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Author Topic:   The Official Halloween Thread
yourfriendinspirit
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posted October 02, 2007 06:40 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for yourfriendinspirit     Edit/Delete Message
Ok, It's Pumpkin Time Again...

A Cool Online Haunted House: The Bone Garden Estate
It has five separate floors, each with several rooms and a cemetary!
I especially enjoyed a room on the 3rd floor called Jack the Rippers room. Some rooms have ghosts, while others may have knives dripping with blood, etc. People and toys alike come alive while touring.

For your reading pleasure:
The Origin Of Halloween

Want To Carve A Pumpkin?
Virtual Pumpkin

Play Halloween Games:
Mummy's Tomb
The Mummy doesn't like trespassers in his Tomb. Race against time and try to avoid him and his decaying friends in this fun maze game.

Scoop Snatchers
See if you can collect enough ice cream to win before bats, skeletons & ghosts take it all away. Requires Flash version 5 (which you probably already have).

Boogie Bones
Put your cursor over the drums to make the skeleton play. Shake, rattle, & roll on in here for a good old-fashioned boneyard boogie...

Undead Smackdown
Don't come in here if you lack the guts to give these ghouls a smack....

Feel free to tell us your plans for the holiday or add some cool pictures and links of your own!

LET THIS BE THE OFFICIAL HALLOWEEN THREAD
*With any luck this will keep it from spreading all over the board, LOL!
*Ghost stories are welcome too....

------------------
Sendin' love your way,
"your friend in spirit"

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1scorp
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posted October 02, 2007 09:35 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for 1scorp     Edit/Delete Message
My Birthday is Oct. 30th. Ever since I can remember I've always had a jack-o-lantern or witch birthday cake.

My Halloween plans:

I take a half day off from work.

My mom always gives me a birthday cake with a half gallon of mint chocolate chip ice cream.

I make caramel apples

I always make a huge pot of chili and have an early dinner of chili, b-day cake and caramel apples... a lot of junk, but isn't that what the whole day is about? Load up on as much sugar as your body can handle.

Take my lil' Aqua trick or treating.

There is a ghost trail at a National Park here... take my Aqua on that (even though my Capricorn friend doesn't enjoy it half as much as we do)

Come home, dump the bag of candy she's collected, con her out of all the dark chocolate pieces... telling her that she wouldn't like them because they are sugar free.

I don't have to really con her now... she knows the drill and just hands them to me.

__________________________________________
Scorpio sun, venus, mars, mercury and uranus
Libra moon, pluto and asc.

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SattvicMoon
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posted October 02, 2007 10:50 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for SattvicMoon     Edit/Delete Message

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Xodian
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posted October 02, 2007 12:10 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Xodian     Edit/Delete Message
Well even though on the end of this month I am kinda all wound about about what the heck am I gonna go to the big Halloween bash this time.

In a true Libra fashion I am painstakingly trying to choose between two possible costumes. For a while I have been thinking of going as Jim Morrison from the doors:

Its gonna be a simple costume and the facial features aren't gonna be that hard to go with Lol!

But since its Halloween I really wanna get into the whole "mysterious" and "dangerous" idea Lol! So I am kinda wondering if it would be better to go as Trevor Belmont; The infamous Vampire hunter (kinda like "Indiana Jones meets Jet Lee meets Van Helsing" LOL!)

I am so darned stuck on this... Me gonna need help with this one Lol!

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Nephthys
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posted October 02, 2007 03:53 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Nephthys     Edit/Delete Message
YEAH!!!!!!!

I will add to your great Halloween thread later when I have time!!!

I also have a Fall/Autumn thread w/Halloween pics at Gaia's Garden, for those who love Halloween and Fall!

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SattvicMoon
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posted October 02, 2007 03:55 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SattvicMoon     Edit/Delete Message
I guess Helloween is celebrated only in the US and Canada if I am right?

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SolarJustice
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posted October 02, 2007 04:59 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SolarJustice     Edit/Delete Message

Austria
In Austria, some people will leave bread, water and a lighted lamp on the table before retiring on Halloween night. The reason for this is because it was once believed such items would welcome the dead souls back to earth on a night which for the Austrians was considered to be brimming with strong cosmic energies.

Belgium
The Belgians believe that it is unlucky for a black cat to cross once's path and also ulucky if it should enter a home or travel on a ship. The custom in Belgium on Halloween night is to light candles in memory of dead relatives.

Canada
Modern Halloween celebrations in Canada began with the arrival of Scottish and Irish immigrants in the 1800s. Jack O'Lanterns are carved and the festivities include parties, trick-or-treating and the decorating of homes with pumpkins and corn stalks.

China
In China, the Halloween festival is known as Teng Chieh. Food and water are placed in front of photographs of family members who have departed while bondires and lanterns are lit in order to light the paths of the spirits as they travel the earth on Haloween night. Worshippers in Buddhist temples fashion "boats of the law" from paper, some of which are very large, which are then burned in the evening hours. The purpose of this custom is twofold: as a remembrance of the dead and in order to free the spirits of the "pretas" in order that they might ascend to heaven. "Pretas" are the spirits of those who died as a result of an accident or drowning and whose bodies were consequently never buried. The presence of "pretas" among the living is thought by the Chinese to be dangerous. Under the guidance of Buddhist temples, societies are formed to carry out ceremonies for the "pretas," which includes the lighting of lanterns. Monks are invited to recite sacred verses and offerings of fruit are presented.

Czechoslovakia
In Czechoslovakia, chairs are placed by the fireside on Halloween night. There is one chair for each living family member and one for each family member's spririt.

England
At one time, English children made "punkies" out of large beetroots, upon which they carved a design of their choice. Then, they would carry their "punkies" through the streets while singing the "Punkie Night Song" as they knocked on doors and asked for money. In some rural areas, turnip lanterns were placed on gateposts to protect homes from the spirits who roamed on Halloween night. Another custom was to toss objects such as stones, vegetables and nuts into a bonfire to frighten away the spirits. These symbolic sacrifices were also employed as fortune-telling tools. If a pebble thrown into the flames at night was no longer visible in the morning, then it was believed that the person who tossed the pebble would not survive another year. If nuts tossed into the blaze by young lovers then exploded, it signified a quarrelsome marriage. For the most part however, the English ceased celebrating Halloween with the spread of Martin Luther's Protestant Reformation. Since followers of the new religion did not believe in Saints, they saw no reason to celebrate the Eve of All Saints' Day. However, in recent years, the American "trick or treating" custom, together with the donning of costumes for going door-to-door, has become a relatively popular pasttime among English children at Halloween, although many of the adults (particularly the older generations) have little idea as to why they are being asked for sweets and are usually ill-prepared to accommodate their small and hopeful callers.

France
Unlike most nations of the world, Halloween is not celebrated by the French in order to honor the dead and departed ancestors. It is regarded as an "American" holiday in France and was virtually unknown in the country until around 1996. It is however becoming more popular in recent years.

Germany
In Germany, the people put away their knives on Halloween night. The reason for this is because they do not want to risk harm befalling the returning spirits.

Hong Kong
The Halloween celebration in Hong Kong is known as "Yue Lan" (Festival of the Hungry Ghosts) and is a time when it is believed that spirits roam the world for twenty-four hours. Some people burn pictures of fruit or money at this time, believing these images would reach the spirit world and bring comfort to the ghosts.

Ireland
In Ireland, believed to be the birthplace of Halloween, the tradition is still celebrated as much as it is in the United States. In rural areas, bonfires are lit as they were in the days of the Celts and children dress up in costumes to spend the evening "trick-or-treating" in their neighborhoods. After the visiting, most people attend parties with neighbors and friends. At these parties, many games are played, including "snap-apple," in which an apple on a string is tied to a doorframe or tree, and players attempt to take a bite out of the suspended apple. In addition to bobbing for apples, parents often arrange treasure hunts with sweets or pastries as the "treasure." The Irish also play a card game where cards are laid face-down on a table with sweets or coins beneath them. When a child selects a card, he or she receives whatever prize might be found there. A traditional food is eaten on Halloween called "barnbrack." This is a type of fruitcake which can be baked at home or store-bought. A muslin-wrapped treat is baked inside the cake which, so it is said, can foretell the future of the one who finds it. If the prize is a ring, then that person will soon be wed and a piece of straw means a prosperous year is forthcoming. Children are also known to play tricks upon their neighbors on Halloween night. One of which is known as "knock-a-dolly," where children knock on the doors of their neighbors but then run away before the door is opened.

Japan
The Japanese celebrate the "Obon Festival" (also known as "Matsuri" or "Urabon") which is similar to Halloween festivities in that it is dedicated to the spirits of ancestors. Special foods are prepared and bright red lanterns are hung everywhere. Candles are lit and placed into lanterns which are then set afloat on rivers and seas. During the "Obon Festival," a fire is lit every night in order to show the ancestors where their families might be found. "Obon" is one of the wo main occasions during the Japanese year when the dead are believed to return to their birthplaces. Memorial stones are cleaned and community dances performed. The "Obon Festival" takes place during July or August.

Korea
In Korea, the festival similar to Halloween is known as "Chusok." It is at this time that families thank their ancestors for the fruits of their labor. The family pays respect to these ancestors by visiting their tombs and making offerings of rice and fruits. The "Chusok" festival takes place in the month of August.

Mexico, Latin America And Spain
Among Spanish-speaking nations, Halloween is known as "El Dia de los Muertos." It is a joyous and happy holiday...a time to remember friends and family who have died. Officially commemorated on November 2 (All Souls' Day), the three-day celebration actually begins on the evening of October 31. Designed to honor the dead who are believed to return to their homes on Halloween, many families construct an altar in their home and decorate it with candy, flowers, photographs, fresh water and samples of the deceased's favorite foods and drinks. Frequently, a basin and towel are left out in order that the spirit can wash prior to indulging in the feast. Candles are incense are burned to help the departed find his or her way home. Relatives also tidy the gravesites of deceased family members, including snipping weeds, making repairs and painting. The grave is then adorned with flowers, wreaths or paper streamers. Often, a live person is placed inside a coffine which is then paraded through the streets while vendors toss fruit, flowers and candies into the casket. On November 2, relatives gather at the gravesite to picnic and reminisce. Some of these gatherings may even include tequila and a mariachi band although American Halloween customs are gradually taking over this celebration. In Mexico during the Autumn, countless numbers of Monarch butterflies return to the shelter of Mexico's oyamel fir trees. It was the belief of the Aztecs that these butterflies bore the spirits of dead ancestors.


Sweden
In Sweden, Halloween is known as "Alla Helgons Dag" and is celebrated from October 31 until November 6. As with many other holidays, "Alla Helgons Dag" has an eve which is either celebrated or becomes a shortened working day. The Friday prior to All Saint's Day is a short day for universities while school-age children are given a day of vacation.

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SattvicMoon
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posted October 02, 2007 05:02 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SattvicMoon     Edit/Delete Message
Thank you Solar, so informative, but are they all celebrating it on 31st October itself?


Here where I live, we also have similiar "day of the dead", but it is more of rituals not celebrations.

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SolarJustice
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posted October 02, 2007 05:09 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SolarJustice     Edit/Delete Message
yes, october 31st.
some celebrate for several days. sweden for 7 days strait!

um...the closest thing in India that i can find is this;

India: Mahalaya is a religious ritual in the Hindu community that revolves around awakening dead spirits. The principle meaning of the day is to celebrate the love of spirit, and to stop man's trivial desires. Once the ritual is completed, their souls gain peace for the remainder of the year. On this day, all of those who have died in the region of Yama come back to earth and visit with their mortal descendants. It is celebrated on September 27th, the last day of Aswayuj (a special time that is considered sacred for making offerings to the dead). When darkness falls, the people pray to the Goddess for help against evil demons. Some take sacred baths in the Ganges River, and pray for their deceased relatives. Food also plays an important role in the ceremony; it is essential to offer splendid dishes to the dead. The Hindus consider the human body to be the most important vehicle to get closer to God, and they cannot pray on an empty stomach. Hindu mythology states that the hero, Mahabharata Karan, went to heaven after abandoning human life. Unfortunately thing's did not go as planned. In heaven he found mounds of gold, but there was little food. Apparently, during his mortal life Mahabharata offered many jewels, but limited amounts of food. The hero prayed to God of Death, and was granted his wish: The hero was sent back to earth, where he was given two weeks to correct his errors. During that period he fed the poor, and made the correct offerings. Soon after, he returned to heaven, and found an abundance of food for his new life.


-kyle
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SattvicMoon
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posted October 02, 2007 05:14 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SattvicMoon     Edit/Delete Message
Yeah, Mahalaya Amavasi is one day we offer yearly rituals and prayers. But there is another day which I was mentioning, perhaps I need to ask my grand mother and get back on that.

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SolarJustice
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posted October 02, 2007 05:28 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SolarJustice     Edit/Delete Message
Buddhists and Taoists around the world celebrate Ullambana. Originally a harvest feast, it is popularly known as Festival of the Hungry Ghosts. People who follow the Vedic traditions observe Diwali, the Festival of Lights, at this time of year to welcome the winter. It is celebrated as the New Year in northern India. But in Bengal it honors the death-bringing goddess Kali. Wiccans today still celebrate Samhain, lighting a hearth fire to welcome the cold season and the remembered spirits of their beloved dead.

Probably it is most important to reiterate that, in general, across many cultures, honoring the dead is a time of joyous celebration. The dead are not considered scary, but loved ones to be honored and addressed directly during the time when the veil between the worlds is thin. Many families welcome their dead loved ones, eat, drink, make music, dance, and celebrate the love they continue to share with those who are no longer with them. Though this is often done at night and through nightlong vigils, it is a happy time: a time of respect, responsibility, and relish!

Sattvic Moon; is any of this perhaps what you refer too?

-kyle

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SattvicMoon
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posted October 02, 2007 05:41 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SattvicMoon     Edit/Delete Message
Almost yes...... but what I mentioned, if I am right, should be the last day of the month of Cancer. What you have mentioned about is in the last day of the month of Capricon.

ok, I got the info. What I am refering to is called Karkitaka Sankranti.

Souls are offered vegetarian stuff consisting of balls of rice, jaggery and coconut.

quote:
But in Bengal it honors the death-bringing goddess Kali.

OFF TOPIC: death bringing Goddess Kali? phew, twisted information. (nothing against you Solar, I am refering the site that have that information)

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SolarJustice
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posted October 02, 2007 05:49 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SolarJustice     Edit/Delete Message
cool! never heard of it before.
i did a search and this was the only result that came up at all;
Karkitaka Sankranti
is it an accurate description?

-kyle

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SattvicMoon
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posted October 02, 2007 05:51 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SattvicMoon     Edit/Delete Message
It could be. This is celebrated only in my home state, and perhaps this have a long lost history. Karkitaka is what we call the month of Cancer. I am not too sure of the origin on this belief, but just that I have done somethings along with my grand ma's sister while I was at my mom ancesteral home while I was 13 or 14.

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SattvicMoon
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posted October 02, 2007 06:14 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SattvicMoon     Edit/Delete Message
Chris - Jack O Lantern

Taken

Halloween Hangman

Graveyard

Find the Halloween movies

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Solane Star
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posted October 02, 2007 09:56 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Solane Star     Edit/Delete Message
I think this one falls under, to much Pumpkin abuse, not good for one pumpkin!!! LOL!!!

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Solane Star
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posted October 02, 2007 10:20 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Solane Star     Edit/Delete Message

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Solane Star
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posted October 02, 2007 10:23 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Solane Star     Edit/Delete Message

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Solane Star
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posted October 02, 2007 10:25 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Solane Star     Edit/Delete Message
LOVE where the Flower is!!!!LOL!!!

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Solane Star
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posted October 02, 2007 10:28 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Solane Star     Edit/Delete Message
Baby PUMPKIN ABUSE!!!!LOL!!!!

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Solane Star
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posted October 02, 2007 10:33 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Solane Star     Edit/Delete Message

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Solane Star
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posted October 02, 2007 10:42 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Solane Star     Edit/Delete Message
YUM!!!

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Dulce Luna
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posted October 02, 2007 10:55 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Dulce Luna     Edit/Delete Message
quote:


LOL....I love this one. And that cake looks delish....YUM.

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Solane Star
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posted October 02, 2007 10:57 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Solane Star     Edit/Delete Message

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Solane Star
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posted October 02, 2007 11:04 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Solane Star     Edit/Delete Message

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