Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with halloween

What graveyard bowl to buy my mother

omnigut — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:47:24 -0800

I need a bowl for the remains of eaten food. My late grandfather used the term "Camposanto," meaning "graveyard" (Italian?), for the bowl into which you'd throw the shells or bones of animals you've just eaten (mussels, ribs etc). I want to get his daughter, my mom, a bowl that would live up to the name; something with crosses, or graves, or "in loving memory," or even better something with skeletons (especially of fish) on it, something ghostly (ghastly) or something equally pithy on it. Big enough for about 30+ mussel shells on it, and preferably something not too earnest. Perhaps something like this or this (but preferably bigger). Absolutely perfect would be something made out of ceramics, something that didn't look hugely cheap. I'd like her to want to bring it out at dinner parties...

Link between Christmas and ghost stories?

paulg — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:12:45 -0800

What’s the link between Christmas and ghost stories? M.R. James started writing his ghost stories to read to friends on Christmas Eve. There's Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The frame story in "The Turn of the Screw" has a bunch of friends sitting around the harth on Christmas Eve. The song "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" has the line there'll be scary ghost stories and tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago. Tim Burton gave us The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Is it as simple as the fact that Christmas, as we celebrate it, was shaped by the Victorians, and the Victorians like ghost stories? Is this some sort of pre-Christian pagan tradition that survived till modern times. Perhaps people just can't get enough Halloween in October. When did the Christmas ghost story originate and why?

My Mom Would've Loved To Do This

Xurando — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:08:30 -0800

Post Halloween Culture Filter: As I drove the streets last night I observed that about 75% of the adults accompanying children were dressed in costume. This is not the way it was when I was a kid. Can MeFites verify this change? When did it occur? What are the cultural implications. Are the adults trick or treating as well?

The Cabal? Am I seeing Metafilter: The Movie?

Horace Rumpole — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:02:07 -0800

What movies will I be seeing at the horror movie marathon tonight, based on the hints from the theater? This year they aren't saying the titles for the movies after the first two, but I'm impatient, and I wondered if AskMe could figure them out from these hints:

Film 1: THE BLOB (1988)
Film 2: NIGHT OF THE CREEPS (1986)

Hints for Super-Secret Marathon Titles:

Film 3: Dennis Hopper's - CANNIBAL LUMBERJACK
Film 4: BAD SUBURBAN REAL ESTATE
Film 5: THE SLAUGHTERED LAMB
Film 6: THE CABAL

Opening credits costume

painquale — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 04:49:55 -0800

For Halloween, I want to dress up as the opening credits sequence to some TV show. But which show? My Halloween costumes are always built last minute around some item that I've decided I am going to use. This year, I realized that I have an iPod and a portable speaker, so I can incorporate audio! Looking through my iTunes list, the songs I have that would make for the funniest costume are TV show themes. So there we go. There's my starting point.

But which show? Ideally the song will be instantly recognizable and catchy, and it will provoke a cool costume idea. I don't want to just dress up as a character from the show, but if forced I could do that and tack a caption like "Starring Mark-Paul Gosselaar" on my chest. A show with an abstract sort of opening (like Mad Men) would work well.

So far I am leaning toward either Law & Order or Murder, She Wrote. I know that a few other friends will be Twin Peaks characters...

(Other audio-based costume ideas would also be appreciated.)

Why did Halloween not happen on Halloween?

bondcliff — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:06:05 -0800

Why did we go trick-or-treating the night before (or the night after) Halloween one year when I was a kid? One year in the late 70s or early 80s we went out trick or treating the night of October 30th rather than the 31st. It may have been on November 1st but I'm 98.3% sure it was the 30th. This was some sort of officially sanctioned thing, possibly promoted by the schools, government and/or media. It was not just limited to my family and friends. I don’t know if it was local to my town (Boston ‘burbs), the state, or national. I don’t think I’m imaging it because I remember The Cool Kids claimed they were going to go out on Halloween as well, to get double the candy. I’m pretty sure we got no trick-or-treaters on October 31st because everyone complied with the change of nights.

Do you also remember this? Was it only a local thing? What was the reason for it? Am I crazy?

Using spirit gum to attach a prosthetic near my real hair

Riki tiki — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:04:36 -0800

Tell me about using spirit gum near my actual hair. My Halloween costume has a prosthetic that I intend to attach to the top of my head. The prosthetic came with a tube of spirit gum as an adhesive. I've never used spirit gum before... is it okay to use it near hair? Will it stick? Will I be able to remove it afterwards? Is there a better alternative?

(this is the prosthetic... it's a latex bolt-looking thing with a thin flower of flesh-colored latex as the base)

My old nemesis, we meet again.

oinopaponton — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:49:44 -0800

How can I enjoy a frat party when I'm too old and lame to actually want to go? I'm visiting my sister, who's in college. She's a sorority girl, and she wants me to go with her to some frat's Halloween party tomorrow night. This sounds just awful to me, but she's my little sister and I don't see her enough. (no offense to frats: I'm not in college any more, and even when I was, I didn't go to frat parties after the first semester of my freshman year. Not my scene.)

I could just refuse to go and entertain myself for the night, but I do want to spend time with my sister and it doesn't seem like she'll be talked out of going to this party with her friends [and me in tow]. So, MeFi, assuming I go, what are some things I can do to avoid seeming like a total Debbie Downer of a big sis? Tell me your tricks for making a generic frat party fun when you're a total square like me!

I will not: make out with anybody.
I will: drink.
Bonus: I will probably be coerced into going in some sort of cobbled-together sexy [fill in the blank] costume, so, uh, there's that.

Zombie cowboy wants naaaaaaames.

hilaritas — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:53:32 -0800

What are some good names for a zombie cowboy? I'm planning to dress up as a zombie cowboy for Halloween. However, every zombie cowboy needs a name, right? What are some good, preferably punning names for an undead ranch hand? Bonus points for puns that reference Western swing or old country musicians.

Sweet November Rain: Help with a Slash Costume

stratastar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:41:10 -0800

Sympathy for the Devil: Help me complete my Halloween costume - Slash from Guns & Roses! Local (DC) availability is key... So I have a wig, top hat, torn jeans and a few other elements I've added. I'm planning on stenciling a copy of his shoulder tatoo but I can handle that.

The only items that I'm in need of are:

-old grimey 80s style t-shirt. I was thinking a thrift store, but am not familiar with them in DC.
- reasonably priced ornaments, namely chains/necklaces/rings. I have asked around and was pointed to Hot Topic and stores like that...not sure I'd want to go that route unless absolutely necessary.
- place to pickup cool fake tattoos. Most of the halloween stores I have walked into have lame hentai or kiddie tats. I need something with some edge!

These items have to be available in dc. Bonus points for metro accessibility!

Thanks for helping Slash walk into the Paradise City!

"I am Batman"

Glendale — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:38:29 -0800

Halloween costume: "Casual Batman". Help me come up with bat-gadget ideas! The idea is that Batman woke up this morning and just didn't feel like giving 100%. I'm wearing a Batman mask, a cape, and a hoodie that I have that has the bat-symbol on it. From the waist down I'm going to wear khakis and slippers (casual). I'm having a hard time coming up with bat-gadget ideas!

The only thing I've made so far is a bat-a-rang bottle-opener out of an old machete blade that I had kicking around the garage... Any other "casual-Batman" gadget ideas floating around out there?

Halloween help in Annandale, Virginia

orsonet — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:35:52 -0800

Something to do on Halloween in Northern Virginia for a two-year-old? My husband and I are (unexpectedly) going to be in Annadale this weekend with my in-laws. Trick-or-treating is pretty dead in their neighborhood so I'm looking for something to do with our two-year-old. Good neighborhoods to trick-or-treat in? Some other event? Thanks!

Where would I find a black fedora and black sunglasses for a Blues Brothers costume by Saturday morning?

decrescendo — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:27:04 -0800

Where would I find a black fedora and black sunglasses for a Blues Brothers costume by Saturday morning? My friend and I are going as Jake and Elwood but we haven't found a hat or sunglasses yet.

How best can we track some down before Saturday without paying $85 for shipping?

Are there any department store that carry black fedoras on a regular basis?

What are some essential horror films for a movie marathon?

Taft — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:41:00 -0800

I am putting together a list of horror films for a Halloween Movie Marathon with my friends/family. What are the absolute essentials I need on this list? My horror film knowledge is pretty lacking, so please help me out. There will be about 8-12 movies, so include any films that are essential, plus any films you think you are worth making a top 10 list.

Make me deathly pale!

Captain Cardanthian! — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:13:25 -0800

DeathFilter: How can I make my arms, chest, and neck look paler without getting white stuff everywhere? My Halloween costume this year is Death from Sandman. I'm mostly set except that my skin is still moderately tan from summer. Is there anything I can apply that will make my skin lighter without being horribly messy? I'll be wearing a black tank top and black jeans, possibly putting on and taking off a jacket and gloves, and I have to drive to a party, so there will be a lot of opportunities for smearing/getting on everything. I'm imagining some type of powder, possibly, or a non-oily makeup that could be set or sealed--is there anything that fits that description?

I'm mainly worried about making sure my face blends with the rest of my body. Ideally the resulting skin tone would be similar to this girl's. This face/chest contrast is what I'm trying to avoid. Googling and the AskMe archives have yielded nothing. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Bonus points: best quality brand of colored hair spray?

Halloween Costumes for a Couple

demagogue — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:23:40 -0800

Please post some cool ideas for Halloween costumes for a couple! Big brownie points if it's superhero-themed. (But this is just brownie points, please post anything that would be good for a couple!) PS if it matters, she's thin, I'm relatively athletic, she's 5'7" and I'm 5'9". But really, post without that as a concern -- even if we don't wear it, I am sure some MeFiers will get inspired :-)

Sexy Library!

chara — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:15:46 -0800

Costume-filter: I would like to dress as a library for Halloween. How can I accomplish this in an inexpensive, recognizable, maneuverable/non-bulky way (aside from sticking random books to my bum?) When perusing for costume ideas for bespectacled folks, I came across the "sexy librarian" idea over and over again. I've decided to give it a twist and dress instead as a "sexy library". I figure the 'sexy' part isn't so difficult, it's the 'library' part that I haven't quite worked out logistically.

The actual costume doesn't have to be sexy, per se; I'm probably just going to throw some ridiculous lingerie over the top of whatever I wear.

Wedding of the Living Dead

elvissa — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:40:29 -0800

Help me make a zombie wedding cake. The people that I work with are CRAZY about halloween. This year's theme is Zombie Vegas, and I have been assigned the task of making a wedding cake for the Zombie wedding chapel. I am not a big fan of halloween, but this is my small contribution.

I am a pretty good baker and have lots of equipment (different size & shape pans, stand mixer, icing bag and multiple tip sizes, etc). I am planning on using cake mix from a box and homemade French buttercream icing. I can make things pretty, but I'm helpless as far as making things scary.

Right now the best idea I have is making some kind of strawberry/raspberry filling to look bloody. Any suggestions to make the cake look gross/scary and any help from experienced wedding cake bakers is welcome.

How do I make a costume out of a wedding dress?

libertypie — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:41:55 -0800

How can I turn a wedding dress into a Halloween costume without destroying the thing? Okay, so it's not quite a wedding dress (it's a debutante dress, actually), but it's pretty, and conceivably could be used by someone for actual marriage so I don't necessarily want to smother it in fake blood. It has a pretty typical circle hem and straps.

That said, if someone has an amazing costume idea I'll drag the thing behind a freaking truck. I just feel like the "zombie bride" thing is a little bit done and am curious what else the hivemind has lurking in its recesses. The crazier the better.

Halloween Costume Filter: Hobbes plush in Toronto?

JPDD — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:27:54 -0800

Where can I get a Hobbes or Hobbes-lookalike plus toy in Toronto this week? I just made the last minute decision to go as Calvin & Hobbes for Halloween, where can I find an appropriate stuffed tiger on short notice? Bonus points for help with other costume elements, thanks!

How can I talk like a 17th century tavern wench plague victim?

KathyK — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:57:22 -0800

I need help with slang for a 17th century tavern wench plague victim! For Halloween, I’ve decided to go as a tavern wench during the Great Plague and have been looking around for saucy slang/phrases that a lower class woman would say during that time. I haven’t been very successful so I thought I’d come here for some ideas. Any audio sources (period movies, shows, etc) to help me develop my accent would be a great help too.

I’ve checked out the accent tag and found this which was helpful though doesn’t cover the phrase bit. Also, I’ll be watching the movie Restoration and the History Channel's documentary,The Plague.

Thanks!

Where can I buy a toy gun that can be made to look like Bruce Willis' in the 5th Element movie?

I like to eat meat — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:59:21 -0800

Help me complete my 5th Element movie bruce willis costume please! I'm looking for a toy gun that looks sort of like his in the movie. Would like to keep it under $15, just looking for something close. I don't mind painting it or doing some slight modification.

I want to give off a vibe of 'anime' without being a particular character.

jacalata — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:23:57 -0800

[AnimeCostumeFilter] What are some elements that could make up a 'generic anime costume'? The main plan is crazy blue spiked anime hair, with halloween as an excuse (suggestions on how to accomplish this aspect welcome). But I can't think of any particular anime characters with blue hair I want to dress as, so I was thinking 'generic anime figure'. My main requirement is that the costume doesn't go anywhere near 'school uniform' or 'cleavage/slutty' themes, and apparently that is cutting out all the ideas the google is giving me. (I'm going to have the hair, so I want to be able to wear the outfit to work, where normal dress is jeans and tshirt but some people will be in costume for the day).
me: 24, female, needs long sleeves and pants for warmth, blue eyes, wear contacts but could put on glasses if it fitted in. I would like it to be recognisably 'a costume' not just look like 'what those crazy kids wear these days', but it's going to be DIY.

Ideas so far
- really bright colours? I have shiny blue trousers and a bright orange gaming tshirt.
- karate style outfit? I'm sure someone I know has one.
- particular logos/symbols/details I can add that people would associate with anime?
- is it possible to do the eye makeup without looking as weird as all the photos of people trying it on the net?

when the clock strikes half past 6, babe

troika — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:49:54 -0800

How can I make a Mac Tonight head? Yes, a Halloween costume. I am thinking papier-mache or styrofoam, but I'm not sure at all how to go about it.

I am really only held back in any way by extremely limited access to power tools.

Mac Tonight was a weird McDonald's spokesmoonhead in the 80s.

Kid's Lincoln costume in Austin, TX.

Anonymous — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:35:34 -0800

Where can I buy a little boy's size M or L Abraham Lincoln costume in Austin, TX for less than $35? Looking for a little boy's M or L Lincoln costume last-minute, so I can't buy online. Looking for a place where I could find this in Austin. No luck at Goodwill or Target. Don't want to spend more than $35.