​Happy Halloween

Saturday October 31, 2026

​from Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA,
​helping-Brands & John R. Fugazzie 

​and David S. Pumpkins !!
​and Skel and his friends
​ Adventures of Skel 

Halloween has a rich and fascinating history that blends ancient traditions, religious influences, and modern customs. Here's a breakdown of its origins and evolution:

Ancient Roots: Samhain Festival

• Origin: Halloween traces back over 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in), celebrated in what is now Ireland, the UK, and northern France.
• Purpose: Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Celts believed that on the night of October 31, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, allowing spirits to return to Earth.
• Traditions: People lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off ghosts. They also offered food to spirits and used masks to disguise themselves from malevolent beings.

Christian Influence: All Saints’ Day

• In the 7th century, Pope Boniface IV established All Saints’ Day (also known as All Hallows’ Day) on November 1 to honor saints and martyrs.
• The evening before became known as All Hallows’ Eve, which eventually evolved into Halloween.
• This Christian holiday was meant to replace or absorb pagan traditions like Samhain.

Medieval and Early Modern Customs

• Souling: In medieval England, poor people would go door-to-door on All Hallows’ Eve, offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food (often soul cakes). This is considered a precursor to modern trick-or-treating.
• Guising: In Scotland and Ireland, children dressed in costumes and performed songs or tricks in exchange for treats.

Halloween in America

• Colonial Era: Halloween was not widely celebrated in early America due to strict Protestant beliefs.
• 19th Century: Irish and Scottish immigrants brought Halloween traditions to the U.S., especially after the Irish Potato Famine in the 1840s.
• 20th Century: Halloween became more secular and community-focused. Trick-or-treating gained popularity in the 1920s–1950s, and by the late 20th century, it was a major holiday for costumes, candy, and parties.

Modern Halloween

• Today, Halloween is celebrated with:
  • Costume parties
  • Trick-or-treating
  • Haunted houses
  • Pumpkin carving (Jack-o’-lanterns)
  • Horror movies and spooky decorations

It’s now a multi-billion-dollar industry in the U.S., blending ancient beliefs with pop culture.

​ Adventures of Skel ​

The recent surge in the popularity of skeletons—especially as Halloween icons and year-round decorations—is driven by a mix of cultural, commercial, and psychological factors. Here's a breakdown of what's fueling the trend:

🦴 1. Historical and Cultural FascinationSkeletons have long symbolized mortality and the human condition. Their use in art and literature dates back to the Middle Ages, where they featured prominently in works like the Dance of Death, reminding people of life's fragility and the universality of death[1]. This deep-rooted symbolism continues to resonate today, especially during Halloween when themes of life and death are front and center.

🛍️ 2. Commercial Success and Viral AppealRetailers like Home Depot and Target have capitalized on skeletons' popularity with viral products like the 12-foot skeleton and “Lewis” the jack-o’-lantern. These items have become social media sensations, driving demand and turning skeletons into must-have decorations[2].

• The 12-foot skeleton, first released in 2020, became a cultural phenomenon.
• Consumers now buy Halloween items as early as July to secure popular skeleton-themed decor.

🎭 3. Adult Participation and Year-Round UseHalloween has evolved into a holiday celebrated by adults as much as children, with nearly three-quarters of adults participating[2]. Skeletons, being versatile and humorous, have become a favorite for yard displays and social media content.

• People dress skeletons in seasonal outfits (e.g., Santa hats, Hawaiian shirts).
• They’re used as mannequins, props, and even conversation pieces throughout the year[3].

🧠 4. Psychological and Emotional ResonanceSkeletons serve as a memento mori—a reminder of mortality—but in a playful, approachable way. This duality allows people to engage with themes of death and impermanence in a lighthearted, creative manner[3].

📈 Summary: Why Skeletons Are So Popular Now

• Symbolic depth: They represent life, death, and the human experience.
• Visual impact: Skeletons are striking and easily recognizable.
• Social media: Viral trends have made skeletons a cultural staple.
• Year-round appeal: They’re not tied to one season, making them flexible decor.
• Adult engagement: Skeletons fit well with the growing adult enthusiasm for Halloween.

References
[1] The History of Our Halloween Fascination With Skeletons | TIME
[2] From Target's Lewis to Skeletons, Halloween Is Big Business | TIME
[3] Why are Skeletons All Year Round? - 90.7 WPSR - wpsrhd.com
​

Halloween has become one of the largest adult party days in the United States, rivaling—and in some contexts even surpassing—New Year’s Eve.
Here are the key findings:

🎃 Halloween's Rise as an Adult Party Holiday

• By the 1980s and 1990s, Halloween began shifting from a children's holiday to a major adult celebration. It became the second biggest adult party night after New Year’s Eve during that time[1].
• Over the past few decades, Halloween has continued to grow in popularity among adults, with costume parties, themed events, and nightlife venues embracing the holiday.
• According to Hallmark, Halloween is now the third largest party day in the U.S., behind New Year’s Eve and Super Bowl Sunday[2].

💰 Spending Trends

• Halloween spending has skyrocketed, with Americans spending billions annually on costumes, decorations, and party supplies. This commercial growth reflects its importance as a social and party-driven holiday.

🥂 Cultural Shift

• Halloween’s appeal to adults is driven by its creative freedom, costume culture, and party atmosphere, making it a favorite for themed events and nightlife. Unlike New Year’s Eve, which is often centered around countdowns and formal gatherings, Halloween offers a more playful and expressive experience.

📊 SummaryWhile New Year’s Eve still holds the top spot in terms of traditional adult party celebrations, Halloween has firmly established itself as a close contender, and in some cities and demographics, it may even surpass New Year’s Eve in participation and enthusiasm.


References
[1] A Holiday For The Times: How Halloween’s Changed Over the Decades
[2] Halloween | Hallmark Corporate Information

Beer goes right through me.

Clearly only one boney ass at this bar.

My Halloween display when I lived in Ho-Ho-Kus
October 2000 World Series
Yankees beat the Mets in 4-1   
​

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Ty Halloween 1991 in Florida