By Melissa Chapman
Cataloging Supervisor

Mekala Deivasigamani won a gift card during National Library Card Month at the Warsaw Community Public Library. Photo provided by WCPL staff.

Halloween is among the oldest traditions in the world as it touches on an essential component of the human condition: the relationship between the living and the dead. The observance evolved from ancient rituals marking the transition from summer to winter.

People around the world celebrate this day. The main tradition of Halloween is to dress up in a costume. Children celebrate the day by going trick or treating at night. They go from door to door saying, “trick or treat.” The person at the door usually gives them some candy. Other Halloween activities include costume parties, parades, bonfires, haunted houses, and carving jack-o-lanterns from pumpkins.

Below are some fun facts about Halloween. The colors of Halloween are black and orange. Orange comes from the fall harvest and black represents death. Harry Houdini, a famous magician, died on Halloween night in 1926. Around 40% of Americans dress up in costumes on Halloween. About 72% hand out candy. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are the number one favorite Halloween candy. Originally, jack-o-lanterns were carved from turnips and potatoes.

As Halloween approaches, scary-themed items will be everywhere. If you’re thinking about entertaining guests with a good old spoke fest, come into the Warsaw Community Public Library and check out some Halloween material.

The “Unofficial Hocus Pocus Cookbook: Bewitchingly Delicious Recipes for Fans of Halloween” is a delightful recipe book for fans of those divaesque Sanderson sisters. “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Official Cookbook and Entertaining Guide” has everything you need to plan the perfect party.

“Reading Between the Crimes” by Kate Young or “Halloween Party Murder” by Leslie Meier might be of interest if you’re into solving a crime.

“The Halloween Goblin” by Tracey West, “If You Ever Meet a Skeleton” by Rebecca Evans, and “Trick or Treat, Bugs to Eat” by Tracy C. Gold are excellent choices for the kids in your life.

“Escape Room: Tournament of Champions,” “The Vigil,” or “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It,” are outstanding for a first-rate scary film.

The library has you covered with classic horror as well. “Carrie” by Stephen King, “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson, or “H.P. Lovecraft’s Favorite Weird Tales” by H.P. Lovecraft are frightfully weird and scary.

Warsaw Community Public Library has all your ghostly needs for the Halloween season. Stop in and check us out.