Joanna Gamble of Virginia
Boutique and Gift Shop
This page was last updated on: August 5, 2010
Modern Traditions
OF HALLOWEEN
The American tradition of "trick-or-treating" probably dates back to the early All Souls' Day parades in England. During the festivities, poor citizens would beg for food and families would give them pastries called "soul cakes" in return for their promise to pray for the family's dead relatives.
The distribution of soul cakes was encouraged by the church as a way to replace the ancient practice of leaving food and wine for roaming spirits. The practice, which was referred to as "going a-souling" was eventually taken up by children who would visit the houses in their neighborhood and be given ale, food, and money.
The tradition of dressing in costume for Halloween has both European and Celtic roots. Hundreds of years ago, winter was an uncertain and frightening time. Food supplies often ran low and, for the many people afraid of the dark, the short days of winter were full of constant worry. On Halloween, when it was believed that ghosts came back to the earthly world, people thought that they would encounter ghosts if they left their homes. To avoid being recognized by these ghosts, people would wear masks when they left their homes after dark so that the ghosts would mistake them for fellow spirits. On Halloween, to keep ghosts away from their houses, people would place bowls of food outside their homes to appease the ghosts and prevent them from attempting to enter.
Spooky Halloween Mug
Any beverage tastes frightfully good when enjoyed from this spine-chilling mug! A spooky spectral face adorns one side; the word “Boo!” appears on the other. 11-oz capacity. Stoneware. Microwave and dishwasher safe.
4 3/4" x 3" x 3 3/4" high.
Ghost Gift Bag
A fun fall tote, with a felt "Boo!" applique and a cute spider friend on it's spooky spider web. Tote is 8"H x 8 1/2"W x 3"D, with a 4 1/2" handle drop. Felt, polyester. Wipe clean with damp cloth. Ages 3 and up.
Contents not included. Not for use with food.
Halloween Garden Stake Set
Welcome trick-or-treaters with theatrical flair, but beware - these stakes are for your lawn, not for vampires! Bold black-and-orange signs display your spooky spirit to one and all; haunted-house and jack-o-lantern graphics are sure to bring a delectable shiver to the heart of every trick-or-treater! 14" wood stakes with pointed ends easily insert into your lawn. Each is 5 1/8" x 1/2" x 14" high. Set of 2.
LIGHT-UP OWL PUMPKIN
Halloween's a real hoot with this adorable stuffed owl perched atop a light-up pumpkin. Takes three AA batteries (not included). Fabric and plastic. 14" H x 9 1/4" W.
MAGIC CAT
Dressed in a spidery witch's cape, this music-loving feline, complete with a glowing jack-o'-lantern, moves in time to the popular song, "Black Magic Woman."
• Head moves back & forth.
• Tail moves.
• Eyes flash.
• Pumpkin lights up.
Takes three AA batteries (not included). 13" H x 13" L.
Fabric and electronics.
Harvest Floral Pumpkin Centerpiece
Complete your festive table's setting with this glowing seasonal arrangement of fabric foliage atop a harvest gourd. Display glows with changing multicolor lights. Takes 2 AA batteries (not included). 8 1/2" H x 6 1/2" diam. Plastic, fiber optics.
HALLOWEEN COUNTDOWN CALENDAR
Keep the whole family in creepy suspense as you count down each day of October until Halloween. LED pumpkin takes three button-cell batteries (included). Fabric wall hanging, 32" H x 14 1/4" L. Plastic pumpkin,
2 1/2" diam. Ages 3 and up.
LIGHT-UP HALLOWEEN WITCH STOP SIGN
The glittery glow of this unique light-up sign will let the whole neighborhood know that Halloween is happening at your house. For use indoors or out. Includes base stake and rod. Takes three AA batteries (not included). Sign, 11" diam. Stake, 14" L. Plastic.
LIGHT-UP CAROUSEL WITH GHOULS AND SPOOKY SOUNDS
Join a ghost, a witch and a vampire for a ride on a ghoulish-go-round. Three-way switch for lights with or without music. Takes four AA batteries (not included) or use DC jack for power adaptor (not included). 7" H x 7" diam.
Plastic, resin and metal..
Halloween Mini
Candle Lamp
Witches, bats and spooky black cats add an eerie look to this bright-orange shaded jar candle. A charming addition to any Halloween theme! Pumpkin spice scent. Weight 0.5 lb. Paraffin wax; glass container. 3" diameter x 4 1/2" high.
HALLOWEEN MINI SITTERS
Light up any shelf or tabletop with the Halloween fun of these cute, costumed bears. Each takes three AAA batteries (not included). Boo Bear, 12" H. Witch Bear, 14" H. Fabric and plastic.
$14.00
PUMPKIN DRESS-UP CHARACTERS
Easy-to-use decorative sets put a whole new twist on dressing up your Halloween pumpkin. Takes a matter of seconds to set up; no mess or cleanup. Wood and metal. Ages 5 and up. Do not leave with unsupervised children.
Candy Corn Candle
Shaped and scented just like a giant candy corn confection, this long-burning candle is destined to delight. A sweet memento of one of fall’s favorite memories! 20 hours of burn time. Weight 0.7 lb. Paraffin wax.
2 3/4" x 2 1/4" x 4 1/2"
Bleeding Skull Candle
Cast an eerie spell over your Halloween theme with this super-creepy grinning skull candle! Set this blissful bonehead alight to discover his scary secret; after about 30 minutes of burn time, he oozes a realistic red-wax "blood". Yikes!
4 7/8" x 3 7/8" x 4 7/8" high.
100% palm wax.
HALLOWEEN COSTUMES
$25.00 EACH
SNOW WHITE COSTUME
Polyester gown with gold metallic detailing on crushed velveteen bodice. Fits sizes 4-6X.
PIRATE COSTUME
Polyester set includes pull-on pants, vest with attached sleeves and hat with gold piping. Fits sizes 4-6X.
WIZARD COSTUME
Polyester robe with gold metallic trim and matching hat. Fits sizes 4-6X.
CINDERELLA COSTUME
100% polyester dress with silver metallic detailing. Fits sizes 4-6X.
TINKER BELL COSTUME
Polyester dress with appliquéd rosettes and flowers. Detachable wings have glitter accents. Fits sizes 4-6X.
Trick or Treat Necklace
Silvertone pendant with the words trick (on front) and treat (on reverse). Enamel-look and faux-crystal details. 16" L cord with 3" extender.
Jolly Jack O'lantern Candle
Grinning pumpkin scent candle is the very image of Halloween spirit! Bright orange jack o’lantern brings a festive glow to your spooky decorating theme.
Weight 0.7 lb.
Paraffin wax.
3 1/2" diameter x 2 1/4"
