Thursday, October 31, 2019 Vol. 106, No. 3 TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY Your student newspaper since 1914

Never A Dull Moment n this issue hauntings | camp oakley I :

How to craft a last minute costume 7

Boo at the U: photo set 3

An introvert’s guide to the perfect HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Halloween night in 7 Graphic by Angelica Monsour. scares | halloween movies haunts | local legends Creep through the decades Legend has it: Denton’s Retro cult classics for your Halloween watchlist haunted history

By AMBER GAUDET By ALYSSA WALKER with one of his workers. The work- er was charged with murder, but o October is complete without very town has stories eventually was found not guilty. Na good Halloween movie binge- Eoriginating from years There have been rumors of fest. Even if you’re not into horror, ago that have changed over footsteps and moans being heard the last few decades have offered time, morphing into unset- from the upstairs bedroom, a face plenty of spooky favorites to satisfy tling legends that haunt locals that appears in the attic window your craving for Halloween nostalgia. — and Denton is no exception. and a photograph with eyes that 1970s There are some stories that ev- follow you everywhere you walk. In the aftermath of the Manson family ery Dentonite has explored or at The police have even been called killings, the midst of the Vietnam War, least heard of, like the Old Goat- after employees were spooked by and the scandal of Watergate, the ‘70s were man’s Bridge or the purple door on sounds in the house. Many people grim for Americans. Perhaps as a reflection the square. But there are still some believe that it is the ghost of Bay- of the pessimism of the decade’s collective spooky stories that are hiding in less who is here with unfinished conscience, the 1970s saw a return to big- Photo Courtesy of IMDb. the history of the town. It looks business: to avenge his death. budget studio horror, producing no shortage the stage for the slasher films of the next as though flat-earthers aren’t the The Pig-Man of Bonnie Brae of classics we’re rediscovering today in the two decades. Murderer Michael Myers only ones taking up residence here, The goat man is old news, but the form of remakes (and reruns). Groovy, man. escapes from Smith’s Grove Sanitarium, but ghosts and spooky creatures pig-man is where things get creepy. Carrie (1976) This Stephen King classic where he was locked away at 6 years walk the streets of Denton as well. It seems like paranormal beings delivers a mega dose of supernatural old for killing his sister on Halloween, The Bayless-Selby House love bridges, because the pig-man revenge. When bullying goes too far and and creates panic among locals when Let’s take a journey back hangs out beneath Bonnie Brae a group of popular girls is punished, he begins killing area babysitters. to the 1800s, where our Bridge. This story originates in the outcast Carrie White ends up in a 1980s first phantom originates. ‘50s, when the area was marked mean girl’s crosshairs. But when she’s With new special effects technology The Bayless-Selby house that unsafe by police due to ongo- pushed to the brink, Carrie uses her bringing horror to life, the blockbuster rests on Mulberry St. is now a ing vandalism — but many locals budding telekinetic powers to fight back. hits of the 1980s are a serial slasher’s museum, but years ago a murder didn’t believe that was the truth. Halloween (1978) The ultimate playground. Delivering cult classics that occured there. Sam A. Bayless, the Legend has it that there were binge-worthy franchise for Hallow’s See CLASSICS on pg. 5 original owner of the home, was See LEGENDS on pg. 2 Eve, John Carpenter’s “Halloween” sets stabbed to death after an argument Thursday, October 31, 2019 2 twulasso.com Hauntings Local mysteries to explore if you dare

LEGENDS ctd. from pg. 1 Editorial Staff no vandals, but a sinister look- Editor-in-Chief ing half-pig, half-man who tor- Amber Gaudet mented high schoolers that came [email protected] to the area to hang out. Fright- ened witnesses say that the pig- Managing Editor man runs around with a pack of Katelyn Garst wild hogs and throws rocks at cars [email protected] in an attempt to scare them away. Campus Theatre Page Editor Forget the Phantom of the Anissa Clark Opera, we have the Ghost [email protected] of the Campus Theatre. The Campus Theatre was built in 1949. It’s rumored that the ghost of Copy Editor Mr. Harrison, who was the general Plamedie Ifasso manager back when the building [email protected] was a movie theater, still resides there. He’s been known to mess with Adviser lights and play pranks on actors Joseph Alderman who are roaming the theater alone. [email protected] However, it turns out that not all ghosts come with ill wishes. According to Denton Haunts and Ghost Stories, actors actually be- lieve that the appearance of Mr. Hot Off the Harrison before a show will cause Campus Theatre in downtown Denton, circa 1956. Photo courtesy Denton Public Library. Press: the production to run smoothly. both of the witnesses personally and believed that they were of good The UFO of 1897 Did you know The Lasso character. The story was eventually published beneath the headline, It’s not exactly a haunting, but it’s worth mention- has breaking news online “Strange Object Seen: And There Shall Be Signs Seen in the Heavens.” ing that Denton has had its very own UFO sighting. every week? Although we Whether you are faint of heart or a hardcore haunting fanatic, Denton are only in print once a During 1897, there was a rise in UFO sightings across has many supernatural stories to offer. Next time you’re at the Campus month, you can stay up- the state of Texas and many other western states. Many Theatre or the Bayless-Selby house, make sure you say hello to the ghosts to-date with all the latest people referred to these events as the “invasion” of 1897. that have stuck around. And most importantly — steer clear of bridges. from your favorite news Denton’s story started with a man who was stargaz- source at twulasso.com. ing that noticed an odd, shiny object in the sky that Alyssa Walker can be reached at [email protected] was floating slowly before zooming off into the night. @twulasso The witness’s story was later confirmed by another @twulasso woman who said she had seen the same object. The edi- tor of the Dallas Morning News during that time knew Halloween-night happenings for Christmas in the park students at every TWU campus

6th Denton Roaring Haunted annual Darkwave twenties Mansion halloween Halloween! halloween bash 8 p.m. 9 p.m. party 5 p.m. Denton Harvest House 7 p.m. 331 East Hickory St Free Play Arcade Denton, TX 76201 505 W Hickory St Klyde Warren Park Le Chateau and Bistro Denton, TX 76201 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy 1112 Southmore Blvd Enjoy live music from Houston, TX 77004 “Haunted Mansion” in Play over 60 classic Dallas, TX 75201 honor of Halloween arcade games all Break out your night night and enjoy Hal- Attend this free music flapper costumes and loween “Stranger festival that includes pinstriped suits for Things” style art, dancing, food and fun! this night of music and networking.

Showing Halloween Movie Denton of Trivia Night Halloween “Wait Until Dark” Night 7 p.m. Fest 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. Midtown Park 6 p.m. 2811 Travis St Denton Community Starbucks Houston, TX 77006 North Texas Fair and 6312 La Vista Dr. Rodeo Theater Dallas, TX 75214 2217 N Carroll Blvd 214 W Hickory St Grab a blanket and a Denton, TX 76201 friend and enjoy Denton, TX 76201 This free event will watching “Beetlejuice” include questions from This night will This show is a thriller in Midtown Park about a game of cat popular Halloween include a costume and mouse that gets movies like “Hocus contest, good food, a deadly, which is per- Pocus” raffle and more! fect for a spooky night of fun. Thursday, October 31, 2019 3 twulasso.com Happenings Tricks and treats at TWU’s Boo at the U

Guinn Hall Greater than $100 but less than $750 was reported missing from a dorm room at Guinn Hall Monday, Oct. 21 and was cleared by other means.

Marijuana odor was reported Thursday, Oct. 24 at Guinn Hall, An elaborate balloon sculpture is used for a photo opportunity during Boo but none was found. at the U at The Brackenridge Student Union in Denton, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019. Photo by Sarah Pham. A terroristic threat was reported at Guinn Hall Sunday, Oct. 27 after an individual received The Pioneer Dance Team teachers event attendees how to do the Thriller dance during threatening text messages, but Boo at the U at The Brackenridge Student Union in Denton, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 24, does not want to file charges at 2019. Photo by Sarah Pham. this time.

Parliament Village Mary’s Hall – Marijuana odor was reported at Mary’s Hall Saturday, Oct. 26. Though there was slight odor of marijuana in the room, none was found in plain view.

Event attendees go table trick-or-treating during Boo at the U at The Brackenridge Student Union in Denton, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019. Photo by Sarah Pham.

Event attendees in costumes participate in a candy walk during Boo at the U at The Brackenridge Student Union in Denton, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019. Photo by Sarah Pham.

Oakley the Owl debuts a new spooky look during Boo at the U at The Brackenridge Student Union in Denton, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019. Photo by Sarah Pham.

TWU'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER PRESENTS

Lasso Roundup A legendary story:

Editor-curated campus events 105 years of The Massage therapy Monday, Nov. 4 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Lasso - Relax with a free 5-10-minute massage in the Fit & Rec Center lounge. Come celebrate 105 years of student-written, student-run stories Tranquil Tuesday Treats – Dallas Campus Tuesday Nov. 5 from 12:30 to 12:45 p.m. - Relax and “treat” yourself with a brief relax- ation exercise followed by dessert in 3510!

Home is Where the Heart is Friday, Nov. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. - Enjoy some hot chocolate, decorate cookies and listen to music at the Lowry Woods Com- munity Center

The Body Project 7 November 2019 Friday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m to 4 p.m 4 PM- 6 PM - Learn more about body The Blagg-Huey Library lobby positivity, self-love and how to be happy in your skin. Lunch will be pro- vided. Thursday, October 31, 2019 4 twulasso.com TW-Boo What is the best monster?

37% Zombie 32% Vampire 16% Werewolf 15% Ghost WHO’S WHO OF TWU Q: What is your favorite horror-movie franchise?

Meesha Sophomore Robinson English What is the best “‘Halloween’ with Michael Myers — I would think Halloween candy? that’s my favorite.” 37% Gummy 25% Chocolate 25% Sweet Ally Senior Diaz Kinesiology Pre-PT 13% Sour

“I recently saw ‘IT Chapter 2.’ That terrifi ed me, so I think that’s a really good one.”

What is your ideal Sharon International Student Choi Fashion Merchandising way to spend Halloween? “I’m not really a fan of horror movies, because I can’t sleep well after watching them.” 33% Watching scary movies 33% Partying with friends 33% Carving pumpkins Mariana Junior Floran Education

“I guess I would have to say ‘IT,’ because I recently just watched part 2.” Who is the best

Margaret Senior Halloween movie Nelson English leading lady?

“It’s not really a horror movie but I like 69% Winona Ryder ‘Halloweentown.’” 13% Jamie Lee Curtis 13% Bette Midler 5% Kimberly J. Brown

TW-Boo | Cheap Dorm Treats Spooky dorm snacks that smack

By GARRETT GANTT or-treating, this is a dessert you can make that won’t disappoint. he holiday season is a time for treats – Hal- Of course, Hallow- Tloween especially. But living in a resi- een trash still calls dence hall on a college student’s budget can for multiple ingredi- make baking difficult – so here are some ents – if you’re look- ideas for easy snacks you can make in a dorm. ing for something Of course, for someone looking for some- even simpler, you thing low effort, there’s always bags of Hallow- could forget the extra een candy for sale pretty much anywhere that candy altogether and sells groceries. For people on an even tighter just melt some choco- budget, Halloween candy should start going late to make choco- on sale the day immediately after the holiday. late-covered pretzels. For those seeking something above and beyond In a less Hallow- just leftover Halloween candy, though, a pump- een-themed but still kin mug cake might be just the thing for cook- tasty vein, you might ing in a dorm. Of course, mug cakes are still cakes want to give micro- and require all the same ingredients of a normal wave s’mores a try cake – unless you forego most of the baking in fa- while you’re getting vor of mug cake mix, which can often be found on proficient at cooking baking aisles with other cake mixes. Most mix- with just your micro- es only require some water or milk and a mug. wave. You prepare the Photo by Katelyn Garst For something more explicitly Halloween-themed, s’mores exactly like you would anywhere else – with can’t make this cheaply or easily in a dorm room, there’s always Halloween trash – a mix of white choc- a graham cracker, chocolate and a marshmallow – but you can usually find some at a pretty de- olate and whatever chips or candy you want to add. put it in the microwave and heat it until it’s cooked to cent price wherever you buy your groceries. Just mix together the snacks of your choice, melt your satisfaction. Then just pull it out and place your Whatever treats you choose to make for the holi- some white chocolate over them and stir it in thor- other graham cracker, and viola: dorm room s’mores! days, enjoy – and have a very happy Halloween! oughly, and let it cool for a cheap and easy Halloween And of course, nothing goes better with au- treat. If you’ve got too much candy after your trick- tumn treats than apple cider – chances are you Garrett Gantt can be reached via email at ggantt@twu. Thursday, October 31, 2019 5 twulasso.com Scares

Scares | halloween movies Binge-worthy films to watch Halloween night

CLASSICS ctd. from pg. 1

Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia

turned into decades-spanning franchises, the ‘80s was an era of next-level gore and legendary villains. Friday the 13th (1980) Sex, teen dra- ma and a crazed killer with mommy is- sues. Welcome to Camp Crystal Lake. The Shining (1980) Another Stephen King adap- tation, this psychological horror drama – complete Photo courtesy of Dazed Digital. with ghosts, a psychic kid and a serious case of cabin fever - will make you rethink your next hotel stay. witch, a quaint village where magical crea- Practical Magic (1998) Raised by their eccentric A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) This clas- tures live in harmony, and a mystery that brings aunts in a small town where they are outcasts, sis- sic ‘80s film is the stuff of nightmares, imagining them together for a monstrous adventure. ter witches Sally and Gillian are used to life on the a killer with a bladed leather glove that murders fringe. But when a family curse threatens those they teens in their sleep. It’s sure to keep you up for days. hold dear, they must choose between letting outsid- Beetlejuice (1988) It’s showtime! A Tim Bur- ers into their world or paying the ultimate price. ton fantasy-comedy, “Beetlejuice” features a bewil- 2000s Catastrophic horror defined the genre in dered ghost couple who are no good at scares, an the 2000s, scaring viewers with the fatalism obnoxious poltergeist, and a young Winona Ry- of franchises like “Final Destination” and “28 der in all her dark-and-misunderstood-teen glory. Days Later.” Still, there were a few nods to more

1990s classic frights that succeeded in this decade. After audiences grew numb to the over-the-top The Grudge (2004) This supernatural hor- gore of the ‘80s, movie creators began turning toward ror film is a remake of the 2002 Japanese film, intelligent psychological thrillers like “Silence of the “Ju-on: The Grudge.” Sarah Michelle Geller plays Lambs” in attempts to strike a nerve with audiences. a nurse haunted by restless spirits who died vio- Scream (1999) If you think you know the lent deaths in the house of one of her patients. rules of surviving a horror movie, think again. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) Premier- Directed by Wes Craven, this offbeat slash- ing three decades after the original, this remake of er film makes light of the serial killer clichés the 1974 thriller is worth the wait. When a group popularized by horror giants like “Halloween.” of friends pick up a hitchhiker in need of help, I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) A cast they soon find what she’s running from is a mon- chock full of ‘90s sweethearts including Jennifer Love strous degenerate whose family has a taste for flesh. Hewitt and Ryan Phillippe, a creepy stalker and a The Ruins (2008) Following a group of tour- shocking secret that a group of teens will stop at noth- ists in Mexico who find more than they bargained ing to keep hidden – what more could a girl ask for? for when they visit the ruins of a Mayan temple Halloweentown (1998) Embrace the kid in in search of a missing acquaintance, “The Ru- you with this Disney throwback about a young ins” is sure to get under your skin and stay there. S T U D Y Amber Gaudet can be reached at [email protected]. Photo courtsy of IMDb.

B R E A K

THEME: 52. Hankering 22. Make a choice HALLOWEEN 53. ____ E. Coyote 24. James Corden’s kind of 55. Precedes Sept.. singing ACROSS 57. *Full of ghosts 25. *”Once upon a midnight 1. *Birds of ill omen 61. *Fearful reaction dreary” bird 6. Comes before flow 64. Acquiesce 26. Express a thought 9. Hair styling products 65. Metal-bearing rock 27. Gives in 13. B on Mendeleev’s table 67. Observatory observa- 29. Suit material? 14. Variable, abbr. tions 31. Republic in Africa 15. Lace loop 69. *Parents’ post-Hallow- 32. Leave slowly 16. *Cemetery slab een nightmare? 33. Pond buildup 17. Paleozoic or mesozoic 70. Epitome of easiness 34. *Funny to some, scary to 18. Orderly arrangement 71. Phrase of explanation others 19. *Vampire’s bed 72. House of Lords mem- 36. Overwhelming defeat 21. *Trick-or-treating garb ber 38. Cone-shaped quarters 23. Tan purveyor 73. Mar. follower 42. Whitman’s famous 24. Best ____ secret 74. Lively flower 25. What highwaymen do 45. Not silver 28. Rossini’s “La Scala di DOWN 49. *Marilyn Manson: “Trick ____” 1. Gayle King’s network or treat till the neighbors 30. 1 1/2 calorie breath mint 2. Drilling grp. gonna ____ of fright” 35. Copycat 3. Sandwich cookie 51. *Traditional alternative 37. Rotterdam or Singapore, 4. CNN’s Blitzer and Ac- to pumpkin e.g. cept guitarist Hoffmann 54. Parkinson’s disease drug 39. Expressing an assertion 5. Blunders or bloopers 56. Glittery stone 40. Wine, to Pliny 6. Fifty-fifty 57. Door fastener 41. Hiker’s path 7. Fly hangout? 58. Malaria symptom 43. Ship to Colchis 8. Ankle support, e.g. 59. Egg on 44. Finish 9. Horizontal wall beam 60. Not far 46. Serengeti antelope 10. Common hosiery shade 61. *Palm reader, e.g. 47. Wyatt Earp action? 11. Type of rich soil 62. Affirm 48. Like Matryoshka inside 12. Eye affliction 63. *Fake face Matryoshka 15. Anise-flavored spirit 66. *Gravestone wish 50. Bagpiper’s tartan 20. All thumbs 68. Chester White’s home Puzzle solutions available at twulasso.com Thursday, October 31, 2019 6 twulasso.com Spoops

Spoops | staff picks

TAFF

S

PIC K S

Gakenia Njenga Amber Gaudet Katelyn Garst Q: What’s Reporter Editor- in - Chief Managing Editor

your When I was in high school, I bab- When I was about five or six, I woke When I was a kid, maybe five or six, ysat my four younger sisters a lot and spookiest up in the middle of the night, and I saw a my mom had a few porcelain dolls in was occasionally at home alone with really tall and dark shadow at the foot of our living room. One night I had a them. There was a really bad hail- memory? my bed that looked like a man wearing a nightmare where the dolls came alive storm one night, so I was corralling hat and a trench coat. I remember being and tried to kill me, and I flipped to my sisters away from the windows both super spooked but also like, super the point that I made my mom be- when someone started pounding on calm about it. I wasn’t like, extremely head the dolls and throw them away (I the door. I opened the door to find my frightened at the time, (not sure why) was a dramatic kid). Needless to say, neighbors’ daughter screaming in fear but looking back at it, it’s pretty scary. I still don’t like dolls...... – she just didn’t want to be alone in the storm, but it was truly horrifying.

Garrett Gantt Plamedie Ifasso Sarah Pham Angelica Monsour Reporter Copy Editor Photographer Graphic Designer

The spookiest thing I can ever My first year as an RA in Stark My spookiest memory happened in My parents told us about their first remember happening to me happened Hall, the 11th floor phone kept call- middle school when I had a friend over home and how it was haunted by a when I was in about third grade. I was ing the front desk even though for a sleepover. I remember waking up at taunting 9-year-old boy. While on a up late one night because I couldn’t no one was on the other line. It six in the morning for no reason. When I road trip, my dad wanted to stop by sleep, and I remember hearing this would ring at least five times a tried to go back to sleep, I started expe- the old house. Once we arrived, the sky really strange, unnatural sounding day. Eventually, the phone was riencing sleep paralysis. I thought I had darkened and a lightning struck the voice from downstairs. It sounded like taken off the hook, but it would fallen asleep, but at the same time I felt very top of the home, where the ghost it was speaking, but not in any language still ring. We started playing like I was awake and could not move. child was rumored to have fell. My I’ve ever heard – I immediately dove around which was a big mistake, dad bolted - it genuinely freaked him under my covers and didn’t come out and one time when we answered, the dis- out. It was the eeriest coincidence. until morning. I haven’t heard anything play screen on the phone said, “hang up.” like it since......

Anissa Clark Alyssa Walker Page Editor Engagement Editor

When I was ten, I was visiting My grandpa’s creepy farmhouse family in Peru, and we were stay- has about 20 clocks. I stayed the ing at my mom’s friend’s house for night once, and the clocks went off the day. She was an artist and had every hour, all night long. There a long staircase that went up to the was one - to this day I still haven’t attic where she kept her paintings. I found it - which was programmed was there by myself when I saw the to chime the song “Every Breath You shadow of a man in a fedora and Take” by The Police. But it would heard a cough. I immediately ran never go off on the hour, just ran- downstairs and freaked out. I still dom times. Not many things scare don’t know what that shadow was. me…but Sting singing an ominous stalker song all night is one of them. Thursday, October 31, 2019 7 twulasso.com HALLOW’S EVE

Halloween plans | staying in

Graphic by Angelica Monsour. Halloween for homebodies: Chilling ideas for an introvert’s night in

of different options that will tickle your fancy. If you By KATELYN GARST Not to sound creepy, but for creatives out there who want to practice something other than witch- need some inspo, check out the recommendations craft, try to sketch trick-or-treaters from your win- from our editor-in-chief Amber Gaudet on page five! allow’s Eve can cause anxiety for homebod- Play a spooky podcast or playlist ies like myself who would rather stay in dow. Practice makes permanent, so taking time to H pencil in a couple costumes is the perfect way for To get in the Halloween spirit, pick out a playlist or with a warm drink and furry friends instead of go- podcast while you are decorating, baking or reading a ing out. If shambling the streets with the living an introvert to hone in on their sketching skills. Write hallowed haikus book. My personal favorite podcast is “Ologies,” which dead isn’t your idea of a good time, here are a few has a ton of great spooky information to quench ideas for your inner introvert on Halloween night: Introverts aren’t always visually creative, so here’s one for the bibliophiles and literature lov- creepy curiosities. If that isn’t your jam, there are Make and bake some sweet treats ers. A haiku is a Japanese form of poetry that is plenty of playlists to pick from on Spotify or YouTube. With the temperatures finally falling, this haunt- Boycott the holiday altogether ed holiday calls for homemade apple cider. A per- composed of three unrhymed lines of five, seven and five syllables. There are examples online, but If this holiday just gives you the heebie-jeebies, sonal favorite of mine is slow-cooker cider that, if just skip town and go on an adventure of your own. you start in the morning, is ready by dinner and feel free to post your own and tag us if your in- ner introvert keeps you cooped up for the evening. If you like to spend your time in nature or just want leaves your home smelling amazing. I also love cob- to experience another culture, take a quick trip over web brownies, caramel apples and dirt cakes that Hunker down for Halloween flicks For the intense introvert that doesn’t even want to the weekend to explore a place you haven’t been are relatively quick and simple, so you won’t feel that isn’t crawling with witches and mummies. like you spent too much time on a treat for yourself. bother hosting trick-or-treaters, buy some candy and popcorn for yourself and settle down in front of the TV Hope these ideas can make Sketch trick-or-treaters from your window to watch a movie or show. (Furry friends who guard your Halloween a happy one! against jump scares are a plus.) Whether you are into Hallow’s Eve | costumes for procrastinators horror, spooks or Halloween classics, there are plenty Katelyn Garst can be reached via email at [email protected]. Last minute costumes for full-time procrastinators

By GAKENIA NJENGA

alloween is right around the Hcorner, and if you’re like me, costumes are always a last-minute project. It’s sometimes difficult trying to come up with a good get-up for the spooky holiday, so here are some ideas if you’re feeling a little lost. For this first costume, all you’re really going to need is a white t-shirt, red paint and a scary mask. Aimlessly spot your white t-shirt with red fabric paint and let it dry. Once it’s done, sport it with some regular jeans or shorts (preferably a worn-out pair) and match it with a scary mask of your choice, and there you go—you’re a purger. I would Graphic by Angelica Monsour. highly recommend a prop weapon just to up the ante, but that’s completely op- round and oval shapes out of the black fab- of Smarties to your pants and call yourself what you’ll be stunting on an interna- tional. ric or felt, which you’ll attach to the T-shirt “Smartie pants.” tional spooky night. If the day comes If you feel like you’re leaning towards either by gluing or sewing. Pair the shirt And if, at the end of the day, you’re not and things don’t go as planned, just a more harmless character, then I’ve got with either black or white pants and strap into the whole punny costume idea, don’t remember, grade school picture day just the thing for you. You can pick up that on the fairy wings. Top it all off with the fret. There’s always the reliable ghost photos are always scary — plaster it same white T-shirt but, this time, head for halo and bam. You’re a “Holy Cow.” Get it? costume, but with a twist. Instead of onto the front of your shirt and you’ll the fabrics aisle where you’ll pick up either However, if you’re someone who’s more wearing white, pull together an all-black be sure to spook your peers. black fabric or sheets of black felt. You’ll into simplicity, no worries! All you’re going outfit and rock the morbid reality of what Stay safe and have fun! also want to be on the lookout for a pair of to need is tape and a LOT of Smarties. a ghost really is: dead. fairy wings and a halo. Wear what you would normally wear, but These were just a few suggestions to get Gakenia Njenga can be reached via email Use a pair of scissors to cut out uneven, whip out the tape and adhere wrapped rolls the creative Halloween juices flowing for at [email protected]. Thursday, October 31, 2019 8 twulasso.com BIG SPOOPS

Big Spoops | Halloween Around the world

Flag wavers count down to the start of the race during a coffin race at the Day of the Dead Festival in Denton, Texas on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. Photo by Sarah Pham. Hallow-round the world: A glimpse at global festivities

By PLAMEDIE IFASSO

or most Americans, Halloween means fun cos- Ftumes, lots of candy, fun parties and creepy movies. It may surprise some to learn, however, that the festivities don’t just happen in the United States. While some countries continue the tradi- tion of trick-or-treating, candy and spooky films, other countries have entirely different customs that reflect the holiday’s significance in their culture. Ireland: Samhain Ireland is believed to be the birthplace of Halloween. A tribe of farmers known as the Celts celebrated the fes- tival of Samhain about 2,000 years ago. Celts believed the lines between the world of the living and the dead be- came blurred and ghosts came back to earth on Oct. 31. Spirits were believed to help Celtic priests see the future, and many people saw this as a source of com- fort for the upcoming winter. During the festival, Celt- Event attendees arrive in festive makeup and attire during a coffin race at the Day of the Dead Festival in Denton, Texas on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. Photo by Sarah Pham. ic priests lit large sacred bonfires, and people came together to offer animal sacrifices to Celtic gods and Mexico and Latin America: Día de los Muertos previously mentioned celebrations. Obon honors dead burn crops. Celts would wear costumes usually made From Oct. 31 until Nov. 2, Mexico and parts of South ancestors who are believed to come back to earth. The hol- out of animal skins and guess each other’s futures. America celebrate Día de los Muertos, which trans- iday is traditionally celebrated for three days, and its start Nowadays, bonfires are still lit in rural areas. Simi- lates to Day of the Dead. Día de los Muertos honors the day typically falls between mid-July to mid-August. lar to what happens in the United States, kids dress up dead who are believed to return home on Halloween. Many people return to their hometown to celebrate in costumes and go trick or treating. After collecting Families build altars in their homes for loved ones with their families. In some areas, people light bon- candy, most people head to parties with friends where who have passed and decorate it with photographs, fires to signify the end of Obon. Fires are believed they typically play games like snap-apple, where they flowers, candy, water and the deceased’s favorite to help spirits return back to the world of the dead. try to bite an apple tied to a tree or door with string. meals. Some relatives will leave a towel and wash ba- Whether they are all happening tonight, Nov. 1 or early sin, so the dead can clean themselves before the feast. in the year, there are so many different ways people cel- Family members will also burn candles and in- ebrate Halloween around the world. The holiday means cense to help spirits find their way home. On something different for everyone. However you com- the last day of the celebration, families gath- memorate the day, have fun and have a spooky Halloween. er at the grave to remember who they lost. Plamedie Ifasso can be reached via email at [email protected]. Poland: Zaduszki Similar to the Día de los Muertos celebration, the Polish believe spirits come home to visit their families. Unlike the two previous holidays, Zaduszki is celebrated on Nov 1. Families light candies to help ghosts find their way back home. They also set extra plates for their de- ceased loved ones on the dinner table, so the spir- it can be a part of the breaking of the ritual bread, which is shaped in long loaves and made of rye. When the family passes the meal around the ta- ble, the first serving always goes to the plate re- served for the dead. After the meal, all of the remaining food is wrapped up, and the fam- A coffin racer prepares to exit their coffin during a coffin race at ily goes to the cemetery and offers it to the deceased. the Day of the Dead Festival in Denton, Texas on Saturday, Oct. 26, Japan: Obon 2019. Photo by Sarah Pham. This Buddhist festival happens much earlier than the

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