball themed cartoon, "Charlie Brown All Stars" , another hit!! But, CBS wanted
another Holiday Special that could run yearly, and to be as popular as the
Christmas Special.
Charles M. Schulz, Peanuts creator/animator, was a religious man. Listen to the lines
that Linus Van Pelt delivers from the bible to Charlie Brown in the Christmas Special.
Would Schulz make the same religious statement with "It's the Great Pumpkin,
Charlie Brown"??
If you have the Remastered Anniversary DVD Edition of "The Great Pumpkin",
there is a special feature titled, "We Need A Blockbuster, Charlie Brown!",
that goes into detail about the making of the Halloween Classic. In a conversation,
with Mendelson, Schulz, and Bill Melendez, hashed out a plot for "The
Great Pumpkin". Here is an excerpt from that conversation:
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Schulz: You know, I've always been kind of ambivalent about Santa Claus.
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Mendelson and Melendez: Santa Claus?
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Schulz: That's right. First of all, we forget that there are hundreds of thousands
of poor kids in this world who are lucky if they get even one or two presents
at Christmas time. And here they've heard so much about Santa Claus and all
the gifts he delivers. It must be very hard on a lot of families...a lot of kids.
And, secondly, when a kid finally finds out that there is no Santa Claus, he must
wonder how many other things he has been told that are not true. Now I may be way
off on all this Santa Claus business, and it's not a big deal I guess. But The
Great Pumpkin is really a kind of satire on Santa Claus, because Linus of
course writes for gifts and expects to get them. And when The Great Pumpkin
doesn't come, Linus is crushed. It shows that you can't always get what you
hoped for but you can still survive...and you can still keep trying.
Linus never gives up, just like Charlie Brown
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Mr. Schulz deals an uppercut in when writing the script for "The Great Pumpkin"
with the following conversation: (Quotes from IMDB)
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Charlie Brown: Who are you writing to, Linus?
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Linus: This is the time of year to write to the Great Pumpkin. On Halloween night,
the Great Pumpkin rises out of his pumpkin patch and flies through the
air with his bag of toys for all the children!
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Charlie Brown: You must be crazy. When are you going to stop believing in
something that isn't true?
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Linus: When YOU stop believing in that fellow with a red suit and the
white beard who goes, "Ho, ho, ho!"
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Charlie Brown: We're obviously separated by denominational differences.
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It wasn't until I was 7 years old that I understood the meaning behind the cartoon.
Linus Van Pelt, and Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz, took a light-hearted stab
at Santa Claus with "The Great Pumpkin"!! It made the Cartoon even better knowing
this great information because I CAN'T STAND CHRISTMAS!!
"It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!" aired October 1966 and the rest is history.
Nominated for 3 Primetime Emmys and 4 nominations overall, one being for
OUSTANDING CHILDREN'S PROGRAM. Numerous lines have made it into the
English language lexicon: (Quotes from IMDB)
[Lucy scoops out the innards of the pumpkin Linus brought]
Linus: [groans] You didn't tell me you were gonna kill it!
Lucy Van Pelt: A person should always choose a costume which is in direct contrast
to her own personality. [Puts on a witch costume]
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Sally Brown: If you try to hold my hand, I'll slug you!
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Lucy Van Pelt: All right, all right! Let's bob for apples! This is the way to do it.
Schroeder: Yeah, Lucy, you should be good at this. You have the perfect mouth for it.
Lucy Van Pelt: Not again! Writing a letter to a stupid pumpkin? You make me the laughing stock of the neighborhood! All they talk about is my little brother who always
writes to the Great Pumpkin.
[she holds up her fist at Linus]
Lucy Van Pelt: You better cut it out right now or I'll pound you!
Linus: There are three things that I've learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin.
Linus: [to Charlie Brown after Sally just ripped him a new one]
You've heard of the fury of a woman scorned, haven't you?
Charlie Brown: Yeah, I guess I have.
Linus: Well, that's nothing compared to the fury of a woman who has been
cheated out of trick-or-treats.
Linus: Never jump into a pile of leaves with a wet sucker.
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Charlie Brown: I got a rock
Lucy Van Pelt: [seeing Snoopy enter wearing a flying ace costume]
What in the world kind of costume is that?
Charlie Brown: He's a World War I flying ace.
Lucy Van Pelt: Now I've seen everything. All right everybody, we'll go trick-or-treating,
and then over to Violet's for the big Halloween party.
[all cheer as they start heading for Linus in the pumpkin patch]
Linus: [seeing everyone who's going trick-or-treating arrive at the pumpkin patch]
Hey, have you come to sing pumpkin carols?
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And Here They Are! The complete list first published by Hallmark Cards
and Peanuts in 1966 and added to over the years! Enjoy and have
A GREAT PUMPKIN HALLOWEEN!!
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PUMPKIN CAROLS
DECK THE PATCH
Deck the patch with orange and black,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Take along your goody sack,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Don we now our gay apparel,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Troll the ancient Pumpkin carol,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
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See the Great One rise before us,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
As we sing the Pumpkin chorus,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Follow him as he ascends,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Join with true Great Pumpkin friends,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
GREAT PUMPKIN IS COMING TO TOWN
Oh, you better not shriek,
You better not groan,
You better not howl,
You better not moan,
Great Pumpkin is comin’ to town!
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He’s going to find out,
From folks that he meets,
Who deserves tricks,
And who deserves treats,
Great Pumpkin is comin’ to town!
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He’ll search in every pumpkin patch,
Haunted houses far and near,
To see if you’ve been spreading gloom,
Or bringing lots of cheer.
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So, you better not shriek,
You better not groan,
You better not howl,
You better not moan,
Great Pumpkin is comin’ to town!
I HEARD THE BELLS ON HALLOWEEN
I heard the bells on Halloween,
Their old, familiar carols scream,
And wild and sweet the words repeat,
The Pumpkin season’s here again.
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Then pealed the bells more loud and strong,
Great Pumpkin comes before too long,
The good will get – the bad will fret.
The Pumpkin season’s here again!
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I’M DREAMING OF THE GREAT PUMPKIN
I’m dreaming of the Great Pumpkin,
Just like I do this time each year.
When he brings nice toys,
To good girls and boys,
Who wait for him to appear.
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I’m dreaming of the Great Pumpkin,
With every Pumpkin card I write.
May your jack-o-lanterns burn bright,
When the Great Pumpkin visits you tonight.
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O PUMPKIN CARDS
O Pumpkin cards! O Pumpkin cards!
Carry greetings to my friends.
O Pumpkin cards! O Pumpkin cards!
Carry greetings to my friends.
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And let them know the day is here.
When the Great Pumpkin will appear,
O Pumpkin cards! O Pumpkin cards!
Carry greetings to my friends.
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PUMPKIN BELLS
Dashing through the streets; in our costumes bright and gay,
To each house we go, laughing all the way.
Halloween is here, making spirits bright
What fun it is to trick-or-treat
And sing pumpkin carols tonight!!
Oh, pumpkin bells! Pumpkin bells!
Ringing loud and clear,
Oh what fun Great Pumpkin brings When Halloween is here!
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SHIVERY YELLS
We're on sidewalks, we're on porches,
dressed in costumes to scare;
Through the city we're ringing the doorbells.
Trick or treating, candy eating,
gooey stuff in our hair,
But the most fun is shrieking out loud!
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SHIVERY YELLS, SHIVERY YELLS,
That's the Halloween nitty-gritty.
Moan and groan, leave us alone,
Halloween's just one night a year.
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UP IN THE PUMPKIN PATCH
Up in the pumpkin patch, witches pause,
Out jumps the Great One; hear the applause?
Down through the rows with goodies and toys
All for this follower's Halloween joys!
HAUNT! HAUNT! HAUNT!
who wouldn't want..
HAUNT! HAUNT! HAUNT!
who wouldn't want?
To be in a pumpkin patch
CHEER! CHEER! CHEER!
Waiting for the Great One and being sincere.
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PUMPKIN WONERLAND
Screech owls hoot. are you listen'in?
beneath the moon; all is glist'nin--
A real scarey sight; we're happy tonight.
Waitin' in a pumpkin wonderland!
In the patch, we're watching for Great Pumpkin;
We've been waiting for this night all year.
For we've tried to be nice to everybody,
And to grow a pumpkin patch that is sincere!!!
Later on, while we're eating;
what we got trick-or-treating;
We'll share all our sacks
of Halloween snacks;
waiting in a pumpkin wonderland!!
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To put The Nail in the Coffin, Pictured below is my
Great Pumpkin Tapestry.
It hangs in my home all year round because EVERY DAY IS HALLOWEEN!!
134 Horror Movies & Halloween Specials
Horror Movies: What Makes a Place, Person, or Experience Scary??
Written by: Johnathon Boyd
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The Human Psyche is a fascinating and sometimes dark place. What makes a person decide to fight or take flight in a threatening or scary situation? Are thrill-seekers' brains "hard-wired" differently from others? Why do we ride roller-coasters, bungee jump, sky dive, or watch horror movies?? There is a certain "safety-net" built into those experiences, to take you to
the edge..by choice, but you know that you are safe.
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Why is a basement, house, person, or location scary to some but comforting to others?
Could it be something that is locked deep away from our childhood to "protect" us? Some
would say, yes, to the latter question. It may be a combination of stimuli having to do with emotional triggers, childhood trauma and repeating life styles. I like to throw in one more,
Past Life Memories that influence an individual's modern day reality. For instance,
why would a person be afraid of swimming in a lake, pool, ocean or even taking a bath, without any traumatic life experience to cause that emotion?? Or, are they "sensitive" to energies around us and can tell what's really causing these problems. It could be as
simple as environmental issues or caused by high levels of EMF disturbing the brain
and human body's circadian and diurnal rhythms.
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Halloween and Horror Movies go together like peanut butter and chocolate (refer to old
70's T.V. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups commercials). Horror Movies are an escape from
reality. They feed the dark thoughts that everyone has, but only few act on. You can see simulated gore, killings, shootings, mass murders all from the safety of your own home.
Or, for a better scare, go to the movies and jump when other people scream!! Cheer for
the villain...most are Horror Movie Icons locked deep in our subconscious for life!
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I was exposed to movies like: Gates Of Hell, Motel Hell, The Exorcist, Halloween,
Dracula, Frankenstein, Salem's Lot, and many other horror classics by the time I was
10 years old. The worst part was, my father would keep me up late, and would constantly grab/yell at the perfect time in the movie and scare the hell out of me! Like Claude the cat
in The "Looney Tunes" series with the barking dog scaring him. Needless to say, I was desensitized to horror movies at a young age. I am incredibly harsh when it comes to
horror movies. I can figure out the "plot" fast and when the "scares" are going
to happen. It takes a lot to make me jump or scare me. Being a survivor of an
NDE/OBE at 2 1/2 yrs old, the real spirits I would see in my house every night, were
scarier than anything I would see on the screen.When I saw The Sixth Sense years later,
I totally understood what that kid went through. It was my younger days brought to life.
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Most horror fanatics start their yearly countdown of watching their favourite movies on
October 1st and culminating with a marathon of THE BEST on Halloween! Everyone has
their favourites: Hammer Horror Classics, Universal Monsters, B-Movies, Cult Classics, Splatterpunk, Parody Movies, etc.. I also include my favourite Halloween Specials for
some extra Tricks 'N' Treats!
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Below are 134 of my picks (no specific ranking) for the Best Horror Movies and
Halloween Specials. Some have spawned franchises, prequels, numerous sequels,
re-boots, graphic comics/novels, mass merchandising, spin-offs, etc.
You may agree or not, it is all up to personal choice.
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Bright Blessings to you and your family.
Images By: imdb.com
THE CLASSICS!
CULT CLASSICS!
NEW CLASSICS!
SPLATTERPUNK / GORE!
WITCHES!
FAMILY & HALLOWEEN SPECIALS
Halloween Icons
&
Superstitions!
The Icons We Cherish Have Humble Beginnings!
Written by: Johnathon Boyd
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Black Cats, Skeletons, Witches on Broomsticks, Bats, Bonfires, Spiders, Cobwebs, The Jack'O'Lantern, Graveyards, Cauldrons, and Ghosts. These are some of the biggest icons to have been associated with Halloween! The innocent origins of some of Halloween's icons, may shock you.
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BLACK CATS : During the Burning Times/Witch Hunts In England, a "Suspected Witch" was observed going into her cottage. After 20 Minutes, the back door opened and a BLACK CAT walked out. The Observer claimed that The Witch "Shape-Shifted" into a BLACK CAT! Since that time , Witches and BLACK CATS are seen as Consorts of THE DEVIL, Thus the BLACK CAT got it's infamous reputation.
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BATS & BONFIRES : BONFIRES were a means for heat, cooking food, sacrifices, Sacred Ceremonies and FUNERAL PYRES. BONFIRE is translated from Ancient Saxon Language meaning "Bone Fire". Many Ancient cultures used FUNERAL PYRES/BONFIRES to cremate their dead. In ancient Celtic times, Druids would meet their clansman at Samhain BONFIRES in the forest glades. With the days growing darker sooner, and the night being colder, the insects would be attracted to the light of the BONFIRES. BATS being nocturnal, would swoop down over the Samhain BONFIRES for an easy meal, and VOILA...Instant Icon!
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GRAVEYARDS/SKELETONS/GHOSTS : The origins of what we now celebrate as Halloween started thousands of years ago in the Ancient Celtic Lands. Samhain (Sow-en) was a celebration of Death in the Cycle of Life, that we all return to Mother Earth and our SKELETONS are the only thing that remain. It was a time to Honour your Ancesters, give offerings to the God and Goddess, and attend to personal Karma. Offerings of food, milk & honey, and sweets would be left outside family homes, at GRAVEYARDS, burial mounds, and temples to appease the wandering spirits and GHOSTS on Samhain. The Grim Reaper, a Symbol of Death, appeared as a SKELETON shrouded by a cloak and Weilding a Sickle.
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SPIDERS & COBWEBS : This is another Halloween icon that has perfect timing associated with it. In the late August and early Fall months of September and October, SPIDERS weave their nightly silks of COBWEBS, to be revealed in abundance each morning. You can clean the COBWEBS everyday and they are back each morning. If you live close to water, it is even
more prevalent. Not To Mention, SPIDERS come indoors to warm places and
"Hang Out" for the Winter.
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CAULDRONS & WITCHES ON BROOMSTICKS : In Ancient times every household had a CAULDRON or Stock Pot over a Bonfire or home hearth. It wasn't until Shakespeare's Macbeth, that Witches brewing potions in CAULDRONS entered into the Halloween Iconography.
The BROOMSTICK or BESOM is used as a Symbol of Fertility in Pagan Religions. During Ceremonial Bonfires, Pagans and WITCHES would jump over the Bonfire on their BESOM/BROOMSTICK for a Fertility and Good Luck Ritual. The next thing you know, there are accounts of flying WITCHES ON BROOMSTICKS throughout the night sky.
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Our society has always been cautious, and October 31st has become linked to being an extremely superstitious day, Friday the 13th being the first. Over the centuries the myths and folk lore has continued to grow along with the celebration and traditions of Halloween. Here are a few of the more accepted superstitions which people have strong beliefs about.
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– If a black cat crosses your path you will have bad luck for a year. Black cats were seen to be incarnations of the Devil and consumed by evil spirits.
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- It is said that a cat has 9 lives. Witch and Black Cat’s have a strange myth attached to them. It is said that A Witch “Shape-Shifts” into a cat, and can do this 8 times and change back to human form. If the Witch “Shape-Shifts” a 9th time,
they are trapped as a cat forever.
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– If you see a spider on Halloween it means that the spirit of a loved one is
watching over you.
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- The Souls Trapped in Purgatory are set free for 48 hours on All Hallows Eve!
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– If you walk around the outside of your house 3 times backwards before the sun sets on October 31st, you will be protected from all forms of evil.
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– If candle flames turn green or go out on Halloween, it means that a spirit is close by.
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– Should a bat fly into your home on Halloween it is an omen that either
spirits are close, or spirits let the bat in.
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– If you hear footsteps behind you on Halloween do not turn around for it may be a spirit following you. If you do turn around, you may join the dead soon.
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– Wearing your clothes inside out and walking backwards on Halloween, would grant your wish of seeing a witch in the sky at midnight.
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– Burying animal bones in the yard and keeping pictures of animals by the
doors on October 31st wards off evil spirits.
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– A bat that circles your house three times on Halloween is an omen that
someone will die soon.
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– Pulling out your pockets and leaving them hanging would protect you from the
owls diving down to eat the souls of the dying on Halloween.
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– Ring a bell to chase away evil spirits on October 31st.
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– If a single girl slept with a sprig of rosemary and silver coins under her pillow on Halloween, she will dream of her future husband.
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– Carry nuts as magic charms on Halloween to keep evil and Satan, a nut gatherer, at bay.
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– If you run around your house 3 times with the Ace of Spades in your hand at 11:59 PM on Halloween, on the third pass you'll come face to face with The Devil.
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– Attending a Dumb Supper or Mourning Tea and sitting in silence during the
ceremony, invites spirits to join you at the table.
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- On Halloween, cut an apple horizontally and count the seeds to learn how
many children you will have.
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- After bobbing for apples, place the apple under your pillow to dream about
your future Husband/Wife.
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- At Midnight on Halloween, light a new orange pillar candle and let it burn until sunrise to receive Good Luck! (Be Careful and never leave candle unattended)
Bright Blessings!
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the Jack 'O' Lantern
Music By : incompetech.com/music/
The History Of Halloween
The Most Spooktacular Day of The Year!
Written by: Johnathon Boyd
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Samhain/Halloween is my favourite holiday!! As a Wiccan, it's an incredible celebration of the dead. It is the last Sabbat in The Wheel Of The Year. It is a time of great feasting and magick as well as a time for preparation.
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Each year I would carve 31 intricate Jack'O'Lanterns, and decorate my
yard with crazy things that moved, screamed, flew, rattled and made you feel tense! My Roommates would get dressed up in crazy costumes, hide
in strategic places, and wait to scare the "Wee Beasties" on their way
for Tricks & Treats!
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What are the origins of Halloween? When did it all begin?
The short video below will give you all the answers.
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Bright Blessings!
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The History Of Samhain/Halloween
Music By : purpleplanetmusic.com
Mojo
HALLOWEEN TRIVIA
Metaphysical Mojo brings you and your family some fun for the holiday season with HALLOWEEN TRIVIA! A friend of mine, Bobby Morris, brought over a trivia game for the holiday season that was really difficult. We decided to create our own! During the months of September and October, trivia questions will be posted periodically. The answers will be posted the next day. The questions will be split up into Six Categories: Mojo Macabre, "Spirits", Tricks 'N' Treats, Halloween Traditions, Witches Brew, and Hollywood Horror. Are you a Master of Scaremonies or will you "Get A Rock"??
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Idea: Why not make it a game with your family this season ??
1. Copy down the categories (number them 1-6), questions, and answers on blank index cards.
2. Place all cards in a candy bowl.
3. Split up into two teams.
4. Roll the die. The number showing is the category/question you ask
5. A team member (reading) takes a turn drawing a card,
and reads question to opposing (answering) team.
6. Team can work together to answer question.
7. If team answers correctly, they get point and finish category of question answered.
8. Once turn is finished, a team member (just read question) rolls the die.
9. A team member (just answered question) takes a turn
drawing a card, and reads question to opposing team (answering).
10. The game continues until one team completes all answers for all categories.
Option: Set a 30 second time limit on answering questions.
Round One.
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Mojo Macabre
1. Name the Agatha Christie novel about a girl who is
drowned in an apple-bobbing tub?
A: Halloween Party
2. Who was the serial killer that horror movie slashers Norman Bates
and Leatherface were based on?
A: Ed Gein
3. What mansion in San Jose, under construction for 36 years,
and has 106 rooms built to appease the spirits?
A: The Winchester House
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"Spirits"
1. What Halloween cocktail is made with Orange Juice, Orange Vodka,
Cream and Whipped Cream Vodka?
A: A Screamsicle
2. Name the “Rotting Dead” shot made with Fireball Whiskey,
mini marshmallows and then set on fire?
A: Zombie Flesh
3. What Halloween cocktail is made with Fireball Whiskey,
Pumpkin Spice Liqueur and Whipped Cream?
A: A Pumpkintini
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Tricks 'N' Treats
1. What is the fear of Halloween known as: Octophobia, Hallowphobia or Samhainophobia?
A: Samhainopobia
2. When was the Count Dracula Society founded:
In 1952, 1962, or 1972?
A: In 1962
3. In Casper Saves Halloween, Caspers’ costume is:
A Puppy, Angel, Boy or Clown?
A: A Boy
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Halloween Traditions
1. Why are Orange and Black Halloween colors?
A: Orange represents Fall Harvest, Black: Darkness and Death
2. Where does Apple Bobbing get it’s origins?
Greek, Roman or Egyptian Festivals?
A: Roman Festivals
3. When was the first Halloween card made?
In the 1920’s, 1930’s or 1940’s?
A: In the 1920’s
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Witches Brew
1. Name the LOONEY TUNES cackling Old Hag?
A: Witch Hazel
2. What character on the TV series H.R. Pufnstuf,
was played by actress Billie Hayes?
A: Witchiepoo
3. How long did witch hunts/the burning times last in Europe?
Was it 150 , 250, or 300 years?
A: 300 Years
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Hollywood Horror
1. How many people died during filming of The Exorcist?
Was it 3, 6, 9 or 12 people?
A: 9 People
2. What classic horror movie was originally titled The Babysitter Murders?
A: Halloween
3. Which room does Dick Hallorann tell Danny to
stay away from in The Shining?
A: Room 237
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Round Two.
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Mojo Macabre
1. What Mary Shelley horror story, based on letters from
a North Pole expedition find, starts in a laboratory?
A: Frankenstein
2. What book about the doomed Donner party, who
turned cannibals, shares the name of a David Bowie movie?
A: The Hunger
3. House of Leaves is a book about a documentary of what?
A Ghost, An Exorcism, or A Haunted House?
A: Haunted House
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"Spirits"
1. Name the Wailing Celtic Spirit that is a harbinger of death?
A: The Banshee
2. What “Fang-tastic” shooter is made with Peach Schnapps,
Vodka, Coconut Rum and a splash of Grenadine?
A: A Vampire Bite
3. What Halloween shooter is made with Banana Liqueur,
Orange Vodka and topped with Whipped Cream?
A: A Trick Or Treat
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Tricks 'N' Treats
1. What does Odie dress up as in Garfield's Halloween Adventure?
A Pirate, Ghost or Vampire?
A: A Pirate
2. What are the annual sales of Halloween candy in Canada?
Is it $613 million, $615 million or $617 million?
A: $613 million
3.What are The Simpsons Halloween episodes called?
A: The Treehouse of Horror
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Halloween Traditions
1. If you see a spider on Halloween, it’s a sign of ?
Bad Luck, Good Luck or Death?
A: Good Luck
2. How many owners dress their pets in costumes?
Is it 5%, 10% or 15% ?
A: 10%
3. How many Canadians decorate their homes for Halloween?
Is it 55%, 65% or 75% of homes?
A: 75%
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Witches Brew
1. When were black cats linked with Witches?
A: The cats’ colour was linked to the Devil/Witches during the Inquisition
2. What 1993 Disney release tells of the Sanderson sisters
who were executed for practising dark witchcraft?
A: Hocus Pocus
3. Name the trio of Hags in the classic Ray Harryhausen
movie Clash Of the Titans?
A: The Stygian Witches
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Hollywood Horror
1. What classic horror movie features a serial killer
in a William Shatner mask?
A: Halloween
2. What horror film was the first movie to show a
woman in just a bra and slip?
A: Psycho
3. What color is Freddy Krueger's sweater?
A: Red and Green
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Round Three.
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Mojo Macabre
1. What Joe Hill classic story has Charlie Manx and his
vintage car, travelling to find children to capture?
A: NOS4A2
2. Who claimed she was haunted, by ghosts killed by the
“Gun that Won the West”, and built a 106 room house?
A: Sarah Winchester
3. What book has ghoulish Jean-Baptiste Grenouille,
born with an absolute sense of smell?
A: Perfume: Story of a Murderer
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"Spirits"
1. Name the 17th-century ship said to haunt the high seas?
A: The Flying Dutchman
2. Name the “Living Dead” shot made with Peach Schnapps,
Irish Cream, Jagermeister and a drizzle of Grenadine?
A: Zombie Brain
3. Name the cryptid that dwells in Lake Okanagan, Canada?
A: The Ogopogo
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Tricks 'N' Treats
1. Who foils the Grinch in Halloween Is Grinch Night?
Was it Mariah, Euchariah, or Jebediah?
A: Euchariah
2. What costume does Snoopy wear in It's the
Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown?
A: The WW1 Flying Ace
3. People in Mexico celebrate Halloween by eating what candy treat?
Is it Pepitas, Sugar Skulls or Bloody Churros?
A: Sugar Skulls
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Halloween Traditions
1. What Roman Goddess is the inspiration for Bobbing for Apples?
Is it Diana, Pomona or Minerva?
A: Pomona
2. Who began wearing masks and costumes to
avoid being recognized by spirits on Samhain night?
A: The Celts
3. Which vegetable were Jack 'O’ Lanterns originally carved from?
A: Turnips
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Witches Brew
1. What does a witch's broomstick symbolize?
Death, Fertility, Protection or Banishing?
A: Fertility
2. The word "pagan", in Latin "pagini," means what?
Does it mean evil, to bend or shape, or home dweller?
A: Home Dweller
3. The Malleus Maleficarum, used for the Inquisition,
claimed what stereotype about witches?
A: They were all women
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Hollywood Horror
1. How many people does Jason kill in Friday the 13th (Part 1)?
A: None, his mother is the killer
2. What was Hellraiser Pinhead's human name?
Was it Frank, Elliot or Winston Spencer?
A: Elliot Spencer
3. In Poltergeist, what grabs Robbie through his bedroom window?
A Ghost, Stuffed Clown, Indigenous Warrior, or A Tree?
A: A Tree
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Round Four.
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Mojo Macabre
1. Name the serial killer who stalked London in 1888?
A: Jack The Ripper
2. What moniker was given to serial killer Richard Ramirez?
A: The Night Stalker
3. What book features Dr. Hannibal Lecter, FBI agent
Will Graham, and serial-killer The Tooth Fairy?
A: Red Dragon
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"Spirits"
1. Name the large, hairy, Ape-Like cryptid seen in the
United States and Canada?
A: A Bigfoot or Sasquatch
2. Name the cryptid that dwells in Lake Timiskaming, Canada?
A: Old Tessie or Mugwump
3. What mythical winged cyptid is legend to the
indigenous peoples’ of North America?
A: The Thunderbird
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Tricks 'N' Treats
1. Where do Herman, Lily, Grandpa, and the rest of The Munsters live?
A: 1313 Mockingbird Lane
2. Pumpkins can be orange, white, green, or what other color?
Is it Black, Yellow or Blue?
A: A Blue
3. What is the original name for Candy Corn?
Is it Sugar Corn, Chicken Feed or Candy Kernels?
A: A Chicken Feed
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Halloween Traditions
1. In which country did Halloween originate?
A: Ireland
2. What does the name Dracula mean?
A: Son of the Devil
3. Which country celebrates the Day of the Dead
starting at midnight on Oct. 31, Nov. 1 and Nov. 2?
A: Mexico
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Witches Brew
1. What is the name that a Male Witch is called?
Is it a Warlock, Witch, or Wizard?
A: A Witch
2. Where was the Wiccan religion was created?
The United States, Britain or Ireland?
A: Britian
3. What is a group of Thirteen Witches called?
Is it a Cackle, Crones, Coven, or Circle?
A: A Coven
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Hollywood Horror
1. In Carrie, what do the other students dump on Carrie at prom?
A: A Bucket Of Pig’s Blood
2. Who speaks to Isaac in Children of the Corn?
A: "He Who Walks Behind The Rows"
3. Why can't Michael Myers be killed?
Because, he’s a God, of a Druid Curse, or he’s a Demon?
A: A Druid Curse
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Round Five.
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Mojo Macabre
1. Name the book about the1959 murders of 4 members
of the Herbert Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas?
A: In Cold Blood
2. What Stephen King book is based on the
Winchester Mystery House?
A: Rose Red
3. What serial killer and his family went "Helter Skelter"?
A: Charles Manson Or The Manson Family
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"Spirits"
1. Name the large and hairy ape-like cryptid seen in the
wilds and mountains of The Himalayas?
A: The Abominable Snowman or Yeti
2. Name the “Mystery Inc.” drink made with Pineapple Juice,
Creme de Bananes, Coconut Rum, and Melon Liqueur?
A: A Scooby Snack
3. What winged, bipedal cryptid was seen in Point Pleasant,
West Virginia from Nov. 1966 – Dec. 1967?
A: Mothman
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Tricks 'N' Treats
1. What’s the color order of a piece of candy corn, from the base to the point?
A: Yellow (Base), Orange (Middle), And White (Top)
2. Every Halloween, missing out on Tricks 'N' Treats,
Linus Van Pelt waits for what character to appear?
A: The Great Pumpkin
3. What hit Halloween song, starts with :
“ I was working in the lab, late one night…?
A: The Monster Mash
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Halloween Traditions
1. From which words did ‘bonfire’ originate?
Were they Good and Pyre, Bone and Fire, or Good and Fairy?
A: Bone and Fire
2. What was Dracula’s real name?
A: Vlad (The Impaler) Tepes
3. Which Catholic Church holiday, was created to abolish Halloween?
A: All Saints (Hallows) Day
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Witches Brew
1. Name the manual published in 1487 to hunt witches?
Was it The Bible, Malleus Maleficarum, or Inquisitor?
A: The Malleus Maleficarum
2. What’s the name of the evil witch in The Wizard of Oz?
A: The Wicked Witch Of The West
3. What is the name of the religion based on Witchcraft?
Is it Hoodoo, Santaria, or Wicca?
A: Wicca
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Hollywood Horror
1. What horror movie features a serial killer wearing a
mask inspired by an Edvard Munch painting?
A: Scream
2. Name the first horror film nominated for a Best Picture Oscar?
Was it Psycho, The Shining or The Exorcist?
A: The Exorcist
3. What is Norman Bates hobby in Psycho?
Was it Photography, Taxidermy or Building Model Ships?
A: Taxidermy
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Round Six.
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Mojo Macabre
1. What was the real name of the Green River Killer?
A: Gary Ridgway
2. What Stephen King classic, involves a family and
a cat named Church?
A: Pet Sematary
3. Name the killer who stalked the village of “Sleepy Hollow”?
A: The Headless Horseman
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"Spirits"
1. What winged, bipedal horse cryptid stalks the Pine Barrens,
Pennsylvania in the United States?
A: The Jersey Devil
2. What Halloween cocktail is made with Orange Juice,
Black Vodka, and Grenadine?
A: A Black Magic Screwdriver
3. What is the cyptid who’s name is Spanish for "Goat-Sucker"?
A: The Chupacabra
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Tricks 'N' Treats
1. How many licks does it take to reach the center of a Tootsie Pop?
Is It 152, 252, or 352 Licks?
A: 252 Licks
2. Hollywood, CA banned the use of what party item on Halloween?
Was It Mirrors, Silly String or Strobe Lights?
A: Silly String
3. Is a Pumpkin a fruit or vegetable?
A: A Fruit
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Halloween Traditions
1. According to superstition, a person born on Halloween
has what particular psychic ability?
A: To See / Talk to Spirits
2. How many people should be seated around a table for a
“proper” Victorian Séance to start?
A: Min. 3 to 12 Max.
3. Why was “Table Tipping” used during the Spiritualism Movement?
A: When a spirit is present, you ask them to move/rock/tip the table
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Witches Brew
1. "Double, double, toil and trouble" is from what Shakespeare play?
Was it Macbeth, Othello, or Hamlet?
A: Macbeth
2. What “Pot” is normally used by witches to brew
their potions and cast spells?
A: A Cauldron
3. How did Owls get associated with Halloween?
A: In Medieval Europe, Owls Were Thought To Be Witches
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Hollywood Horror
1. What happens to Damien's first nanny in The Omen?
Does She: Go Insane, Hang Herself, or Quit The Job?
A: She Hangs Herself
2. Name the paranormal investigator couple, that the movie The Conjuring, was based?
A: Ed and Lorraine Warren
3. Who was the actor that played a Spirit Magnet and
Spirit Hunter in the remake of 13 Ghost's?
A: Matthew Lillard
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Round Seven.
​
Mojo Macabre
1. Who wrote the American Classic, “The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow”?
A: Washington Irving
2. What book features Dr. Van Helsing, Jonathan Harker, and Renfield?
A: Bram Stoker's Dracula
3. Name the Anne Rice novel that follows four
centuries of the great Mayfair family?
A: The Witching Hour
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"Spirits"
1. Name the “Ghostbusters” drink made with Peach Schnapps,Orange
Juice, Spiced/Coconut Rum, Blue Curacao, Melon Liqueur?
A: A Slimer
2. Name the “Sanderson Sisters”drink, Pineapple Juice, Vodka,
Melon Liqueur, Blue Curacao, Sweet & Sour mix?
A: A Hocus Pocus
3. What red Halloween shooter, no Popsicle stick needed, is
made with Cherry Vodka and Fireball Whiskey?
A: A Hot Candy Apple
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Tricks 'N' Treats
1. How did the Charleston Chew candy bar get its name?
A: The Charleston Dance Craze
2. Halloween Candy Buyback: Children sell their uneaten candy to dentists.
Who Gets The Uneaten Candy?
A: Deployed Military Units
3. How do pumpkins grow?
A: On A Vine
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Halloween Traditions
1. Between what hours does the Paranormal Energy increase and become most active?
A: Between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM
2. What do people in New England call the night before Halloween?
Is It Egg Night, Cabbage Night, or Turnip Night?
A: Cabbage Night
3. Name something used at A Séance to reveal a spirit was present?
A: A Medium, Knocks, Cold Spots, Candle Flames Turning Green or Going Out, etc.
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Witches Brew
1. What does a Witch's Besom or Broomstick symbolize?
Is It Rebirth, Protection, Fertility, or Death?
A: Fertility
2. Salem Witch Trials: Two girls who accused women of Witchcraft
may have suffered from this condition?
A: Clinical Hysteria
3. Myth's state that Witches ride what object in order to get around?
A: A Broomstick or Besom
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Hollywood Horror
1. Why were most of Colin Clive's scenes in Bride
of Frankenstein shot with him sitting?
A: He Broke a Leg Riding a Horse
2. Who is the only character to survive all four Jaws movies?
Is It Martin, Michael, Sean or Ellen Brody?
A: Michael Brody
3. Whose skin does Kirsty wear in Hellraiser II?
Is It Tiffany’s, Frank’s, Larry’s or Julia’s Skin?
A: Julia’s Skin
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Round Eight.
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Mojo Macabre
1. What ocean myth, off the southeastern tip of Florida,
is where ships and airplanes disappear?
A: The Bermuda Triangle
2. What American Author wrote “The Tell-Tale Heart”?
A: Edgar Allen Poe
3. What great American Author penned “The Pit And The Pendulum”?
A: Edgar Allen Poe
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"Spirits"
1. Who conceived and founded the iconic Canadian spirit "Crystal Head Vodka"?
A: Dan Aykroyd
2. What “Skellington” shooter is made with Coffee Liqueur,
Pumpkin Spice Liqueur, and Peppermint Vodka?
A: A Bone Daddy
3. Name the “Wailing” shooter made with Coffee Liqueur, Irish Cream,
topped with Goldschläger and set on fire?
A: The Banshee
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Tricks 'N' Treats
1. What do people “bob” for on Halloween?
A: Apples
2. True or False: The largest pumpkin pie ever weighed more than 350 pounds?
A: True
3. How many calories does the average kid consume on Halloween night?
Is It 3,000, 7,000, or 9,000 Calories?
A: 7,000 Calories!!
​
Halloween Traditions
1. Legends claim that a Spirit Lingers around their deceased body for how many days?
Is It 0, 1, 2, or 3 Day(s)?
A: 3 Days
2. What substance are most Crystal Ball's created from?
A: Glass, Lead Crystal or Quartz Crystal
3. When Don’t Vampires sleep?
A: At night (nocturnal)
​
Witches Brew
1. Pagan, from the Latin "pagini", means what?
Is it Forest, Home Dweller, Evil, or Healer?
A: Home Dweller
2. Why are Black Cats associated with Witches?
A: The Dark Color Was Deemed Evil During The Inquisition
3. If a Wiccan cast spells to harm someone else, what will happen?
A: The Spell Will Return To Them Threefold
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Hollywood Horror
1. Who's life is the horror film “From Hell” loosely based on?
A: Jack The Ripper
2. What horror movie had character's named "The Juggernaut" and "The Jackal"?
A: 13 Ghost's
3. Who is responsible for releasing the deadly virus in the horror movie "28 Days Later"?
A: British Animal Rights Activists
​
Halloween Recipes
I am pleased to be sharing some of my incredible Halloween recipes for you and your family to enjoy. Appetizers, desserts and drinks are on the menu.
​
Witches Brew
This is a fun holiday beverage for the family and can be made into an adult cocktail. This is one cool neon green concoction that will make you The Master Of Scaremonies!!
Please take the keys away and don't let people drive drunk.
​
Ingredients:
1 liter of Lime Sherbert
1 large can of unsweetened Pineapple Juice
A 2 liter bottle of Sprite
1 gallon of Green Hawaiian Fruit Punch
Red Sanding Sugar (optional)
Lime Juice (optional)
26 ounzes of Gin,Vodka, Coconut Rum or alcohol of choice (Adult Cocktail)
​
Instructions:
1. In a large punch bowl, add half a litre of the lime shertbert.
2. Add half a litre of the Sprite and half a gallon of
Hawaiian punch, and half can of pineapple juice to sherbert and stir.
Note: If making adult cocktail, add 1/2 of alcohol of choice to mixture.
3. Put lime juice on one small plate and red sanding sugar on another small plate.
4. Turn serving glass upside down, put the rim of glass into lime juice and
then into red sanding sugar.
5. Ladle Witches Brew into small red rimmed glasses and
garnish with a sprinkle of red sanding sugar.
6. Repeat the steps with remaining ingredients to replenish Witches Brew.
​
​
​
Hot Cheddar Dip
An easy to make favourite. No muss, no fuss an soooo good! The dip can be served with
assorted bagle chips, breads, veggies, or whatever you like.
​
Ingredients:
1 Medium Spanish Onion (Small Dice)
2 Cups Mayonnaise
8 Cups Shredded Marble Cheese
2 Eggs
​
Instructions:
1. Grease a large casserole dish (with lid) with butter and set aside.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In small glass bowl, blend the eggs and mayonnaise,
until mixture is fully incorporated.
3. In large glass bowl, add diced onion, mayonnaise mixture, and cheese.
Stir until mixture is fully incorporated.
4. Place mixture into greased casserole dish.
Put lid on top and put in oven.
5. Bake in oven covered for 30 minutes.
Bake an extra 15 minutes uncovered.
6. Allow Hot Cheddar Dip to cool 5 minutes before serving.
​
​
Chocolate Fudge
Easy, rich, flavourful and will have the BOILS & GHOULS coming back for
more this Halloween Season.
(makes approx.38-45 pieces depending on the size you cut them).
​
Ingredients:
3 Cups Milk Chocolate Chips
1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
1/4 Cup Salted Butter
1/4 Tsp. Cayenne Pepper
​
Instructions:
1. Lightly grease an 8x8 pan, line with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In large glass bowl, add milk chocolate chips and full can of condensed milk.
3. Place glass bowl in microwave oven and heat for 2 minutes at a time.
Stir mixture every minute until smooth and creamy.
4. Add butter, vanilla, and cayenne pepper to mixture.
Stir until smooth and creamy. (add Options now)
5. Pour mixture into 8x8 pan lined with parchment paper
and refrigerate for 2 hours .
6. Remove cooled fudge from pan. Using hot water to heat up knife,
cut fudge into desired sized pieces.
OPTIONS: Add nuts to mixture, use orange/maple/peppermint/other extract,
layer top before cooling with crushed candy, use white chocolate or caramel chips....the possibilities are endless!!
​
Caramel Popcorn Balls
Easy, fun, festive and will have the WEE BEASTIES coming back for
more this Halloween Season.
(makes 10 - 12 Popcorn Balls depending on the size you make them).
​
Ingredients:
16 Cups Plain Popped Popcorn
1 (12 Ounce pkg.) Milk Chocolate Chips
1 (14 Ounce pkg.) Vanilla Caramels (44 Caramels)
1 2/3 Cups Unsweetened Coconut (shredded)
1/4 Cup Salted Butter
1 Pinch Of Salt
10 to 12 Popsicle or Lollipop Sticks
Halloween Sprinkles and Small Candies if desired
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Instructions:
1. Place Popcorn in a large bowl and set aside.
2. In a Medium Saucepan over LOW HEAT, melt Caramels and Butter, stirring often
to avoid burning the Caramels. The Caramel will be lumpy at first,
and then seem to separate from the Butter, but will melt together when
it reaches the right temperature after about 5 Minutes.
3. When Caramel Mixture is liquid, (you should be able to drizzle it with a spoon),
Stir in Salt and Coconut. Stir Caramel Mixture until smooth,
remove from heat and pour over Popcorn.
4. With a large Wooden Spoon, mix until Popcorn is well-coated
with Caramel and Coconut.
5. In large glass bowl, add Milk Chocolate Chips, place in microwave
oven and heat for 3 minutes at a time (on 50% power).
Stir every minute until melted but NOT HOT.
6. When Caramel Popcorn Mixture is cool enough to handle, grease hands with Butter
or nonstick spray. Form Baseball-Sized Balls of Caramel Popcorn
securing 1 Popsicle Stick in each.
7. Dip top of Caramel Popcorn Ball in melted Chocolate Mixture and
roll in Halloween Sprinkles and Candies, if desired
8. Place dipped Caramel Popcorn Ball onto a cookie sheet lined with
Waxed Paper until Chocolate is set.
VARIATION: Pour Melted Chocolate over the Carmel Popcorn Mixture and mix by hand
until everything is coated in Chocolate. Pour onto a cookie sheet lined with
Waxed Paper and spread out so Popcorn Pieces are NOT TOUCHING.
Allow Chocolate to set, place in a glass bowl, and serve as finger food.
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Dirt Pails
This is a great Treat with a few Tricks thrown in! Fun for the Little and
Big Kids in the family. This is one cool Graveyard Smash!!
Makes 6 - 8 (8 ounce) Dirt Pails
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Ingredients:
1 liter of Halloween Inspired Ice Cream (Crazy Colours or Flavours)
4 Cups Oreo Cookie Crumbs
2 Small Bags of assorted Gummy Worms, Spiders, Eyeballs
1 Small Can/Bottle Chocolate Sauce
6 - 8 Plastic Halloween Cups (8 Ounces)
1 Pkg. Plastic Halloween Spoons
1 Can Whipped Cream (optional)
1/4 Cup mini Chocolate Chips (optional)
Instructions:
1. In each Halloween Cup, place a Tablespoon of Oreo Cookie Crumbs, 2 Gummies,
a scoop of Halloween Ice Cream, and some Chocolate Sauce.
2. Repeat Step 1.
3. Top with more Gummie Worms and Spiders, and serve with a Halloween Spoon.
Optional Final Step: Top with a Whipped Cream Ghost using 3 Mini Chocolate Chips
for Eyes and a Mouth .
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Dia de los Muertos Coffee
This is Mexican Coffee with Chocolate and Cinnamon that can be made into an adult cocktail. This is one Spicy Concoction that will truly Honor Your Ancestors!!
Please take the keys away and don't let people drive drunk.
Makes 10 - 12 servings
Ingredients:
6 Cups Water
1/2 Cup Ground Dark Roast Coffee
2 Cinnamon Sticks (12 more for garnish)
2 Cups Whipping Cream
1/3 Cup Chocolate Syrup
1/4 Cup Dark Brown Sugar (packed)
1 1/2 tsps. Vanilla Extract
1/4 Cup Icing Sugar
Ground Cinnamon (garnish)
1/2 oz. Shot of Goldschlager Liquer (Adult Cocktail)
Instructions:
1. Place Water in Coffee Maker. Put 2 Cinnamon Sticks and Dark Roast Coffee
Grounds into the filter.
2. In a Glass Bowl, combine 1 Cup of Whipping Cream, Chocolate Syrup, Dark
Brown Sugar and 1 tsp. of Vanilla Extract. When mixed add to empty Coffee Pot.
3. Place Coffee Pot with Chocolate Cream Mixture onto Coffee Machine and brew as normal.
4. Meanwhile, Put Whipping Cream and Vanilla Extract into mixing bowl and beat
on high speed adding Powdered Sugar until mixture forms Soft Peaks.
5. Pour Dia de los Muertos Coffee into individual Mugs and top with Whipped Cream.
Garnish with a sprinkle of Ground Cinnamon and a Cinnamon Stick.
Optional: If making adult cocktail, add 1/2 oz. of alcohol to Mugs before Step 5.
​
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halloween crafts
The tradition of holiday crafting has endured over the centuries. Many Halloween crafts involved making decorations, candles, costumes, candy/taffy apples, carving
Jack'O'Lanterns, and too many more to mention.
As a child, there were many holiday crafts done in school and at home.
Here are some great family crafts to enjoy during the Fall/Halloween season.
HALLOWEEN PAPER CHAINS
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This is a fun activity for children ages 4 - 10 years old. Parents will need to help cutting coloured construction paper into even strips.
Materials :
Coloured Construction Paper (Fall/Halloween Colours)
Scissors
White/Clear Glue
Stapler (optional)
Steps :
1. Cut many 2-3 inch wide by 5-7 inches long strips of coloured construction paper.
2. Using Glue, put a dab on one end of paper and loop it around to make a chain link.
Hold until glue is dry.
3. Put another piece of paper inside first chain link. Using Glue, put a dab on one end
of paper and loop it around to make a chain link. Hold until glue is dry.
4. Repeat step three repeating the process until chain is of desired length.
Tip: Use a stapler to make chain building easier and faster.
5. Hang finished Fall/Halloween paper chains in child's room or home.
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Spooky Halloween Pictures
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This is a fun activity for children of any age. Parents will need to help mixing
The Watercolour Paint for younger children.
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Materials :
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Crayons (White, Bright Yellow, Bright Green, Orange, Purple etc.)
White Paper
1/2 inch Paint Brushes (Crafts)
BLACK Watercolour Paint
Steps :
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1. Give child a piece of White Paper.
2. Using Crayons (Bright Colours), have child draw a Spooky Halloween Picture.
3. Parents mix Black Watercolour paint very thin.
Tip: You can get dry watercolour paint pucks at the Dollar Store
4. Have child choose a Paint Brush and paint the
whole page with Black Watercolour Paint (very thin coat).
Tip: You can get Paint Brushes (crafts) at the Dollar Store
5. Set the Spooky Halloween Picture aside until completely dry.
6. Display your childs Spooky Halloween Picture in
their bedroom or as a decoration in the house!
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Halloween Mobile
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This is a fun activity for children ages 5 - 9 years old. Parents will need to help cutting/tying strings, cutting out/paper punching Halloween shapes,
stringing Halloween shapes and hanging finished mobile.
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Materials :
Crayons/Pencil Crayons/Washable Markers
String/Ribbon
1 Wire Coat Hanger
Scissors
Paper Hole Punch
Paper Punch Hole Reinforcer Stickers (optional)
Two copies of Halloween Shapes
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Steps :
1. Make two copies of Halloween Shapes pictured below.
Have children colour all Halloween Shapes.
2. Cut 9 pieces of string/ribbon all different lengths. Save longest piece of
string/ribbon for later.
3. Tie one end of second longest piece of string/ribbon in center of wire coat hanger.
4. Tie the ends of two more strings/ribbons to outside of wire coat hanger.
5. Tie the ends of remaining strings/ribbons in the middle of center and outside strings on wire coat hanger.
6. Cut out Halloween Shapes. Punch a hole in the same spot
of all Halloween Shapes using paper hole punch.
Tip: Use hole reinforcer stickers so as not to rip Halloween Shapes when tying to mobile.
7. Tie Halloween Shapes to all the strings/ribbons.
8. Using the longest piece of string/ribbon you set aside, tie it to the
middle of hook part of wire coat hanger.
8. Hang finished Halloween Mobile in child's room or home.
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HALLOWEEN
COLORING PAGES
