The Jack-o-Lantern

• Jack-on-lanterns were originally used to pay tribute to those thought to be in purgatory.Jack-O-Lantern image by Sarpy from Fotolia.com
  
  The celebration of Halloween is ripe with symbols, some understood, many displaced prominently with the original meaning long lost. The jack-o-lantern, for example, is little more than an adaptation of "souling," a practice whereby the living used lanterns carved from turnips to commemorate those thought to be in purgatory.
  
  

The Harvest

• Some Halloween images are derived from the fact it takes place in the fall--harvest time.scarecrow image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
  
  Many of the traditional images of Halloween in America, corn husks and pumpkins, scarecrows and the like, speak more to the season in which the holiday takes place. In other words, images of the harvest are prevalent because the holiday has always corresponded with harvest time. Today, symbols of the harvest can be found in cities large and small, as much a part of the holiday spirit as the carving of a jack-o-lantern.
  
  

Trick or Treating

• Trick or treat!halloween. image by peejay from Fotolia.com
  
  Trick or treating is a Halloween tradition in America and in other countries throughout the world, albeit with some variation. On Halloween, children go from door-to-door, greeting those who answer with the customary "trick or treat?" The question is meant to give the person who has greeted them with a choice: Would they like the child to perform a mischievous act or would they prefer to give them a treat instead? Usually the child is rewarded with candy or some other sweet treat, though popcorn or baked goods are common as well. The practice of children going door to door for food also predates Halloween, as it was part of the "souling" custom in Europe.
  
  

Costumes

• Halloween costumes range from goblins and witches to pop culture icons.halloween witch isolated over white background image by Anatoly Tiplyashin from Fotolia.com
  
  In the United States and some other countries children trick-or-treat in costumes. Like the holiday itself, costume imagery is derived from a number of sources. Goblins, ghosts and monsters meant to scare are part of a Gothic tradition and find its roots in horror literature and films of the past and present. Devils and angels have biblical connotations, while celebrities, politicians and other iconic figures are derived from popular culture and serve as ready-made sources of inspiration for costumes.
  
  

Haunted Houses

• Haunted houses are a Halloween staple.Haunted castle on top of a hill image by patrimonio designs from Fotolia.com
  
  Haunted houses or attractions are a popular staple of the Halloween tradition. Traditionally, people pay for admission into these "haunted" venues with the promise of being scared out of their wits. First introduced by the Junior Chamber International (Jaycees) for the purposes of fundraising, they've risen in sophistication to epic proportions. One example of this phenomenon can be seen in the Universal Studios theme parks, where their annual Halloween Horrror Nights is two-month event chock full of frightening images, haunted houses and thrilling attractions that capitalize on popular horror icons.