The Varied Symbolism of the Bat: A Mini-Essay

     The only flying mammal, bats have become synonymous with Halloween, with works like Bram Stoker’s Dracula making them a staple in vampire lore. Yet, even prior to the 1897 publication of Stoker’s novel, the bat had a long association with witchcraft in many European countries, as many believed witches could either turn themselves into bats or use bats as their familiars to enact misfortune on others.[1] In fact, Cornish folklore dictates that anyone who sees a bat should offer it bribes of bread and cake to prevent it from bringing bad luck.[2] Outside of Europe and the United States, though, the bat possesses a positive symbolism. In China, for example, the sighting of a bat indicates a long and happy life.[3] Likewise, certain tribes in Africa perceive the viewing of a bat as a sign of good fortune.[4]

Works Referenced

Doran, Laura Dover. The Big Book of Halloween. New York: Lark Books, 2000.

O’Connell, Mark, and Raje Airey. The Complete Encyclopedia of Signs and Symbols: Identification and Analysis of the Visual Vocabulary that Formulates Our Thoughts and Dictates Our Reactions to the World Around Us. London: Hermes House, 2005.

Pickering, David. Dictionary of Superstition. London: Cassell, 1995.
____________________
[1] O’Connell and Airey, 209.
[2] Pickering, 22.
[3] Doran, 17.
[4] O’Connell and Airey, 209.

2023's Haunt (Night)

2023: Vampire Graveyard

I had wanted to do a vampire theme for several years, especially after acquiring a set of faux stained-glass windows from a local theater. Although I started the year with strong ambitions, those plans began to wane as the months progressed, with only one build (the mounted vampire head) reaching completion. Despite the setbacks, I strove to see the theme through and created a small scene with a vampire bride and two coffin-carrying skeletons. Presented here are images of the haunt in all its nocturnal glory (for the daytime images, click here).

"Hallowe'en" (A Poem)

Originally published in Harper’s Weekly on October 31, 1896, Joel Benton’s poem “Hallowe’en” blends a nostalgic glimpse of Halloween with references to mystical creatures like elves and pixies. As the fanciful beings spend the evening making mischief, the narrator reflects on how magical the holiday would be if everyone maintained a childlike wonder: “Were we once more but sixteen, / Precious would be Halloween.”

Pixie, kobold, elf, and sprite
All are on their rounds to-night,
In the wan moon’s silver ray
Thrives their helter-skelter play.

Fond of cellar, barn, or stack,
True unto the almanac,
They present to credulous eyes
Strange hobgoblin mysteries.

Cabbage-stomps-straws wet with dew -
Apple-skins, and chestnuts too,
And a mirror for some lass,
Show what wonders come to pass.

Doors they move, and gates they hide,
Mischiefs that on moon-beams ride
Are their deeds, and, by their spells,
Love records its oracles.

Don’t we all, of long ago,
By the ruddy fireplace glow,
In the kitchen and the hall,
Those queer, cooflike pranks recall?

Eery shadows were they then-
But to-night they come again;
Were we once more but sixteen,
Precious would be Halloween.[1]

Works Referenced

Benton, Joel. “Hallowe’en.” Harper’s Weekly 40.2080 (1896): 1079.

____________________
[1] Benton, 1079.

2023's Haunt (Day)

2023: Vampire Graveyard

I had wanted to do a vampire theme for several years, especially after acquiring a set of faux stained-glass windows from a local theater. Although I started the year with strong ambitions, those plans began to wane as the months progressed, with only one build (the mounted vampire head) reaching completion. Despite the setbacks, I strove to see the theme through and created a small scene with a vampire bride and two coffin-carrying skeletons. Presented here are images of the haunt by day (always less atmospheric than their nighttime counterparts, but the best means to reveal detail).