During the crazy frenzy of throwing parties, dressing up and decorating the house, people tend to forget to think about why they love Halloween so much in the first place. All of the candy, costumes, trick or treating and decorations 
consume most of their energy this holiday and sadly, because of this, the importance of Halloween fun is easily forgotten.
Did you know that Halloween has been around for thousands of years now? Halloween was actually first celebrated in northern France, Ireland and the UK by the Celts. The day was celebrated a day before the Celtic Samhain festival in November, which they considered to be their New Year.
During this time, the Celts would bring down cattle from the hills and they would gather together in their houses to do handicrafts and tell stories, some of the many things that people still love about Halloween today. Admit it: as scary as they may be, Halloween ghost stories are some of the things you always look forward to hearing every year.
The origin of trick or treating is completely different. This can be attributed to the parades on All Souls’ Day in England where the poor approached rich people and begged them for food. These wealthy families would normally offer the poor some pastries known as soul cakes and the poor would, in turn, pray for the rich people’s dead relatives. Soon, people started giving sweets to kids who arrived at their houses dressed like ghosts or witches and if somebody refused to give them sweets, the kids were entitled to play a practical joke on them. To this day, both children and adults enjoy trick or treating for candy and it is probably the highlight of every child’s year now.
The reason why people celebrate Halloween now by dressing up is because the Celts found the winter to be extremely frightening because they could run out of food at any time. Halloween costumes happen to be another factor that people love about the holiday and these can be traced back to the tradition of the Celts where they covered themselves in costumes and masks, so that ghosts wouldn’t be able to recognize them as they left home to look for food.
Carving faces on pumpkins is another favorite pastime of Halloween and can also be attributed to the Celts who carved various faces on potatoes back in the day. However, after migrating to America, they realized that there were more pumpkins and thus started carving faces on pumpkins instead. This is still a Halloween tradition to this day.
In the United States of America, Halloween is one of the largest commercial holidays today. People now religiously dress up in fancy or scary costumes every year and even decorate their houses to look as scary as possible. However, the eeriness that once came with this particular festival no longer exists nowadays and has instead been replaced by a community spirit filled with fun instead of fear. Happy Halloween!
Zombie Babies are getting VERY popular. We expect to see these great props all over the place.
If you are a home haunter looking to get a good reaction from your trick-0r-treaters then this is a great addition:
Halloween Countdown Clock – 112 Days.
Are you excited? Prepared? Getting ready for all the great costumes and props?
Harry Potter has become a very popular costume that we all love to see every year. It will no doubt be one of the most popular Halloween costumes of all time.
Very few people actually know that the inspiration for the Harry Potter books hit their author, J.K. Rowling, while she was stuck for four hours waiting on a delayed train. She had been writing stories most of her life, but had never been 
quite so struck by an idea as she was by the one that brought about the Harry Potter books. What an inspiration that must have been! The Harry Potter books have sold more than 400 million copies each. The last four in the series have set records as the fastest selling books in history.
These ingenious stories center around the main character named Harry Potter, a little boy who has been raised by relatives who do not believe in magic. Despite their best efforts to keep the information from Harry, on his birthday it is brought to his attention that he’s not just an ordinary little boy, but a wizard. He is then whisked off to the fantastic “Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy” where he is to be taught to train his gifts. He meets up with several new friends, most importantly Ron Weasley and Hermoine Granger who become his closest comrades.
Almost immediately Harry finds himself in the midst of a mystery that needs to be solved for the safety of all. Throughout the story certain facts come to light about Harry’s past that were previously kept from him, such as where he received the lightning bolt shaped scar upon his forehead. He learns that his parents were killed in a struggle to protect him, and during that struggle he alone survived the attack of a wizard so powerful that no one had ever survived his wrath before. Harry finds that being “the boy who lived” garners him the respect, awe and even the contempt of others at the school, including some of the teachers.
Throughout the seven book series, Harry and his friends find themselves in situations where they must help solve the mystery of what is going on at “Hogwarts.” The fate of the school and the students often hangs in the balance as these three exceptional children, with the help of the school’s head master, Professor Dumbledore, and the groundskeeper Hagrid, try to unravel the mysteries. Each one of these adventures seem to lead back in some way to the evil machinations of that powerful wizard (whose name is not to be spoken aloud) as he desperately tries to plot his return.
J.K. Rowling sold the movie rights for the first four books in the Harry Potter series to Warner Bros. in 1998, when she did, she insisted that all of the principal actors be British, but allowed for some Irish actors as well. Chris Columbus was chosen among many other big names to direct the first two movies, but he declined to direct the third, staying on in a producer’s capacity instead. The third movie, “the Prisoner of Azkaban” was directed by Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron. Since the production of the third overlapped with the production of the forth movie, Mike Newell was chosen to direct “Goblet of Fire”. David Yates took over the directing duties from there, and will be directing the final two movies as well.
It was announced in 2008 that the final book of the series will be split up into two movies. The first of these will be released in November of 2010, and the next will follow in July of 2011.The Harry Potter films have consistently been ranked within the top 25 highest-grossing films worldwide.
Halloween 2010 is almost here.
We have noticed a large amount of online activity in June compared to previous years. Many online stores are starting to get in their NEW STUFF!
We expect to see a lot of zombies, graveyards, ghosts and some of the best traditional Halloween themes.
We also expect to see pop-culture come in to play. With many cartoons, movies and stars in the news this year, it should be great!
October is a magical time of year. There is a chill in the air, the leaves have begun their own slow display of fireworks, brightening the sky with vibrant oranges, reds and yellows, and all the Halloween decorations begin to appear. Jack-o-lanterns grin eerily out from the doorsteps, scarecrows stand ominously among bundles of high cornstalks within yards all along the street and as the sun begins to set the shadows come out to play, carrying with them a creepy sense of mischief that inspires laughter and fun.
The Halloween season offers a special kind of joy that is simply not present in other holiday celebrations. While the emphasis may seem to be on scaring the bejeebers out of your friends and neighbors, the real gift of this season comes from the sense of freedom and creativity it entails. Halloween is the only holiday that is based on an open concept rather than a particular event. There are no boundaries, no limits, and no expectations to fulfill. You are free to be as playful and original as you wish.
This aspect of Halloween is one that should be cherished because it affords us the space to be as silly as we want while also nurturing our inventive sides. Parents can encourage their children to choose any character or costume that they would like to be for Halloween, and then spend time helping their child to make the costume they want to wear. Families can also take advantage of the season to bond as a unit by voting on one theme for the entire family, such as the Addams Family or The Incredibles. There is nothing quite like the feeling of belonging to a cohesive group that is easily recognizable in public. It really establishes a fun sense of being part of a team.
Larger projects, such as haunted houses or mazes can also be an excellent event for the whole family to join together in building. Many people use their yards or garages to set up a simple haunted maze that the trick-or-treaters can walk through if they dare. These sometimes take a lot of work, and getting the family and friends involved stimulates a great feeling of comradery among those who worked so hard on it. And the satisfaction derived from the screams and nervous giggles of the people going through the maze is unparalleled.
Some people go to quite elaborate lengths to create an environment that is fun and scary for their neighbors to experience during the season. They spend months designing and building facades or effects that they display in front of or inside their homes just to entertain people with a fun scare. This is a gesture of hospitality like no other, presenting parents and kids alike with an experience that they are unlikely to ever forget. For those who do this, it is an offering of themselves to the guests who will come to their door, a whimsical engagement in the fun and frivolity of the season that represents a genuine interest in joining in the fun and enhancing every person’s Halloween eve. In return, they are gifted with the opportunity to briefly take part in the lives of their neighbors if only for the evening.
There are many neighborhoods in America that actually gather together and decide themes for their entire street during Halloween. Each neighbor then builds a façade or decorates their house in accordance with that theme. These can be extraordinary sites to behold. For instance, one street created an old western theme in which each home had built a different set in front of or surrounding their home, so the whole street looked like something you’d find in an old western movie. Another neighborhood made a pirate themed experience, with a nine foot tall pirate ship that spanned several house lengths. These kinds of things can definitely bring a community together.
Neighborhoods that don’t want to go to such extremes can still benefit from this time of silliness and fun. Parents often work together, within their own neighborhoods as well as the surrounding streets, to create a fun and safe environment in which the children can enjoy trick-or-treating. The adults take turns with street duties, keeping the passing drivers aware of the presence of all the kids in costumes and helping the children to cross the street safely. They accompany the kids as they go door to door so that they can meet or chat with the people on their street with whom they have limited contact otherwise. This is a convenient and non-intrusive way to introduce oneself to the neighbors living on the street, or get to know them better. Communities who know each other tend to be safer in general than those who aren’t acquainted with the people living around them.
There is no denying that Halloween is a wonderful holiday, one that brings people together in unique ways. The freedom of style and expression it offers makes it the one holiday when we can truly share our own individuality with all of those around us while celebrating theirs as well.
Everyone is excited about the number of movies and TV shows that are popular this year that could inspire Halloween.
From Alice in Wonderland, Robin Hood, Avatar, and many many more, this will be an amazing year for Halloween costumes.
The werewolf is one of the more popular mythical creatures that most of us know about. Kids, teens and adults all have heard about the werewolf. The werewolf is a folklore character that we all know as half wolf and half man. In many folklore stories, men who have the ability to shape-shift into wolves are called werewolves. The transformation can be 
different depending on the culture of the folklore. The half man-half wolf is characterized by a gruesomely hairy body, long nails, bulging muscles and growing teeth.
One of the most distinct characteristics of the werewolf is its being drawn to the full moon. In one folklore, a man who has the genetic traits of werewolves, is drawn to the full moon. It is only during each month’s full moon that he can transform from man to wolf and wolf to man. The transformation process, in most stories, show the man to be in extreme pain and agony.
Another distinct characteristic of the werewolf is superhuman strength. That means that a werewolf can be distinguished as one if his superhuman strength shows. Unlike any man or even a wolf, the werewolf can lift things of great weight, can fight off even big animals and can withstand almost any kind of attack. However, it should be noted that in most stories, werewolves are not immortals. They bleed as humans and animals do. They can also get hurt and feel pain. While they may be gifted with superhuman strength, most folklore’s show them as mortal beings who cannot defeat death. Werewolves are also known to have extra sensitive senses but 
more than that of a human, wolf or any animal.
The transformation of the werewolf usually happens every time the moon is full. Some stories say that a werewolf can fully control his transformation from man to wolf and vice verse. According to folklore, a man becomes a werewolf due to varied reasons. One is through genes. A father can pass on his werewolf genes to some of his children but in most cases the young werewolf only becomes aware of his condition during his teens when the traits begin to show. Another way to become a werewolf is when you are bitten by one. If you are bitten by a werewolf and you manage to survive despite your wounds then a magical transformation can happen; making you a werewolf. Another means to become a werewolf is by making a deal with the devil or some satanic character.
In some folklore stories, werewolves become weak once they transform from wolf to man. In some cultures as well, werewolves are show to having feelings of guilt and remorse after they have attacked oir killed someone in their wolf form. Thus, it shows that werewolves, while having super strength and senses are still humans who are bound by weaknesses and limitations.
Because of the fascinating stories about werewolves, many writers and movie makers still create stories revolving around the old werewolf myths and folklore’s. The werewolf is also a popular Halloween costume for kids, teens and adults.
A new Web site is launched for the “Halloween Army”. Halloween fans have begun to work together to promote the positive aspects of Halloween in the United States.
Many Halloween enthusiasts over the past few years have noticed the number of organizations and individuals attempting to spread rumors regarding the history and celebration of Halloween that are not true. Halloween fans do not find this acceptable.
In March, Halloween Army will begin working together to promote the positive aspects of Halloween. The army web site will provide free content and other tools for fans to utilize to spread the word and fight for Halloween.
As the Halloween season approaches, the army will work together to help stop un-true rumors regarding Halloween.
Halloween is great for local communities, charities, families, enthusiasts and the economy.
If you are a Halloween fan and enthusiast, Halloween Army wants to work with you! Please help spread the word on your site, blog, profile and signature. We will work to bring you additional tools as the season progresses.
We are fighting for Halloween!
Halloween Army
Web Site: http://www.halloweenarmy.org
Army Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/halloweenarmy
Army Twitter: http://twitter.com/halloweenarmy
Iron Man 2 is coming with the release date of May 7 2010 is sure to be a big hit and influence Halloween this year.
Iron Man 1 has brought much money to Hollywood. The Marvel story about Tony Stark which was created in 1963 became a huge hit when it was made 
into a movie in 2008. The plot of the story seemed a bit common with the usual common man turned “superhero” plot. What made Iron Man quite different was the fact that the man Tony Stark did not possess any special powers but had used technology to create him his powerful suit. Iron Man 1 the movie was quite interesting and many movie fanatics are already so excited to wait for the release of its sequel – Iron Man 2 this coming May.
The plot of Iron Man 2 is about the return of Tony Stark, Iron Man 1′s wealthy playboy. After he publicly 
announced in Iron Man 1 that he is the famous iron clad hero, he is now about to face his Russian arch nemesis named Whiplash or Ivan Vanko (played by Mickey Rourke) and also his corporate rival Justin Hammer (played by Sam Rockwell). The newcomer in this Iron Man sequel is the character of the ultra sexy Russian spy known as Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff is the character’s name) played by Scarlett Johansson. The character of Colonerl James Rhodes, originally played by Terrence Howard, is going to be played by Don Cheadle. Colonel James Rhodes wil become a villain as the War Machine in this sequel. Other members of the cast who are included in Iron Man 2 are Paul Bettany, Sam Rockwell and director Jon Favreau.
Iron Man 2 has evolved from the original Iron Man 1 story. In the the first movie, Tony Stark is shown as a handsome philanderer (Robert Downey Junior) and engineer with outstanding ability. He is the founder and the executive officer of the multinational company Stark Industries. The company builds and assembles military weapons, thus, his knowledge and resources all led to the great Iron Man suit.
In Iron Man 1, the plot shows Mr. Stark’s trip to Afghanistan, being abducted to make weapons of mass destruction, his creation of the Iron Man suit and his escape. Eventually, he manages to perfect the suit and the end result was a suit made of gold and titanium which also gives the wearer the ability to fly because of a complex propulsion system. In the story, Mr. Stark goes around saving the world from crime and the pseudonym Iron Man became known. In the end, he was able to stop an evil plot instigated by Obadiah Stane. Before the movie ended, Mr. Start revealed his real identity and admitted to the world that Iron Man and Tony Stark is one and the same.
The story of Iron Man is indeed a very interesting one especially in today’s generation. The story frees us from the usual superhero perspective who possesses superpowers due to some genetic change or mutation. In Iron Man 1 and Iron Man 2, the hero is a common businessman who has his own weaknesses (a philanderer) who used his intelligence, his own money and his resources to create a new hi-tech hero.