Pumpkin

Ever wondered how Halloween came about? Then look no further as here we will explain all you need to know about the origins of Halloween and how it has developed into the celebration of today. Halloween is by far more popular in some countries than others, for example it is commonplace in America for people to go all out and decorate their homes for the ultimate spooky experience. It is also popular to see many children out trick or treating. Although Halloween is a popular celebration across the pond it doesn’t really have that status here in England. Yes you may see a few trick or treaters, someone may have a party or it is used as a great excuse to dress up and carve a few pumpkins. Contrary to many beliefs Halloween does not originate in America, it actually comes from the old Celtic tradition of Samhain.

The Festival Of Samhain

Samhain Bonfire

In ancient time times the Celts celebrated their new year on 1st November, as this was the time of the year when it was considered the summer had ended and the cold harsh winters set in. The festival celebrated the end of the summer, the harvest and the beginning of the darker days and longer nights. Winter was the time of year that was associated with more human deaths and the Celts believed that the night before the new year (31st October) the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead was at its thinnest. They believed that this was the time of the year when the souls of the dead could cross back and return to the living world. The Celts believed that these ghosts who returned damage their crops, but make it easier for the druids and Celtic priests to make predictions about the future. These visions from the priests were important to the people as they relied on the natural word for survival. Huge bonfires were built and crops were burnt and animals sacrificed to the deities became the tradition of commemorating the event. During these celebrations people dressed up in costumes and attempted to tell the fortunes of others. When their celebration was over the people lit their home fires with a torch from the main sacred bonfire in hope that this would bring them good luck and protection for the upcoming winter.

How Samhain Became Halloween As We Know It

Apple Bobbing

When the romans had conquered most of the Celtic territory and over a period of 400 years they combined the traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain with their own celebrations of Feralia and Pomona. Feralia was a day in late October where the romans traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead and Pomona was a day to celebrate the goddess of fruit and trees. As the apple is the typical symbol of Pomona, combined with the festival of Samhain, this suggests the origins of apple bobbing practiced in our Halloween celebrations today. When the Pantheon in Rome was dedicated in honour to all Christian martyrs a catholic feast of all martyrs day was established in the western church. This celebration was then later expanded to include that of all saints as well. The date of the celebration was then moved from May 13th to November 1st. Over time the influence of Christianity made its way to the Celtic lands which blended with the older Celtic rites. The church then made November 2nd all souls day, which was known as a day to honour all the dead. This all souls day had a similar way to celebrating as Samhain including bonfires, costumes, and parades. The term all saints was also referred to as all-hallows or all-hallomans, with the night before (the traditional day to celebrate Samhain) becoming known as all hallows eve which eventually through the years developed into the word Halloween. So traditionally Halloween is a night to celebrate the souls of the dead and their return to the living worlds. Although Halloween has become something quite different today the roots of the meaning are still there and it has become a time for all to have fun, dress up and connect with the spirit world.

Trick Or Treating

Trick Or Treating

Trick or treating is a common event on Halloween with kids going from house to house in search of sweets and treats, dressed in their costumes. It is thought that the tradition of trick or treating also originated from British shores as back during the early all souls day parades, poor people would go from house to house begging for food. During the festivities poor people would beg for food and families would give them pastries in exchange for a promise to pray for the family’s dead relatives. This is more than likely the main evolvement to trick or treating, as we know it today. Although trick or treating today has nothing to do with class or wealth it still holds the value of giving, be it in the form of sweets or money. It has been said that people would reward the children with sweets to avoid any tricks being played on them, and it’s a great way to get the whole community involved too. Surprisingly Halloween only made its way over to America as early as the 19th century and since then has become a major celebration of the year. By the late 1800s Halloween was encouraged as a social holiday and was typically celebrated with parties for both adults and children and pretty much lost most of its religious and superstitious value. You will typically see whole streets and towns decorated with spooky ornaments, carved pumpkins and trick or treaters.

Superhero Costumes

These costumes will never get old and will always spice up any fancy dress party. Choose from Batman and Wonder woman to Hal Jordan and Supergirl, whatever you decide to wear you will instantly grab everyone’s attention with your eye-catching superhero costume. You will love arriving to your parties with your partner dressed as the famous Batman and female Robin.

This padded Batman jumpsuit with attached cape and boots tops will really make you stand out from the crowd and will look great with our short Robin dress costume which will flaunt your slender legs and sexy curves. Your friends and family will be impressed with the comfortable material, striking design and fantastic colours that will bring out the superhero in you.

Costume Accessories

Update your fancy dress costumes with some of our fantastic quality accessories. There are a wide selection of tights, gloves, masks and hats which will complete your look and impress all your friends. If you’re going to a Halloween costume and want a unique and exciting costume then you will love our modern devil Halloween costume.

This long red dress with front slit, jagged edging, transparent sleeves and a gathered centre will feel really comfortable on and will really get you noticed. Try spicing this sexy dress with some of our red flame tights and red velvet gloves. They will immediately add a touch of glamour to your overall look and will look great with absolutely any costume you decide to wear in the future.

Jack Skellington Costume

Show off your eye-catching Jack Skellington costume from Nightmare Before Christmas film. This wonderful pin striped jacket with white mock shirt, black trousers, detachable bow tie and creepy mask will definitely get heads turning all night long. Everyone will be impressed with your affordable and lightweight costume which is perfect for fancy dress parties and nights out trick or treating. This long-lasting and very comfortable costume will look great worn to all your future Halloween parties, so make sure you snap up this bargain costume before they all sell out!

Belle Costume

Surprise your little girl with this adorable Belle costume from The Beauty and the Beast film. This beautiful gold ballgown dress with sweet rose detail and elastic shoulder straps will look amazing worn to absolutely any fancy dress party. This wonderful costume suitable for ages 7-8 is made from comfortable stretchy material which will feel very light on. Your little girl will definitely want to slip this gorgeous princess dress on every time she goes out.

Long White Glitter Eyelashes

Long White Glitter Eyelashes

Make sure you get yourself a pair of these long white glitter eyelashes. These long white lashes have thin strips of glitter through them which will instantly light up your look and impress your friends. Also included is some amazing quality eyelash glue which can be washed off with warm soapy water. These attention-grabbing fake lashes will look great worn to parties, concerts and all your special occasions this year, so make sure you grab yourself a pair before everyone else decides to!

Blue Glitter Strip Eyelashes

Blue Glitter Strip Eyelashes

Add a splash of eye-catching colour and glamour to your look with these wonderful blue glitter strip eyelashes. These angled black lashes have a gorgeous blue glitter strip which will define your eyes and look incredible on. Everyone will be impressed with your glittering new look and will love some of these glamorous lashes to wear with their blue heels and matching accessories.

Edward Scissorhands Halloween Costume

Show off this frightening Edward Scissorhands Halloween Costume to all your friends and family. They won’t be able to keep their eyes off this black buckled jacket, scary scissor hand gloves and a black wig. This luxurious and long-lasting costume will be a big hit at all your fancy dress parties and will look great with this professional quality Edward Scissorhands costume makeup kit. This includes cream makeup, grease, latex scars, puff sponge, sponge applicator and colour mixer which will enhance your look. You will look fantastic dressed as this popular character and will definitely grab everyone’s attention all night long.

Hooded Skull Robe

Make sure you get your hands on this comfortable and simple hooded skull robe. This wonderful black hooded robe with white skull edging will definitely light up your look and impress your friends. To enhance your look, apply some white liquid body paint on your face and then rub some black luster creme around your eyes for the ultimate ghostly look. Everyone will love your long-lasting costume and will want one to wear to their next fancy dress party.

Neytiri Avatar Costume

Show off your gorgeous curves in this blue Neytiri Avatar costume. Our luxurious and very comfortable jumpsuit with attached tail will definitely grab everyone’s attention and boost your style. It also includes a brown apron and shimmering gauntlets which will enhance your look and leave you feeling like one of the tribe. This light and breathable fabric will feel great on and is ideal for crowded fancy dress parties. Everyone will be impressed with this fitting and eye-catching costume and will definitely want one to wear to all their parties in the future.

Sexy Witch Costume

Spice up your fancy dress parties with this sexy Playboy witch costume. This eye-catching short witch dress with layered green and pink skirt, corset style top, slip off shoulders, diamond playboy bunny logo and beautiful yellow ribbon detail will really get you noticed and show off your curvaceous hips. Also included is this black witch hat with black ribbon and striped stockings that will enhance your look and draw attention to your slender legs. Everyone will be amazed with your long-lasting modern witch costume and will definitely want one to wear to their next party.

Rose Glitter Temporary Lip Tattoos

Wear our shimmering rose glitter temporary lip tattoos with your devil Halloween costume and Wonder Woman costume. These wonderful lips tattoos are very easy to apply and will feel soft on your lips. The deep rose red colour and sparkling finish will update your look and impress all your friends. Follow the tips & tutorials page to help you put these eye-catching lip accessories on, they will coordinate with your comfortable Halloween costumes and will definitely grab everyone’s attention. Each pack consists of two temporary tattoos which are ideal for all lip shapes and sizes, simply trim down to fit your lips. Everyone will want these striking lip tattoos to wear to all their fancy dress parties, gatherings and festivals.

Rose Glitter Temporary Lip Tattoos

Devil Halloween Costume

Wonder Woman Costume

Checkerboard Temporary Lip Tattoos

Wow everyone with your attention-grabbing checkerboard temporary lip tattoos which will add a touch of glamour to all your outfits. If you’re planning on wearing them to your Halloween fancy dress parties then our fabulous Lady Gaga sequin costume and white straight jacket will look amazing with these lip tattoos. We have a wide range of eye-catching designs which will really get you noticed and give you kissable lips in minutes. You will feel attractive wearing these gorgeous checkerboard lips which also feel very comfortable on and will last up to 8 hours.

Checkerboard Temporary Lip Tattoos

Lady Gaga Sequin Fancy Dress

White Straight Jacket Costume

Mini Black Witch Hat

Mini Black Halloween Witch Hat

Make a bold statement this Halloween with this fantastic mini black Halloween witch hat. This fantastic velvet hat will completely change your appearance and will instantly update your style. Everyone will fall in love with this miniature design with cute ribbon and eye-catching green feather detail. Secure this small witch hat on your head with the attached plastic chin strap which will feel comfortable on. You will absolutely love wearing this long-lasting black witch hat with your attention-grabbing witch costume and dramatic makeup.

Red Halloween Thigh High Stockings

Red Thigh High Stockings

Spice up your devil costume this Halloween with our red Halloween thigh high stockings. These wonderful thin stockings with an eye-catching flame design have a thick band which will keep them in place and will feel really comfortable on. Everyone will be amazed with the attention-grabbing colours and patterns that will look great with all your red accessories and spooky costume.

Devil Halloween Costume

Slip this eye-catching Devil Halloween dress on whenever you have a fancy dress party to go to. This gorgeous long red dress has transparent sleeves, front slit and low cut neck which will certainly grab everyone’s attention. The light and soft material will leave you feeling fresh and happy all night long. Pair this wonderful red Halloween dress with a pitchfork, sparkly heels and some devil horns for a glittering new look.

Black Witch Costume

This amazing quality black witch dress will look great worn to all your fancy dress parties this year. You will love this long black dress with eye-catching black belt which will give you the ultimate witch look. It has an eye-catching torn effect that will really get you noticed and completely change your appearance. Everyone will want an inexpensive black witch dress to pair with their stylish witch hat and netted tights. This light and comfortable costume will leave you feeling glamorous all night long.

New York City’s Village Halloween Parade

Every Halloween night New York hosts a massive parade which includes street dancers, musicians, circus performers and much more. This popular parade starts at Spring Street and Sixth Avenue, so stop and watch this truly amazing Halloween parade for all ages. Below we have some images from the parade on Monday the 31st of October 2011.

Portsmouth Halloween Parade

The people of Portsmouth express their creativity and march on October 31st at 7pm. Everyone is welcomed to cheer from the sidelines and watch as the parade starts from Peirce Island. You will have an awesome time dressing up and celebrating with your friends and family. This well-known UK parade is running into its 17th year and is loved by many families and locals.