Halloween has become a popular festival in many countries, including Vietnam. On this day, we will see familiar images such as jack-o’-lanterns, black cats, bats, and witches. However, not everyone understands the meaning behind each symbol. Let’s explore the interesting meanings behind these unique Halloween symbols!
1 Jack-o’-lantern
Jack-o’-lantern
Carving jack-o’-lanterns is a fun tradition during Halloween, but few know that its legend originated from a tragedy. The story goes that a farmer named Jack tricked the devil Satan multiple times, so after he died, Jack was not accepted into heaven or hell and became a wandering soul stuck between the realms. So he crafted a lantern from a turnip and coal to guide his own soul.
Later, the turnip was replaced with a pumpkin, and the Celts believed that placing jack-o’-lanterns outside would guide wandering souls back home. Since then, the pumpkin has become a popular and familiar Halloween symbol in many countries around the world.
2 Black Cat
Halloween Symbol – Black Cat
The black cat is considered a symbol of bad luck, misfortune, and is associated with dark magic or evil spirits In a legend, Satan transformed into a black cat when connected with a witch.
However, the meaning of black cats is relative, depending on the cultural context of each region. For example, in some countries such as Ireland, Scotland, and England, when a black cat crosses your path, it is believed to bring upcoming good luck.
3 Witch
Witch is a familiar symbol on Halloween
The witch is one of the familiar symbols during the Halloween festival, and many people “transform” into this character. Witches are believed to have supernatural powers, often wearing black clothes, pointed hats, with brooms and cauldrons. Besides, people believe that this image also has a close relationship with demons, representing evil forces, darkness, and holding the most powerful magic on Halloween night.
4 Colors Representing Halloween – Black and Orange
Colors Representing Halloween – Black and Orange
It is easy to notice that orange and black are the two predominant colors of the Halloween festival. Each color carries different meanings. Orange is a symbol of strength, endurance, and harvest. Meanwhile, black symbolizes darkness and death. These two colors appear on Halloween night to remind everyone of the fragile line between life and death.
5 Bat
Bat is one of the iconic animals for Halloween
Bats are closely associated with witches and are one of the characteristic symbols of Halloween. According to legends, if you see a fallen bat on Halloween, it is a sign of misfortune. Some even believe that if a bat flies around a house 3 times, someone inside will die soon.
In another legend, if a bat flies into your house on Halloween, it is a sign that your house is haunted by the souls residing within this creature’s body. Today, bats are a common decorative image in Halloween celebrations.
6 Owl
Owl is a popular symbol in Halloween
The owl is a common image in Halloween, considered a symbol of bad luck and death. Hearing the hoot of an owl is believed to be a sign of an impending death. Many people use owl masks to disguise themselves during the Halloween festival and use owl symbols to decorate their homes, offices, and shops on this day.
7 Zombie
Zombie is an essential symbol of Halloween
The image of zombies, or undead, is often seen in scary horror movies and is an embodiment of the voodoo culture originating from Haiti. People in this place believe that humans can fall into a mindless state similar to movie zombies. At this time, individuals cannot control their actions and are controlled by others for malevolent purposes. Therefore, this is one of the essential symbols in the annual Halloween festival.
8 Spider Web
Spider Web
According to beliefs from the Middle Ages, spiders are regarded as creatures associated with witches, representing darkness and evil. Many people believe that if a spider falls into a lit lantern, it means witches are about to appear.
Especially, people spread the word that when a spider web appears on Halloween night, it means the spiders are nearby. Spider webs are a simple and popular Halloween decoration that many people choose.
9 Soul Jar
Symbol of the soul jar
The soul jar is one of the familiar Halloween symbols. Based on some legends retold by the Celts, all souls after death will fly to an old lady’s jar – a characteristic symbol of Mother Earth. Here, the souls will wait to be reincarnated. When the gods stir the jar, new souls will enter it for the older souls to be reborn.
10 Ghost
Halloween Symbol: Ghost
On Halloween, many people like to dress up as ghosts to wander, frighten, and haunt others around. One of the simplest and easiest ways to transform into a ghost is to take a bedsheet and cut two eye holes in it. Many eerie stories are told that when humans die, their souls roam the world in search of a home or loved ones.
11 Skeleton and Skull
Skeleton and Skull are Halloween symbols
According to the tradition of Catholicism, the image of a skeleton and skull represents death, reminding people of the transience and fragility of human life. From there, skeletons and skulls have become indispensable images in Halloween celebrations. They are used to decorate houses, offices to add a sense of horror and enhance the Halloween atmosphere.
12 Trick or Treat Game
Trick or Treat Game
Trick or treat is a game beloved by many children during Halloween, especially in European countries. Children dress up in Halloween costumes and gather together, carrying a bag for collecting candy, knocking on lit houses and shouting, “Trick or treat?” Mischievous actions or pranks will be done to the homeowners if they refuse to give candy.
13 Traditional Halloween Foods
Traditional Halloween Foods
In addition to fun activities and dressing up during the Halloween festival, it is also an occasion for people to enjoy the delicious flavors of unique traditional foods such as candy apples, soul cakes, pumpkin soup, Barnbrack, Colcannon…
Through the shared article, we hope you will gain more useful information and a deeper understanding of the interesting meanings behind each unique symbol of the Halloween festival!
