Halloween is believed to have originated around 2,000 years ago, and it is associated with frightening symbols such as black cats, bats, witches, lanterns, pumpkins, and cauldrons containing souls…
1. Black Cat
The black cat is considered a symbol of bad luck and is often used for Halloween decorations. This animal gained a notorious reputation during the Middle Ages when witch hunts occurred. At that time, black cats were associated with dark magic and evil spirits. One legend states that the devil transformed into a cat when connecting with witches. However, in some countries like Ireland, Scotland, and England, a black cat crossing your path is considered a good omen.
2. Bat
According to folklore, bats are one of the animals associated with witches. If someone sees a bat on Halloween night, it is considered a bad omen. It is said that if a bat flies around a house three times, someone in that house will die soon. Another legend suggests that if a bat enters your home on Halloween, it indicates that your house is haunted by the spirits residing within the creature.
3. Cauldron of Souls
According to some Celtic legends, after death, all souls of the deceased will arrive at the cauldron of an old woman—a symbol representing Mother Earth’s heart. There, the souls will wait to be reincarnated. When the gods stir the cauldron, new souls will enter, and old souls will be reborn.
4. Pumpkin Symbol
The Jack-O’-Lantern or pumpkin is the most famous symbol of the Halloween festival.
According to an 18th-century Irish legend, there was a clever yet notorious drunkard named Stingy Jack. He repeatedly tricked the devil and made a deal that the devil would not disturb him or take his soul. Because of his deceit, when Jack died, he was neither allowed into heaven nor hell. However, the devil, keeping his word, sent Jack away but out of pity gave him a glowing ember to light his way in the darkness. Jack put the ember into a rotten potato to create a lantern and wandered the Earth, which is why people place candles inside pumpkins or potatoes during Halloween.
Due to Jack’s cunning nature, people believe that his spirit could find a way back, so each Halloween, they carve mischievous faces into pumpkins and place them on windowsills or doorways to ward off wandering spirits like Stingy Jack from entering their homes.
5. Witch
Witches are believed to possess supernatural powers, often depicted wearing black clothing, with pointed noses, and riding broomsticks. On Halloween night, many people dress up as witches. They are thought to have connections with the supernatural and represent dark forces, being at their most powerful on Halloween. However, like many mysterious beings, they were labeled as evil by the Christian church, leading to widespread hunts throughout medieval Europe and in America during the 17th century.
6. Ghost
Ghosts wander around, haunting and frightening people. During Halloween, many people dress up as ghosts. One simple way to create a ghost costume is to take a bedsheet and cut out two eye holes. However, it is much more challenging to become a true restless spirit. First, one must die under tragic circumstances. Then, their spirit must roam around, haunting homes or seeking out loved ones.
7. Zombie
Zombies, the quintessential characters of the horror film industry, embody the zombie culture that originated in Haiti. According to Haitians, a person can fall into a zombie-like state, akin to the corpses depicted in films (except for the craving for human flesh). A Haitian botanist even discovered a toxin that can induce this zombie state.
8. Owl
The owl is a common image associated with Halloween. In medieval Europe, owls were believed to be witches. Hearing an owl’s call was seen as an omen of impending death.
9. Orange and Black Colors
Orange and black are the two main colors of the Halloween festival. Orange symbolizes strength, endurance, harvest, and autumn. Black represents death and darkness. Halloween serves as a reminder that this festival marks the fragile boundary between life and death.
10. Spider
When people think of spiders, they often associate them with dark and abandoned places. This association makes them a favorite during the Halloween season. Like black cats, spiders were also linked to witches in medieval beliefs. Many people believe that if a spider falls into a burning candle, it indicates the presence of a witch nearby. Moreover, if you see them on Halloween, it is believed that the spirit of a loved one is watching over you.
11. Skeleton
Besides skulls, skeletons are one of the most popular symbols of Halloween. They represent death and humanity’s fear of it. During this festival, people often wear skeleton-themed costumes and use skeleton decorations.
12. Skull
Skeletons and skulls are common sights during Halloween. According to Catholic tradition, they serve as reminders of death and the transient nature of human life.
