As Halloween Approaches: How Can You Get in the Horror Mood
Halloween is nearly upon us again, and we all know what that means. TV channels will be packed with horror films, there’ll be plastic pumpkins, and maybe some real ones, lining the aisles at the shops, and gangs of kids, and even adults, dressed in costumes ranging from the mundane to the bizarre will roam the streets.
Once, this was a sacred holiday across the British Isles, as the Celts celebrated Samhain between October 31 and November 1—a liminal festival midway between the autumnal equinox and the winter solstice. It was said that the veil between worlds was at its most permeable during this period. Among other rituals, carved turnips were left by the entrance to dwellings to ward away any evil spirits who might be out on the prowl.
Then along came Christianity, co-opting the holiday to All Hallows (Saints) Eve, which then became Hallowe’en, a time for all things horror related. So, how to get into the horror mood?
Put on a Horror Film
The obvious starting point is probably a good horror film—one of the classics like The Exorcist, Halloween, or The Shining works well. Or if you want to ease yourself into it, start with a film like Beetlejuice, The Addams Family, or Hocus Pocus. They all bring a bit of a Halloween vibe without leaving you hiding behind the sofa.
Get Stuck Into a Horror Game
Video games are another good way to spend an evening when you’re in the Halloween mood. Horror games have come a long way from simply putting a monster in a dark room and telling you to run away.
Games such as Resident Evil, Silent Hill and Dead Space have all made their mark, and if video games aren't your thing, horror-themed slots games online can also fit nicely into the evening. Games such as Mental, Immortal Romance, Blood Suckers and Beetlejuice Megaways cover everything from vampires and gothic settings to asylums and supernatural comedy.
Get the House Looking the Part
You do not have to shell out a lot of cash to make a splash. Just a few small props work wonders in creating a different atmosphere. There’s cotton spider webs, candles, skeletons, or whatever else can be found in the local shop, which will help in achieving the intended effect.
And carving pumpkins is, of course, almost de rigueur. This is suitable for both children and adults, but if you want to get back to the original spirit of the festival, you’ve got to go with turnips. These are, admittedly, harder to carve, but the results are a lot more scary.
Dress Up
Then there are costumes.
You can go all-out with a proper horror character, or just throw on a black cape and call yourself a vampire. There’s no shortage of possibilities, and Halloween is one of the few occasions where nobody really questions why someone has turned up dressed as a zombie.
For groups, themed costumes can be even better. Pick a horror film, TV show or game and see what everyone comes up with.
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