Artwork Collection

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Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs

Illustration

Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs - not the greatest for wildlife - were sprinkled atop properties to distract spirits from performing malevolent acts.

Carved Roots
Carved Roots

Illustration

Carved Roots

Pumpkins became the root vegetable of choice for jack o' lanterns after Halloween gained popularity in North America.

Graverobber
Graverobber

Illustration

Graverobber

Candles were lit for deceased loved ones to help guide them to the Underworld.

Guising
Guising

Illustration

Guising

"Guising" - the origins of trick or treating in costume - included wearing frightening masks of demons and dead animal heads to blend in with the other spirits and demons. The sacrificial slaughter originates as a hopeful influence on a plentiful... More

Haunted House
Haunted House

Illustration

Haunted House

Food offerings were left outside homes to prevent ghosts from coming inside.

Hiding Spot
Hiding Spot

Illustration

Hiding Spot

Household weapons - like knives - were kept in secret hiding spots; hidden from any evil spirits that may have entered.

Matchmakers
Matchmakers

Illustration

Matchmakers

An abandoned array of matchmaking rituals; apple bobbing, peeling apples, the view of a mirror through a secondary mirror, burning hazelnuts, egg yolks floating in bowls of water, and hiding items like thimbles in dishes like mashed potatoes.

Samhain
Samhain

Illustration

Samhain

One of the many rituals to ward off bad spirits; animals and crops were sacrificed into bonfires. These gatherings were also a chance to have fun and share fortune telling predictions.

Soul-o
Soul-o

Illustration

Soul-o

The habit of storing cups and mugs upside down originally wasn't to prevent dust, but spirits hiding inside.

Trick or Treat?
Trick or Treat?

Illustration

Trick or Treat?

Teenage mischief was always a thing; treats were given to prevent tricks.

Work by

Emily Fin

““Happy Halloween” explores the notion that some traditions should remain as a piece of history that we study rather than practice. When we try to be good by keeping these traditions alive, but...” [More]