All Hallows eve or as it is commonly called Halloween is a yearly holiday observed on the last day of the October month
. It is like a day for the dead. It is celebrated with much vigor in most of the countries around the globe .The Halloween festival is believed to have had pagan roots.
The metaphors of this festival are derived from the works of gothic and horror literature and the theme includes evil, death and mythical monsters. Traditionally black and orange colors are worn on this day. People enjoy with their loved ones by throwing costume parties, carving jack-o-lanterns, lighting bonfires or watching horror movies and even attending church services.
The costume parties are the highlight of this day for most of the people. The costumes are modeled after super natural figures as monsters, ghosts or skeletons. Now-a-days the selection even extends to include popular fictional characters or generic arch types. Many youngsters like to wear gothic clothing. It represents the dark side of them and makes them feel exceptional. The most common piece of gothic clothing for women is the corset which gives them an hour glass shape and makes them feel bold and dark. The dark, rich gothic colors blend well with the Halloween costume parties.
The traditional games played in these parties are mostly related to fortune telling. The other games that are played are apple bobbing or dunking, walnut shell game or telling ghost stories. A customary celebration for kids around the world includes the game of trick or treat. The children dressed in costumes go to their neighbors houses and show some tricks and ask for special treats like candies or cakes. The trick in this case refers to a dare or a performance by the child.
As Halloween takes place in the wake of annual apple harvest, so apples are used in various cakes and sweets which are specially made for this day. Apple pies, candies or fruit cakes are made almost in all the houses. People even make pumpkin pies, caramel corn or soul cakes. Pumpkin plays one of the most important roles in this festival. Not only is it used for pies and deserts but it is used as a whole for carving jack-o-lantern out of it. Candles are put inside it and it gives a gothic or scary feeling.
The celebration for the dead or as we call it Halloween is disliked by few organizations. They dont like the fact that people are dressed in evil costumes or wear gothic clothing.