Time heals all wounds... except for those inflicted by mass murderers and psychotic slashers. Despite some of these movies being over thirty years old, they're still just as terrifying - and just as perfect for Halloween outfits - as they were during their debut. Here are our top five horror movies of the 80s.
5: Poltergeist (1982)
Never underestimate the power of a haunted house. While it wasn't the first of its kind - "The Amityville Horror" premiered three years earlier - Poltergeist became famous for both its on-screen thrills and the mysterious deaths associated with its production. To this day we aren't sure of the origins of "The Poltergeist Curse." We just know that two words left such an impression on moviegoers that they became one of the best-known taglines in horror movie history:
"They're here."
4: Children of the Corn (1984)
Playing whack-a-mole with many of our base fears - religious blasphemy, rural isolation, creepy kids - Stephen King's "Children of the Corn" was such a success that it not only terrified millions worldwide, but it put him on the map as the master of horror. What's the only thing scarier than a bunch of child killers? Child killers in cornfields, apparently.
(As a bonus, Children of the Corn also makes for great mens Halloween outfits. They're simple, cheap, and even if you have to explain the significance of the farmer's hat and/or pitchfork, at least it gets people talking!)
3: Hellraiser (1987)
With the first appearance of the dark, menacing Pinhead, "Hellraiser" brought a whole new meaning to your grandmother's knitting needles. It was also one of the first slasher flicks that dared to give its villain a voice and backstory - many of the killers before Pinhead were completely mute (Michael Myers, Frankenstein) or wise-cracking and deliberately funny (Chucky).
If you're looking for Halloween Outfits that are semi-obscure and yet instantly recognizable, Pinhead is worth the stitches.
2: A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Freddy Krueger slashed through our screens and brought with him a terrifying concept: that we aren't even safe when we sleep. Who can stop their dreams?
Maybe it's that kind of terror that makes him such an iconic figure in Hollywood and party shops alike. A perfect blend of scary and nostalgic, The Freddy Krueger costume is one of the best mens Halloween costumes you can buy... because sometimes even three decades aren't enough to numb the nightmares.
1: Friday the 13th (1980)
Perhaps *the* the most successful horror movie franchise of all time, Friday the 13th was the debut of the silent, predatory Jason, who would go on to change the meaning of hockey masks forever. His character is instantly recognizable (and a staple of mens Halloween costumes) and his influence is still felt in modern cinema today. He even battled Freddy in a 2003 remake!
For power, popularity, and the endless potential of its Halloween outfits, "Friday the 13th" is our #1 horror movie of the 80s
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Saturday, 6 August 2011
Freddy Krueger's Influence On Mens Halloween Costumes
Freddy Krueger Halloween Costumes
Freddy Krueger has become one of the most popular Halloween outfits of all time over the past two decades.
Deciding upon a weapon for the villain of the first “A Nightmare on Elm Street” movie took some time. Wes Craven, director and creator of the series of horror films, not only wanted something memorable, he wanted a weapon that would speak to “a primal fear which is embedded in the subconscious of people of all cultures.” The claw of an animal fit that criteria, Craven decided, then turned his attention towards the glove that would encase the weapon. The goal there was to create “something that would be constructed in somebody's home workshop,” indicating to the audience that this villain was not imaginary. Once, he had been a man.
Nothing about the creation of Freddy Krueger, one of the most recognizable film villains of all time, was haphazard. Wes Craven deliberately wove aspects of urban legend, childhood memory and of primal terror into Krueger, intentionally crafting a character that would tap into unconscious fears. The continuing popularity of the film franchise, as well as the enduring popularity of Freddy Krueger mens Halloween costumes, speak to Craven’s success.
One of the most terrifying aspects of Freddy Krueger is his ability to attack his victims while they are asleep. Craven realized early on that to counter this dream-like quality, his villain needed solid references to a real-life past, and purposely chose clothing for Freddy that indicated a working man with blue-collar background, right down to his worn boots. Freddy Krueger Halloween outfits feature the iconic characteristics of the nightmarish villain. From his bladed glove to his scarred face, from his striped sweater to his brown fedora, Freddy Halloween outfits are instantly recognizable.
Today, partygoers have additional options when choosing Halloween outfits that portray Krueger. After a quarter of a century of playing Freddy in the Nightmare franchise, Robert Englund passed the role to Jackie Earle Haley for the 2010 version of the original movie. To accommodate Haley’s unique features, as well as to take advantage of improvements in special effects since the original version, Freddy got a makeover. Gruesomely more realistic, the burn scars on Haley’s Freddy resemble those of actual burn victims. His features are more misshapen. Portions of flesh are missing.
Fans of the Nightmare franchise who feel Freddy had become too comedic over the years, losing some of his menace in favor of cackling one-liners, may enjoy mens Halloween costumes that depict the “new” Freddy. Others may show their loyalty by choosing Halloween costumes portraying the original Freddy. Whichever is chosen, it is clear that Freddy Krueger mens Halloween costumes will continue to be a fan favourite for years to come.
Freddy Krueger has become one of the most popular Halloween outfits of all time over the past two decades.
Deciding upon a weapon for the villain of the first “A Nightmare on Elm Street” movie took some time. Wes Craven, director and creator of the series of horror films, not only wanted something memorable, he wanted a weapon that would speak to “a primal fear which is embedded in the subconscious of people of all cultures.” The claw of an animal fit that criteria, Craven decided, then turned his attention towards the glove that would encase the weapon. The goal there was to create “something that would be constructed in somebody's home workshop,” indicating to the audience that this villain was not imaginary. Once, he had been a man.
Nothing about the creation of Freddy Krueger, one of the most recognizable film villains of all time, was haphazard. Wes Craven deliberately wove aspects of urban legend, childhood memory and of primal terror into Krueger, intentionally crafting a character that would tap into unconscious fears. The continuing popularity of the film franchise, as well as the enduring popularity of Freddy Krueger mens Halloween costumes, speak to Craven’s success.
One of the most terrifying aspects of Freddy Krueger is his ability to attack his victims while they are asleep. Craven realized early on that to counter this dream-like quality, his villain needed solid references to a real-life past, and purposely chose clothing for Freddy that indicated a working man with blue-collar background, right down to his worn boots. Freddy Krueger Halloween outfits feature the iconic characteristics of the nightmarish villain. From his bladed glove to his scarred face, from his striped sweater to his brown fedora, Freddy Halloween outfits are instantly recognizable.
Today, partygoers have additional options when choosing Halloween outfits that portray Krueger. After a quarter of a century of playing Freddy in the Nightmare franchise, Robert Englund passed the role to Jackie Earle Haley for the 2010 version of the original movie. To accommodate Haley’s unique features, as well as to take advantage of improvements in special effects since the original version, Freddy got a makeover. Gruesomely more realistic, the burn scars on Haley’s Freddy resemble those of actual burn victims. His features are more misshapen. Portions of flesh are missing.
Fans of the Nightmare franchise who feel Freddy had become too comedic over the years, losing some of his menace in favor of cackling one-liners, may enjoy mens Halloween costumes that depict the “new” Freddy. Others may show their loyalty by choosing Halloween costumes portraying the original Freddy. Whichever is chosen, it is clear that Freddy Krueger mens Halloween costumes will continue to be a fan favourite for years to come.
Friday, 10 June 2011
Halloween Outfits For 2011 The Top Three
Halloween is a holiday that is getting more popular every year with the Halloween Outfits available getting better each year. People start decorating in September and the decorations are now rivaling those of Christmas. Halloween parties are more popular that ever and many people begin planning their strategy for Halloween revelry early in the year. Halloween costumes are one of the first thing everyone wants to decide upon. Costumes for Halloween are what every boy and girl no matter what age wants to talk about when the leaves begin to turn golden.
Soon everyone will want to be talking about what Halloween outfits they will chose for the 2011 season. While deciding what are the hottest costumes for Halloween may not be possible until the last moments, there are trends that we can look at to try to decide what will be in the top three. Although it is still early, Pennywise The Clown from Stephen King's IT seems like it will be hot this year. Freddy Krueger always produces Halloween costumes whether good or not. Having fun has always been a part of dressing for Halloween and this year is no exception We will need to wait to see who will emerge as the latest star and who will be replicated as a Halloween costume in 2011.
Scream is due to come out this Year and you can bet that this movie will create many Halloween outfits. This is the final installment of the wizard series so every one will want to get in on the action with their costumes for Halloween. Harry was the big character for a few years but we need to see if any new and exciting characters emerge this coming season. Everyone loves the themes of wizards and witches at Halloween. There will be sure to be several characters that will be popular from this great series.
Other Halloween Outfits that may be popular are Vampires making a come back. They have so many wild looks that everyone will want to get in on the action from Twilight to Bram Stoker. For males of females alike it seems like they could be hot in the Halloween costumes department. Perhaps you will want to be dressed as one of their little monsters.
What ever you decide about Costumes for Halloween, looking for your costume early is a good idea. If you wait too long you may be disappointed because your favorite costumes for Halloween may be taken. Shopping for a costume is fun to do and shopping early is a great way to not only make your decision but also make sure it is in stock. Halloween is sooner than you think, start getting ideas today and make it a great Halloween with one of the many Halloween Outfits on offer.
.
Soon everyone will want to be talking about what Halloween outfits they will chose for the 2011 season. While deciding what are the hottest costumes for Halloween may not be possible until the last moments, there are trends that we can look at to try to decide what will be in the top three. Although it is still early, Pennywise The Clown from Stephen King's IT seems like it will be hot this year. Freddy Krueger always produces Halloween costumes whether good or not. Having fun has always been a part of dressing for Halloween and this year is no exception We will need to wait to see who will emerge as the latest star and who will be replicated as a Halloween costume in 2011.
Scream is due to come out this Year and you can bet that this movie will create many Halloween outfits. This is the final installment of the wizard series so every one will want to get in on the action with their costumes for Halloween. Harry was the big character for a few years but we need to see if any new and exciting characters emerge this coming season. Everyone loves the themes of wizards and witches at Halloween. There will be sure to be several characters that will be popular from this great series.
Other Halloween Outfits that may be popular are Vampires making a come back. They have so many wild looks that everyone will want to get in on the action from Twilight to Bram Stoker. For males of females alike it seems like they could be hot in the Halloween costumes department. Perhaps you will want to be dressed as one of their little monsters.
What ever you decide about Costumes for Halloween, looking for your costume early is a good idea. If you wait too long you may be disappointed because your favorite costumes for Halloween may be taken. Shopping for a costume is fun to do and shopping early is a great way to not only make your decision but also make sure it is in stock. Halloween is sooner than you think, start getting ideas today and make it a great Halloween with one of the many Halloween Outfits on offer.
.
Thursday, 9 June 2011
Halloween Outfits Make The Best Parties In Town
Halloween Outfits Make for the best parties in Town
With both Men's Halloween Costumes and Women's Halloween costumes now available in there numbers this has seen
the increase in popularity of Halloween in the UK which can largely be attributed to the younger generations, although Halloween Outfits and celebrations bear no age discrimination. School aged children traditionally knocked on our door to sing carols during the festive season. They have now added trick or treat to their door knocking calendar, proudly wearing their Halloween Outfits depicting various ghosts, ghouls and witches. Schools join in with the fun, song singing, telling spooky stories, throwing their own parties and even encouraging infant pupils to come to class in their Halloween Outfits. Our thirst for Halloween hilarities has also been largely precipitated by students and young professionals. There are not many student halls of residences and Student Unions who do not organise their own Fancy Dress celebrations, which can turn in to rather boozy affairs. Many bars, clubs and restaurants also include Halloween in their annual events calendars, which are of course where you wear your Halloween outfits, when additional footfall and revenues are generated. Special food and drinks menus are put together to enhance the occasion and prizes are offered for the best Halloween outfits. Most of us need no excuse to jump create a get together and have fun. If we are a little unsure as to how to make Halloween a memorable social gathering, there is no better starting point than to simply take the plunge and arrange our own Halloween costume or fancy dress party, There is a huge range of Men's Halloween Costumes and ladies Halloween Costumes to choose from. With the hosting of any type of party, half of the fun is in the planning stages, long before the first guest arrives. Guests can be asked to vote for their favourite horror movies they would like to see shown on the night. We can dream up suitably themed food and drink concoctions for their delight or horror. The all important music play list, spanning from Monster Mash to Thriller, can be carefully pre-planned to ensure that no one remains entombed in their seats or gets stiff in there Skeleton Halloween Outfits. If you are not your typical Halloween outfits Party host, it does not prevent you from arranging a Halloween party to remember. You can still gather groups of family and friends and book into themed events at local bars or restaurants. Many cities host ghost walks that are never more popular than on Halloween. Fancy Dress Halloween outfits are rightfully requested, if not obligatory. If we are wary about autumnal weather, there might be local haunted castles or houses with a themed tour. Demand for their events are at their highest for Halloween, so you need to ensure that you collect commitments and deposits from our guests in advance to avoid disappointment. The same can be said about buying your Halloween outfits, decide early or you may have a limited choice. There are a few thing you must consider, the first thing you must do is come up with the idea, do you want an outfit with a mask or one that just needs a little bit of face painting. You can choose your costume from one of the many Halloween Outfits seen in the movies, like Freddy Krueger, Scream, Ghostbusters, Gothic rag Doll, Vampires's the list is endless for both Mens Halloween Costumes and Ladies Halloween Costumes, fun or scary the choice is yours.
However we choose to celebrate this modern festival, the range of Halloween Outfits to choose from is huge, so enjoy it and have fun. Whether your looking for men's Halloween costumes or Halloween Outfits in general there are many styles to choose from.
With both Men's Halloween Costumes and Women's Halloween costumes now available in there numbers this has seen
the increase in popularity of Halloween in the UK which can largely be attributed to the younger generations, although Halloween Outfits and celebrations bear no age discrimination. School aged children traditionally knocked on our door to sing carols during the festive season. They have now added trick or treat to their door knocking calendar, proudly wearing their Halloween Outfits depicting various ghosts, ghouls and witches. Schools join in with the fun, song singing, telling spooky stories, throwing their own parties and even encouraging infant pupils to come to class in their Halloween Outfits. Our thirst for Halloween hilarities has also been largely precipitated by students and young professionals. There are not many student halls of residences and Student Unions who do not organise their own Fancy Dress celebrations, which can turn in to rather boozy affairs. Many bars, clubs and restaurants also include Halloween in their annual events calendars, which are of course where you wear your Halloween outfits, when additional footfall and revenues are generated. Special food and drinks menus are put together to enhance the occasion and prizes are offered for the best Halloween outfits. Most of us need no excuse to jump create a get together and have fun. If we are a little unsure as to how to make Halloween a memorable social gathering, there is no better starting point than to simply take the plunge and arrange our own Halloween costume or fancy dress party, There is a huge range of Men's Halloween Costumes and ladies Halloween Costumes to choose from. With the hosting of any type of party, half of the fun is in the planning stages, long before the first guest arrives. Guests can be asked to vote for their favourite horror movies they would like to see shown on the night. We can dream up suitably themed food and drink concoctions for their delight or horror. The all important music play list, spanning from Monster Mash to Thriller, can be carefully pre-planned to ensure that no one remains entombed in their seats or gets stiff in there Skeleton Halloween Outfits. If you are not your typical Halloween outfits Party host, it does not prevent you from arranging a Halloween party to remember. You can still gather groups of family and friends and book into themed events at local bars or restaurants. Many cities host ghost walks that are never more popular than on Halloween. Fancy Dress Halloween outfits are rightfully requested, if not obligatory. If we are wary about autumnal weather, there might be local haunted castles or houses with a themed tour. Demand for their events are at their highest for Halloween, so you need to ensure that you collect commitments and deposits from our guests in advance to avoid disappointment. The same can be said about buying your Halloween outfits, decide early or you may have a limited choice. There are a few thing you must consider, the first thing you must do is come up with the idea, do you want an outfit with a mask or one that just needs a little bit of face painting. You can choose your costume from one of the many Halloween Outfits seen in the movies, like Freddy Krueger, Scream, Ghostbusters, Gothic rag Doll, Vampires's the list is endless for both Mens Halloween Costumes and Ladies Halloween Costumes, fun or scary the choice is yours.
However we choose to celebrate this modern festival, the range of Halloween Outfits to choose from is huge, so enjoy it and have fun. Whether your looking for men's Halloween costumes or Halloween Outfits in general there are many styles to choose from.
Friday, 15 April 2011
Halloween Costumes In Your Living Room
Host Halloween Horror in your Living Room With your Favourite Halloween Outfits
Fancy a night in with a bloke with a bolt through his head? What about the following evening with a lady sporting a fearsome set of fangs? Well hosting a Fancy Dress party is one way to get them in
It's easy to host your own horror Hell nowadays thanks to some fantastic and fearsome Halloween outfits around. But it's not just the fancy dress costumes that make the evening eventful. It's also possible to appear to sip globules of blood from a glass or sadistically saw through the odd limb or two thanks to a wonderful array of gimmicks you can buy online or at your local Fancy Dress shop where you are sure to get a great gory Costume for Halloween.
You can recreate the infamous Count Dracula in all his gruesome glory and have your party guests massaging their necks with fear. Bram Stroker's infamous character who landed in Whitby in 1987 is probably the most notorious of horror merchants. Those piercing, hypnotic eyes, striking masculine good looks and let's face it - teeth that are sharper than a cheese cutter (well, they'd have to be to make their mark on white, virgin, female flesh) - are enough to make females faint in anticipation of a kiss to remember for eternity. Well, there's a lot at stake...
The world's most frightening characters in their Halloween Costumes do not just want your blood. They will have your soul too, well thanks very much. And in the most bloody way possible. Freddy Krueger, who probably one of the most recognisable Halloween Outfits, loves playing with sharp instruments. In fact he even wears them - the four fingers on the glove of his left hand are pointed and sharp (just perfect for slashing the odd teenager with). This former He's also been known to reach for the odd dangling rope and This former child murderer has a serious personality problem. In order to catch him babysitters are often the best bait. Just don't fall asleep when he’s around.
And think you could sleep when old Leatherface is around? Star of the hit horror The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, his face mask is fashioned from the flesh of victims. The rest of their body is usually chewed over by the family of cannibals he grew up with. This character was actually based on a real life murder. The Leatherface mask makes great Halloween Costumes.
Finally, what evening of Hell would be complete without a visit from Mr Hannibal Lecter. Everyone’s favourite educated serial killer, has a rather distinctive mask when being transported between jails. He also enjoys a nibble on the odd security staff. If Lecter is your Halloween Costume of choice remember to carry a bottle of Chianti with you for you never know…
Fancy a night in with a bloke with a bolt through his head? What about the following evening with a lady sporting a fearsome set of fangs? Well hosting a Fancy Dress party is one way to get them in
It's easy to host your own horror Hell nowadays thanks to some fantastic and fearsome Halloween outfits around. But it's not just the fancy dress costumes that make the evening eventful. It's also possible to appear to sip globules of blood from a glass or sadistically saw through the odd limb or two thanks to a wonderful array of gimmicks you can buy online or at your local Fancy Dress shop where you are sure to get a great gory Costume for Halloween.
You can recreate the infamous Count Dracula in all his gruesome glory and have your party guests massaging their necks with fear. Bram Stroker's infamous character who landed in Whitby in 1987 is probably the most notorious of horror merchants. Those piercing, hypnotic eyes, striking masculine good looks and let's face it - teeth that are sharper than a cheese cutter (well, they'd have to be to make their mark on white, virgin, female flesh) - are enough to make females faint in anticipation of a kiss to remember for eternity. Well, there's a lot at stake...
The world's most frightening characters in their Halloween Costumes do not just want your blood. They will have your soul too, well thanks very much. And in the most bloody way possible. Freddy Krueger, who probably one of the most recognisable Halloween Outfits, loves playing with sharp instruments. In fact he even wears them - the four fingers on the glove of his left hand are pointed and sharp (just perfect for slashing the odd teenager with). This former He's also been known to reach for the odd dangling rope and This former child murderer has a serious personality problem. In order to catch him babysitters are often the best bait. Just don't fall asleep when he’s around.
And think you could sleep when old Leatherface is around? Star of the hit horror The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, his face mask is fashioned from the flesh of victims. The rest of their body is usually chewed over by the family of cannibals he grew up with. This character was actually based on a real life murder. The Leatherface mask makes great Halloween Costumes.
Finally, what evening of Hell would be complete without a visit from Mr Hannibal Lecter. Everyone’s favourite educated serial killer, has a rather distinctive mask when being transported between jails. He also enjoys a nibble on the odd security staff. If Lecter is your Halloween Costume of choice remember to carry a bottle of Chianti with you for you never know…
Zombie's, Real or Just Good For Halloween Outfits
One of the most feared creatures of modern horror has to be the zombie a modern favourite for Halloween Costumes - lumbering around in his or her tragic trance with no soul and - more terrifying - no way to die (well he's already dead). All he wants is human meat, more specifically live, jelly-like brains. His pale pallor and torn-away flesh make him hideous to look at - which of course, make him great for Halloween outfits. This uncoordinated and soulless creature appears unstoppable. No stake (vampires) or endless cups of caffeine (Freddy Krueger) will help you here.
So how do you become a zombie? And, more usefully, learn to kill one (actually make that more than one as they tend to lumber around in groups). To buy a Zombie Costume for Halloween just search on-line for Zombie Halloween Costumes. In the meantime we'll give you a quick potted history here of the creature which worryingly has its roots in real life West African mythology.
Zombies were believed to be come from Haitian slave plantation workers. The only way to prevent the dead body becoming a zombie at that time apparently was to remain at the unfortunate corpse’s graveside watching over it until its flesh began to rot. Legend has it only those who had recently passed over were targeted and used as obedient, unquestioning servants (i.e. zombies).
Another recorded zombie emergence was in Hierakonpolis in Egypt during a British dig where an explorer happened upon a tomb containing a partially decomposed body. The brain had been infected with a virus, and the tomb was covered in scratch marks where the body had attempted to claw its way out.
Being buried alive and re-emerging would also count as being a tad zombie-like. This would happen in past times when medicine was not as advanced. Catatonia - a particular affliction of schizophrenia - has also been attributed to the zombie legend.
We've famous film director Bela Lugosi to thank for the entrance into popular culture of this creature in the early 1930s in his film White Zombie. The zombies lay passive for decades until 1968 when George Romero revived them for Night of the Living Dead which is where most of the inspiration comes from for the modern Halloween Halloween Outfits and have been around as a Halloween Fancy Dress Costume
ever since. Their emergence was - scarily for us today - the result of a nuclear spill.
So how do you kill a zombie? Well, getting back to their origins, West African legend says if you feed a zombie salt it will return to the grave - all very neat and tidy with not too much exertion involved for us living beings. By far the most successful method is by destroying the brain first, usually with a sharp instrument (this can prove tricky!). Once achieved you should then burn the body to prevent any resurrection, or should that be re-resurrection. So if you need some ideas for your Halloween Outfits this Halloween perhaps you could become one of the living dead.
So how do you become a zombie? And, more usefully, learn to kill one (actually make that more than one as they tend to lumber around in groups). To buy a Zombie Costume for Halloween just search on-line for Zombie Halloween Costumes. In the meantime we'll give you a quick potted history here of the creature which worryingly has its roots in real life West African mythology.
Zombies were believed to be come from Haitian slave plantation workers. The only way to prevent the dead body becoming a zombie at that time apparently was to remain at the unfortunate corpse’s graveside watching over it until its flesh began to rot. Legend has it only those who had recently passed over were targeted and used as obedient, unquestioning servants (i.e. zombies).
Another recorded zombie emergence was in Hierakonpolis in Egypt during a British dig where an explorer happened upon a tomb containing a partially decomposed body. The brain had been infected with a virus, and the tomb was covered in scratch marks where the body had attempted to claw its way out.
Being buried alive and re-emerging would also count as being a tad zombie-like. This would happen in past times when medicine was not as advanced. Catatonia - a particular affliction of schizophrenia - has also been attributed to the zombie legend.
We've famous film director Bela Lugosi to thank for the entrance into popular culture of this creature in the early 1930s in his film White Zombie. The zombies lay passive for decades until 1968 when George Romero revived them for Night of the Living Dead which is where most of the inspiration comes from for the modern Halloween Halloween Outfits and have been around as a Halloween Fancy Dress Costume
ever since. Their emergence was - scarily for us today - the result of a nuclear spill.
So how do you kill a zombie? Well, getting back to their origins, West African legend says if you feed a zombie salt it will return to the grave - all very neat and tidy with not too much exertion involved for us living beings. By far the most successful method is by destroying the brain first, usually with a sharp instrument (this can prove tricky!). Once achieved you should then burn the body to prevent any resurrection, or should that be re-resurrection. So if you need some ideas for your Halloween Outfits this Halloween perhaps you could become one of the living dead.
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
Vampire Fact Fiction or Just a Halloween Costume
Vampires--Fiction or Not
Far from being a modern subject, or just a theme for Halloween Outfits, the idea of vampires walking among us actually dates back to the decade of 1720 to 1730, which ended when the Habsburg Dynasty exhumed the bodies of two men suspected of being vampires, and were apparently unable to prove or disprove the accusation. Further back than the 1700s, in many languages the word vampire meant the same as demon and people had an idea there was some unexplained evil out and about.
Whether such creatures are real or not cannot be scientifically verified because nothing has ever been captured and documented with DNA or other such evidence of their actual existence--at least nothing we would accept as proof today. However, the vampire bat is the only flying mammal that feeds exclusively on blood, therefore, the existence of a higher form of blood-drinking mammal cannot be ruled out either.
Count Dracula
A vampiric character first appeared in a novel in Polodori's "The Vampyre", in 1819. From then on, and especially after the vampire masterpiece--Bram Stoker's "Dracula"--was published in 1897, vampires, if fiction or fact, were here to stay. Count Dracula was supposedly killed with a wooden stake driven through his heart while he slept--the only way, it is said, to kill a vampire. He reappears, though, at least once a year in the form of Halloween Outfits, showing up at parties and among the fancy dress at a Halloween Costumes ball. From the time he first made his appearance to this day, costumes for halloween are not complete without one portraying Dracula with his black cape and fangs.
In the 1920s and 1931, Bella Lugosi captured the audience in films with his dramatic portrayal of vampires that were pure evil. These characters were not the "romantic" vampires we see in later films and books, and that are the inspiration for Halloween fancy dress and
Costumes For Halloween. The 21st century Vampire is often a "good guy", reluctant to harm humans, but Lugosi's vampires were scarier night stalkers with no qualms about killing.
Vampire Books and Movies
Anne Rice captured the immagination of readers with her books collectively called, "The Vampire Chronicles". All her books were based on the first one "Interview With The Vampire" published in 1976, and the movie by the same name was made from the book in 1994. Her vampires were portrayed as both evil and good. Vampires were locked within our culture by then and readers and movie fans cannot seem to get enough of this popular theme. Books, TV series and movies were churned out in rapid succession, including "True Blood" from HBO, "The Vampire Diaries", and "Twilight". One of the latest Vampire movies to be released is "Daybreak".
The vampire is one of the most popular among Halloween Costumes and almost every costume store features everything one would need to look like a vampire, including stunningly real-looking fake blood, punture marks for the neck, and of course, plastic teeth or "fangs".
People enjoy dressing like Vampires and getting into the role because vampires are all that we want to be: invincible, scary, dashing, sexy, and of course, eternal. The sex appeal of the vampire comes from his or her power and often charismatic portrayal in books and on the big and little screens. Vampires have never been sexier or more attractive, especially those characterized as "good" vampires who only reluctantly kill because they must eat, and then kill only "bad" humans. Be careful around Halloween, however, because you cannot be sure if the vampire you meet is a person in costume or the real thing.
Far from being a modern subject, or just a theme for Halloween Outfits, the idea of vampires walking among us actually dates back to the decade of 1720 to 1730, which ended when the Habsburg Dynasty exhumed the bodies of two men suspected of being vampires, and were apparently unable to prove or disprove the accusation. Further back than the 1700s, in many languages the word vampire meant the same as demon and people had an idea there was some unexplained evil out and about.
Whether such creatures are real or not cannot be scientifically verified because nothing has ever been captured and documented with DNA or other such evidence of their actual existence--at least nothing we would accept as proof today. However, the vampire bat is the only flying mammal that feeds exclusively on blood, therefore, the existence of a higher form of blood-drinking mammal cannot be ruled out either.
Count Dracula
A vampiric character first appeared in a novel in Polodori's "The Vampyre", in 1819. From then on, and especially after the vampire masterpiece--Bram Stoker's "Dracula"--was published in 1897, vampires, if fiction or fact, were here to stay. Count Dracula was supposedly killed with a wooden stake driven through his heart while he slept--the only way, it is said, to kill a vampire. He reappears, though, at least once a year in the form of Halloween Outfits, showing up at parties and among the fancy dress at a Halloween Costumes ball. From the time he first made his appearance to this day, costumes for halloween are not complete without one portraying Dracula with his black cape and fangs.
In the 1920s and 1931, Bella Lugosi captured the audience in films with his dramatic portrayal of vampires that were pure evil. These characters were not the "romantic" vampires we see in later films and books, and that are the inspiration for Halloween fancy dress and
Costumes For Halloween. The 21st century Vampire is often a "good guy", reluctant to harm humans, but Lugosi's vampires were scarier night stalkers with no qualms about killing.
Vampire Books and Movies
Anne Rice captured the immagination of readers with her books collectively called, "The Vampire Chronicles". All her books were based on the first one "Interview With The Vampire" published in 1976, and the movie by the same name was made from the book in 1994. Her vampires were portrayed as both evil and good. Vampires were locked within our culture by then and readers and movie fans cannot seem to get enough of this popular theme. Books, TV series and movies were churned out in rapid succession, including "True Blood" from HBO, "The Vampire Diaries", and "Twilight". One of the latest Vampire movies to be released is "Daybreak".
The vampire is one of the most popular among Halloween Costumes and almost every costume store features everything one would need to look like a vampire, including stunningly real-looking fake blood, punture marks for the neck, and of course, plastic teeth or "fangs".
People enjoy dressing like Vampires and getting into the role because vampires are all that we want to be: invincible, scary, dashing, sexy, and of course, eternal. The sex appeal of the vampire comes from his or her power and often charismatic portrayal in books and on the big and little screens. Vampires have never been sexier or more attractive, especially those characterized as "good" vampires who only reluctantly kill because they must eat, and then kill only "bad" humans. Be careful around Halloween, however, because you cannot be sure if the vampire you meet is a person in costume or the real thing.
Monday, 11 April 2011
Halloween Outfits
Witches Halloween Outfits at Halloween
Common Halloween Costumes always include the halloween fancy dress of Cinderella, princesses, fairies, and witches. Many people remember reading stories of witches, including the Wicked Witch of the West or the White Witch, and so include the idea of witches in their Halloween Costumes lineup. But what is the origin of the idea of including witches in the array of costume choices?
The practice of magic or witchcraft is ancient. Early literature of the Greeks had the story of Circe, a witch who could change men into beasts, and Hecate was a witchcraft goddess whose presence was indicated by dogs barking. In some cultures, witches were not considered menacing but were the wise women who knew herbal healing remedies. It is probably from the practice of combining herbs in potions that cauldrons became associated with witches. However, Europeans had a deeply imbedded pagan culture, and the church’s tradition of baptizing infants came at the quarterly witches’ sabbath.
In the late 1600’s, witches were viewed as entirely evil by the Puritans. They believed that devout persons could discern witch activity in sickness; mysterious symptoms such as loss of sight, speech, hearing, or appetite; convulsions; and hallucinations. Many innocent men and women were accused and jailed, and 19 were convicted and killed by various means for the crime of witchcraft during the notable Salem Witch Trials of 1692-1693. The Biblical injunction, “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live” (Exodus 22:18), was justification enough for the witch hunts. Both the Salem court documents regarding Sarah Good and a later Arthur Miller play, The Crucible, are common readings of these trials in modern American high schools.
Some of the accoutrements of a witch’s halloween outfits Halloween Outfits include a pointed hat shaped like a cone and a broom. Archaeologist Margaret Murray associated prehistoric paintings of a god with horns with Satan and evil. This horned image of a devil has prevailed into modern times, and perhaps it is no accident that the Halloween costume standby for a witch’s hat is pointed as well. In a botanical sense, witches’ broom is the result of an attack of parasites on shrubs or trees. The result is an abnormal cluster of branches or twigs that grow upright to resemble a broom or bird’s nest. However, few putting together a Halloween outfit would associate the witch’s broom with an infestation of fungi, mistletoe, or mites. Most people today connect the witch’s broom with the early belief that witches flew on brooms on Halloween.
So the next time plans called for a magical Halloween Fancy dress, consider the witch Halloween Costumes with its long history of good witch, bad witch and the many symbolic accessories associated with these halloween outfits.
Common Halloween Costumes always include the halloween fancy dress of Cinderella, princesses, fairies, and witches. Many people remember reading stories of witches, including the Wicked Witch of the West or the White Witch, and so include the idea of witches in their Halloween Costumes lineup. But what is the origin of the idea of including witches in the array of costume choices?
The practice of magic or witchcraft is ancient. Early literature of the Greeks had the story of Circe, a witch who could change men into beasts, and Hecate was a witchcraft goddess whose presence was indicated by dogs barking. In some cultures, witches were not considered menacing but were the wise women who knew herbal healing remedies. It is probably from the practice of combining herbs in potions that cauldrons became associated with witches. However, Europeans had a deeply imbedded pagan culture, and the church’s tradition of baptizing infants came at the quarterly witches’ sabbath.
In the late 1600’s, witches were viewed as entirely evil by the Puritans. They believed that devout persons could discern witch activity in sickness; mysterious symptoms such as loss of sight, speech, hearing, or appetite; convulsions; and hallucinations. Many innocent men and women were accused and jailed, and 19 were convicted and killed by various means for the crime of witchcraft during the notable Salem Witch Trials of 1692-1693. The Biblical injunction, “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live” (Exodus 22:18), was justification enough for the witch hunts. Both the Salem court documents regarding Sarah Good and a later Arthur Miller play, The Crucible, are common readings of these trials in modern American high schools.
Some of the accoutrements of a witch’s halloween outfits Halloween Outfits include a pointed hat shaped like a cone and a broom. Archaeologist Margaret Murray associated prehistoric paintings of a god with horns with Satan and evil. This horned image of a devil has prevailed into modern times, and perhaps it is no accident that the Halloween costume standby for a witch’s hat is pointed as well. In a botanical sense, witches’ broom is the result of an attack of parasites on shrubs or trees. The result is an abnormal cluster of branches or twigs that grow upright to resemble a broom or bird’s nest. However, few putting together a Halloween outfit would associate the witch’s broom with an infestation of fungi, mistletoe, or mites. Most people today connect the witch’s broom with the early belief that witches flew on brooms on Halloween.
So the next time plans called for a magical Halloween Fancy dress, consider the witch Halloween Costumes with its long history of good witch, bad witch and the many symbolic accessories associated with these halloween outfits.
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