9 scary Halloween symbols and their history

The festival at the origin of Halloween, the Samian, meant that at this time of the year the world of the living would come closer to the world of the dead. Indeed, on this date, the arch separating the two worlds would become very, very thin, thus allowing a few evil spirits to pass through to the world of the living.

Ghost hunter costume, H&M, $39.99

What could be better than a costume to scare away evil spirits? In the days of the Samian, costumes were used to ward off evil spirits and death itself. Frightening costumes were therefore favored in order to ward them off and thus protect the living from an untimely death.

Various costumes for children, H&M

For a long time, skeletons were considered to be the traces left behind when crossing over into the other world, the world of the dead. They are also the symbol associated with a Mexican festival, the Day of the Dead. That is why they have become part of Halloween.

Skeleton decoration, Clair de Lune, $29.99

Ah, witches! Were they really evil sorceresses or simply doctors ahead of their time? In any case, they were associated with black magic because they took an interest in death that was a little too close for comfort, in addition to wanting to understand the world and cure the sick.

Witch’s potion, David’s tea, price varies according to quantity

It’s the perfect means of transportation for witches! Why? It is said that brooms are in fact a symbol of feminist protest for women who stay at home. Witches are said to have used them to protest against the patriarchy. Later, people would say they had seen them in mid-flight, on magic brooms.

Comic strip of Mélusine the witch, Boutique Imaginaire

The symbol of the pumpkin is at the heart of the Irish legend of Stingy Jack. Due to a pact with the devil that went wrong, the character was refused both heaven and hell when he died. His spirit was condemned to wander the earth. To protect themselves from Jack and other evil spirits, the Irish would light lanterns with scary faces. When they arrived in the New World, the Irish simply passed on this tradition.

Pumpkin lantern, $3, Dollorama

Did you know that there is a species of bat that feeds directly on the blood of animals? What’s more, these creatures are afraid of daylight and only come out at night! Because of their habits, bats have long been associated with vampires. It was believed that bats turned into vampires and vice versa. Do you believe it?

Bat or vampire cape, H&M, 19.99 $

Of course, every witch used to have a black cat. Since that time, they have been associated with evil and ugly witches.

Like black cats and brooms, they are associated with witches! Yes, it’s their fault again! Because of the webs they weave and their particular shape, spiders have long been perceived as a symbol of demonic witchcraft.

Spider decoration, Réno-Dépôt, $34.99