Each year leaves seems to transform into gold and bronze confetti like colors after the balmy summer has finished Witches, imps and skulls all become the focal point of shop displays . The neighbors' doorsteps are host to smiling pumpkins, while paper bats are hanging threateningly from all imaginable belfries. Each of the mentioned are signs of the arrival of the Halloween season.



One of the oldest of all traditional holidays, Halloween is also one of the most mysterious. Its origins have evaded distinct claim for centuries; though, most people don't seem to mind. Halloween may be based on All Saints Day or the Celtic Calendar. Either way, the most important thing is to have a magical night. This is a peep at a selection of some of the favorite traditions of Halloween.

The Jack-o-lantern is perhaps the most common of all Halloween symbols. It is made from a pumpkin carved to look like a ghoulish face. The inner pulp is taken out and exchanged for a lit candle. The lighted faces are frightening to many a nighttime passerby. An abundance of pumpkins initiated the popularity of the Jack-o-lantern in the U.S. at harvest time. In the 1800s the cross-section of the virtual cornucopia of pumpkins and the celebration of Halloween developed into the beautiful relationship we now honor.

The Halloween costume is one of the most anticipated aspects of Halloween. Thought to have caught on from the adoption of the Celtic tradition of dressing in costumes for celebration, the Halloween costume is also thought to be convenient way to disguise ones identity for playing innocent pranks. Costumes include such things as goblins, wicked witches and spooky ghosts, as well as a large selection of well-known pop-culture super heroes and characters.

There is always an abundance of costume choices in stores beginning around the first of September; but, the most fun and awe-inspiring costume is the one you make yourself. Uniqueness, out of the box thinking and resourcefulness are the most important factors.

For many people, "Trick-or-Treating" is the best part of Halloween. Children under 13 dressed in different characters are demanding the scrumptious goodies from a Halloween prank. The grown up eagerly waits to be "scared" by the roaring little monster masked candy bandits. For many kids, 'trick or treating' is a favorite pastime, and one that is treasured for life.