A History of Halloween

A History of Halloween
By Toby Shaw

While Halloween is a custom celebrated in many countries around the world, Ireland is believed to be the birthplace of the festival. The Irish tradition dates back to the eighteenth century. Nowadays Halloween is a national holiday in Ireland, celebrated on the last Monday in October.

Halloween takes its roots from the old Celtic festival Samhain Eve, when it was believed that the link between the worlds of living and dead was at its strongest.

Many of the Celtic Halloween traditions live on in Ireland today and were brought to America by Irish immigrants in the nineteenth century. The name Halloween comes from All Hallows' Evening, which is what All Saint's Day (November 1st) was called in Medieval times.

Traditionally an Irish Halloween dinner will include boiled potatoes, cabbage and raw onions. Cleaned coins are wrapped in baking paper and hidden in the potatoes for the children to find and keep.

The barnbrack cake is traditionally served for dessert. It is a fruitcake that has a rag, ring and coin hidden inside it. The rag represents a doubtful financial future, the ring represents impending romance and happiness, and the coin represents riches. It is believed that the individual that finds the hidden treasure will also find that respective fate.

The legend of the Jack O'Lantern also goes back to the eighteenth century.

The legend is that an Irish blacksmith called Jack was denied entry to Heaven after he has was found to have colluded with the Devil. He was condemned to wander the Earth and his only light was a burning coal inside a hollowed out turnip. The villagers believed that placing a Jack O'Lantern in their window would keep the damned soul of the wandering blacksmith away.

When the Irish immigrates arrived in America and tried to carry on the tradition they found there was not enough turnips and so they resorted to using pumpkins instead.

People would dress in ghost and goblin costumes to confuse the spirits that wandered the Earth on this night, so that they would not be taken by them.

Office Holidays lists important national and public holidays around the world in a calendar format. All featured holidays have detailed background information. Visit http://www.officeholidays.com for more details on hundreds of other holidays.

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Original Halloween Costume Ideas

Original Halloween Costume Ideas
By Lisa Earl

You've been invited to the Halloween party of the year. Now the only question is, what in the world are you going to wear?? You can't afford to go out and buy an elaborate costume, and you don't have the time (or the imagination) to put together something at home. Although dressing up in costume is really fun, finding a costume can be frustrating.

Of course, there's going to be the usual costumes choices that come to mind every year. You can be a ghost, or a vampire, or a gypsy. There's witches and hobos too. These seem to be the costumes that everyone thinks of first, or maybe they're just the ones the Halloween stores tend to stock up on.

Some people, in an effort to be different, will show up in some really outrageous ensembles that have nothing at all to do with Halloween. Their costume will be too controversial or too daring, all in an effort to be noticed. These costumes usually take a lot of courage to carry off, and most of us would be too uncomfortable trying something like that.

So what would be a unique Halloween costume idea? Try taking what would be a predictable costume and add a twist! Do something that draws people's attention, and hopefully a few laughs, and will be a great conversation starter. For example, you can take a usual vampire costume and pair it up with some silly golfing pants, golfing shoes and a golf club! Tell everyone it was your day off and you like to play golf in between bouts of blood sucking.

If there's a group of you going, coordinate your costumes! Dress up like a family of fun loving, country "rednecks" and bring your own theme music! Dance and "yeehaw!" your way into the party. Bring your own lawn chairs! Be the Adams family and ham it up with each other, a sure way to get some laughs. There's a lot of group costume ideas that are fun and easy if you just put a little thought into it.

What if you get a last minute invite and you're really short on time? Unless you have an emergency costume stash in your closet, you probably think there's no way you can get a unique halloween costume idea in that short of time. But you can! Just choose a funny prop to wear if you can't get together an entire costume. For example, you can wear a hat that has clumps of cotton balls hanging from the brim. Walk around the party with "your head in the clouds".

You can turn an average, common costume into something unique with just a little imagination and very little cost. Just adding a small twist can really get some conversations started! Have fun with it and you'll be sure to get some laughs and be the talk of the party! Happy Halloween!

Visit http://www.frightnightcostumes.com for more great costume ideas!

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8 Sexy Halloween Costume Ideas

8 Sexy Halloween Costume Ideas
By Nathan Albertelli

Are you looking for a flattering but not over-the-top sexy costume for Halloween? Maybe you are planning on going to a party with friends, out to the club, or to a dance. Regardless of where your plans may place you, you are thinking "what should I wear to this party? I want to turn the heat up and draw some looks, but I don't want to stick out in a bad way."

If this sounds like you, here are some provocative, yet tasteful suggestions for ladies (or gents choosing on behalf of ladies) who are looking to dress up for various occasions before the Halloween season:

1. Alice in Wonderland

Ever wonder what made the Mad Hatter so crazy? It was this costume.

2. Cuddly Lion Girl

This one is for all the ladies on the "prowl". Unleash your inner lioness.

3. Oktoberfest Costume

This particular genre of costume truly emphasizes the importance of a fine beer.

4. Dorothy (Wizard of Oz)

Fully equipped with Toto and basket, she's ready to go on that magical journey down the yellow brick road.

5. French Maid

For those who would like to "dust off a classic". No worries here, the french maid keeps a clean party.

6. Police Officer

Put them up in the air! This classic is built with authority and attitude - definitely not for the faint of heart!

7. Bunny Hop

Everyone loves the bunny hop. All you need are some bunny ears and a big smile. Do the bunny hop!

8. Angel

To only be worn when you want boys on their knees, begging for your forgiveness.

The information herein is provided by Nothing But Costumes and Buy This Costume

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Iron Man Halloween Costumes - 2 Simple Ways to Get Popular Halloween Costumes

Iron Man Halloween Costumes - 2 Simple Ways to Get Popular Halloween Costumes
By Harley Hamilton

Let me tell you what will happen if you do not follow these 2 simple ways when buying Halloween costumes. Imagine that you have come up with an idea. For example, you want to buy Iron Man Halloween costumes because it is the hottest costume in this year. You compare prices in different costumes stores. You ask your friends' opinion.

After two days you enter the store, which (you think) may offer you the lowest price, to search for the costume. And the bad thing happens. Your target, Iron Man Halloween costumes, is out of stock. There are only some wolf man wigs and skeleton zombie costumes on the shelves. You have no choice but are going to wear the most traditional Halloween costume at the night of Halloween.

I am sure that you do not want to have this experience so I am going to suggest you 2 ways to avoid that.

The first one is that you need to buy as early as possible. Although there is still one month to Halloween, there is actually not much time for you to get the most popular Halloween costume.

Halloween costumes are not like normal dress. They are limited. The later you buy, the fewer choices you will have. You may still get the popular Halloween costume from the store but you probably cannot buy the size that fits you.

People normally buy Halloween costumes 2 months in advance. So I strongly recommend you to buy fast. If you have an idea today, just buy the costumes today. You will still have the chance to get the most popular Halloween costume.

Another way is that you should buy Halloween costumes online. Although there are some Halloween costumes stores in your area, there are also many people looking for Halloween costumes in your area. Are you sure that you can buy faster than them? I personally do not want this challenge.

By shopping on online costumes stores, you need not face a crowd in front of the shelves. You can pay attention to choose your favorite costumes. As you can go to websites from foreign countries, you will have more choices. You may find a very special costume that is not sold in your own area. So you will be unique on Halloween. Also you may normally enjoy a discount price. It is because the expense of an online store must lower than a real store. They can usually offer you an attractive price.

Is that simple? The answer is absolutely YES. Buy fast and buy online. Everyone can do these two simple things but not many people really do both of them. So if you follow my recommendations, the odds are on you.

I am sure you know the importance of buying fast and online. If you are looking for Iron Man Halloween costumes, I am offering you a faster way to buy one. You may visit Iron Man Halloween Costumes 2008. The latest collection is waiting for you.

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6 Unique Decorating Tips For Halloween

6 Unique Decorating Tips For Halloween
By Antonio H

Thinking about decorating for Halloween? Here are some tips on what you can do to make your home stand out from the rest!

1. Fake Spider Webs - Creating fake spider webs is not complicated yet you see so many people decorating their homes with clumps of cotton that looks like they were taken out of the bag and thrown on the wall. Try to make it look somewhat realistic. Stretch the cotton material until it becomes a silky transparent thread. You want it to look real enough that it will fake a real spider. Another idea for spider webs is using dark threading hanging from the ceiling in front of the door. Note: this will only work in a dark setting. Wet the strings so when guests enter your house they'll walk through the web and get freaked out!

2. Floating Skulls - This is one of my favorites. You need a TV or monitor, a DVD (preferable) or a VCR, a video of a head or skull, a large sheet of glass or plexiglass. Lay the TV/Monitor facing up right below the window where you want the image displayed. Have the top of the TV/Monitor facing the wall. Place the glass or plexiglass above the TV at a 45 degree angle where one side is resting on the bottom of the TV and the other side is resting on the window. Make sure the video of the skull is adjusted where the area surrounding the head is dark. The end result is a floating head in the window. For more dramatic effects, you may want to add a background surrounding the area.

3. Lighting - You want to create the right ambiance. Replace the light bulbs on your chandelier and your front porch with a black light. You can even add a strobe light for a more

4. Tomb Stones - These are pretty easy to make. You need Styrofoam which you can get from a local arts and crafts store or Lowes, grey primer, and acrylic paint. Cut out the shape for the tomb stone, paint it with primer, and write the epitaph. Roughen the edges to give it a weathered look. You can also create a cross with two pieces of boards and nail them together in a shape of a cross. You may want to break pieces off the end or burn parts of the cross to make it appear old or weathered.

5. Birds - You can add fake crows and perch them on a tree, bush, or anywhere in your front yard.

6. Michael Meyers in the windows - This is relatively easy. Get a jump suit from a thrift store or ask a mechanics garage for an old outfit, get the Michael Meyers mask which can be found in virtually any Halloween store, get some construction gloves, newspaper, a fake or dull kitchen knife, double stick tape, a long stick with bottom support or a coat hanger with removable hangers, and a directional light. Stuff the jumpsuit with all of the newspapers. Stick long newspapers in the forearms so that the newspaper sticks out of the sleeves later to be used to stuff the gloves. Stuff the mask with newspaper as well. Cut a hole in the butt are of the jumpsuit and stick the support through until it reaches out of the neck area. Stick the mask on top of this portion of the support. Use the double stick tape and wrap it around the knife and close one of the gloves around the knife. Stand the figure in front of a window and place the light facing up so that it shines on Michael Meyers face.

Halloween is the one time out of the year where you can pretend to be anything you want and express yourself freely without being judged. If you are looking for more ideas for Halloween, go to http://www.helpfulhalloweentips.com - Thanks for reading and I hope you have a safe and Happy Halloween!

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Sexy Costumes For Halloween

Sexy Costumes For Halloween
By Andrew Cho

If you're looking for a sexy Halloween costume, companies are making more and more each year. From naughty nurses to nasty witches, there are many choices for people seeking a sexy costume for Halloween.

Here are some of the most popular sexy costumes to make you look your best!

Office tramp costumes usually include pinstripe and knit chiffon camisole with shirred cup detail. Include a ruffle back skirt, neck tie, and thong and you'll be sure to turn on those who enjoy office women.

Most people don't think Minnie Mouse is sexy. Make a red and white polka dot short dress with cute mouse ears and you have a very sexy costume.

Snow white has always been considered sexy. You can make it even sexier with a mini dress and headband with bow.

A Greek goddess costume is sexy for both men looking at the costume and the women wearing it. Aphrodite was the goddess of love, beauty, and sexual reproduction so it is no surprise what an impact a Greek goddess costume can make.

The nurse costume is the quintessential sexy outfit for women. There are many sexy nurse outfits including 3 piece dresses, 4 piece darge costumes, and apron and matching nurse cap costumes. Men love a sexy nurse that knows how to take care of them and treat them just right.

If you are looking for a simple risqué costume, a lifeguard costume is a great way to go. Simply by getting a red one piece swimsuit with a cute red cross on it, you have a great Halloween costume that exudes the definition of sexy.

Find sexy costumes for Halloween at DexHalloweenCostumes.com.

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Queen of Hearts Halloween Costumes - Ideas For Halloween 2008

Queen of Hearts Halloween Costumes - Ideas For Halloween 2008
By Harley Hamilton

Do you remember what you wore on last Halloween? How much time did you use to think up the brilliant idea? It must take a very long time and it must be hard. But I can say that is already more interesting than the past. People used to only wear scary Halloween costumes and they hardly came up with creative ideas.

Nowadays you can put on everything you like. You can look traditionally terrible. You can become famous characters such as wearing Queen of Hearts Halloween costumes. You can be anyone you want. I am going to give your more and more ideas.

Before helping you think up an idea, I would like to share one thing with you. Along with the development of technology, you no longer need to enter a store to choose your Halloween costumes. You can now buy it through online costumes stores. Most of them provide lots of choices for you.

For example, if you are searching for Queen of Hearts Halloween costumes, you may have at least 12 kinds of costumes on any online costumes stores. So I strongly suggest you buying online.

As I said before it is not a must for you to dress up like ghosts or vampires anymore (of course you can if you want.). You can be sexy, beautiful or charming. Put on Queen of Hearts Halloween costumes and loudly say off with your head or become Ironman to protect your lovers. It greatly depends on your mind. The more creative you are, the more fun you will have.

It may not be movie or story characters. You can dress up like people in different career. A waiter or a doctor will be good ideas. You may even buy a school uniform and it must help you recall lots of wonderful memories. I personally am going to dress up like a prisoner in this year because I do not think I will become a real prisoner in future.

You may also become celebrities. It is the simplest way because it does not require many accessories. You can just buy a mask or a wig. Can you imagine you become Brad Pitt and everyone ask you for signature? It must be amazing.

Do not worry that you will be foolish. Everyone is going to be foolish on Halloween. They just want to enjoy a wonderful Halloween. That is time for you to make your dream come true. Can you think of any other festivals that you can wear pirate costumes? You probably cannot. So grab this chance. Use you imagination and try to become unique on Halloween. You will have an unforgettable experience.

I do not know which kind of costumes you are going to wear. But if you want to buy Queen of Hearts Halloween costumes, I have an idea for you. You may find lots of choices on Queen of Hearts Halloween Costumes 2008

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Step Back in Time With Halloween Costumes

Step Back in Time With Halloween Costumes
By Anna Bradford

Everyone loves Halloween! It's that time of year where people are encouraged to put on a costume and become someone else for a night. It's such a great way to shed some of you inhibitions, free yourself of demands and busy schedules and just have fun. Make it a family night or go out with a group of friends and enjoy "not" being yourself!

Ever wonder what the fashion was like in the 1920's? By just putting on a costume you can transform yourself back in time to the Roaring Twenties, the decade of "bath tub" gin, the Model T, the $5 workday and the movie. The costume history image in our minds of a woman during this time is likely to be the image of a Flapper. A fashionable Flapper had short sleek hair, a shorter than average shapeless shift dress, wore make up and smoked with a long cigarette holder. Today at Halloween women can easily transform themselves into Flapper Girls, Can-Can Dancers, Saloon Lady's or even Betty Boop. Men can go back in time by putting on a classic fitted Zoot Suit and stylish Fedora to play the part of a Gangster or don a baseball uniform and portray the legendary Babe Ruth or Lou Gehrig.

The 1950's and 60's were decades filled with rock-n-roll music and at the heart of it all was American Bandstand with Dick Clark. It showed teenagers everywhere how to do the latest dance steps such as; the Twist, the Hand Jive and the Stroll. The 1950's fashion for men was the "bad boy" look of a white t-shirt, jeans and a leather jacket (with the collar up of course) or the "good guy" look of a letter sweater, jeans and penny loafers. One look the women opted for was the infamous poodle skirt and saddle shoes. The 60's brought with it Woodstock and the retro-hippie look of wearing mini skirts, go-go dresses and hotpants. No costume idea would be complete representing the 50's and 60's if two of the biggest names in music history weren't mentioned; "The King" Elvis Presley and "The British Invasion" of The Beatles. Every year on Halloween you'll see kids and adults alike dressed as Elvis, John, Paul, George and Ringo. These costumes are extremely popular and can be found around the world!

So this Halloween take a step back in time to the Roaring 20's, the Glamorous 50's or the Groovy 60's. It's as simple as a costume, some makeup and a wonderful imagination!

Anna Bradford is an author and blogger for Halloween Express where you'll find the absolute largest selection of Halloween costumes and costume accessories available anywhere including the most popular Sexy Costumes this season.

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