Halloween is a strange concept – it was originally a pagan celebration and it takes place the evening before the religious All Saints’ Day on 1st November, and All Souls’ Day on 2nd November. It is widely believed that the church, although not recognizing Halloween in the traditional way – but they do celebrate All Hallows Eve, do not attempt to dissuade the celebration as it draws attention to the two following days. In some countries All Souls’ Day/Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos is also a big celebration.
Halloween is all about witches, ghosts, ghouls, zombies, mummies, pumpkins and much more. Children go out – dressed up as spooky creatures – knocking on doors at night offering ‘trick or treat’, and the householders usually give them money or candy for their trouble. However much we may take the whole concept of Halloween with a pinch of salt, there are some places or even scary websites that we would all probably rather not be on that night or rather not be on any night! So here is a selection of photographs of spooky places to get you in the mood for Halloween this year.
Spooky Place to Avoid on Halloween
Spooky
This photo was taken in Bury St. Edmunds, England, and is one of the only remaining parts of the Abbey – The Abbeygate.
Spooky
This photo was taken in the London area, but I don’t know where. The photographer says: ‘I thought this was a spooky scene, looks a bit like when you see things from the killer’s point of view in horror films.’
Contorted
I believe this photo was shot in Australia. Even though it’s daylight, the way it is presented in black and white, the shape of the trees hanging over the water gives a somewhat scary result.
Creeping Death
A very neglected and scary-looking old hospital ward.
Der Fremde
Der Fremde translates into English as ‘the stranger’. This photo was taken in Hamburg, Germany in the early morning, just before sunrise – the early morning fog shrouding the leafless bush gives a very eerie feeling.
The Tree of the Dead
The long exposure and black and white effect of this photo makes it really spooky!
Flourish
A neglected house in Farmington, Iowa stands in stark contrast to the abundantly flourishing ivy covering it.
Spooky Path to the Parish Church of St Cuthbert
This photo taken in Edinburgh, Scotland has a very eerie feel with the yellow light casting across the path and gravestones.
Beyond
This is an image of Thetford Forest in Norfolk, England – taken just before sunrise, the early morning fog gives an already spooky setting an even more menacing feel.
The Smoke Break
This Russian driver has taken a break for a smoke – I think I might have preferred to stay in my car and forego the cigarette in such conditions – a brave man indeed!
Spooky Forest 1
This spooky forest can be found in Poland, near Mosorny Gron.
The Spooky Cottage In The Cemetery
The photographer actually stayed in this cottage in Kirby Lonsdale, Cumbria, England for 5 nights. I would hazard a guess that in full color it does not look quite so spooky!
Spooky at the Gate
This night-time photo of San Francisco’s Golden Gate bridge has a very serious aura of eerieness about it. The photographer suggests that this area shouldn’t be visited alone day or night!
Spooky Fog! Alderney
‘Thick fog blankets St. Anne’s church and graveyard on the Channel Island of Alderney.’ Writes the photographer. A beautifully spooky scene.
Spooky Boat
This early morning shot was taken on a river in the Netherlands.
Spooky
This start of the sunrise in the fog was taken somewhere in the world! The photographer states: ‘The aliens are coming I think.’
Spooky Clouds
The sunlight leaks through the clouds give this photo a very spooky aura. It was taken at Ringshall Coppice, Buckinghamshire, England.
Spooky
This night time image taken in Brighton, England has a real ‘Jack the Ripper’ feel about it.
Spooky Ruins
This mansion was burnt out from a previous bush fire in Australia. The morning light and mist casts an eerie, spooky aura over the area.
Spooky House
This photographer has this image in both black and white (as shown here) and full color – they are both very spooky!
Conclusion
Is there some place near where you live that you would keep clear of on Halloween night? Do you celebrate Halloween? Do you take your kids out ‘trick or treating’? Share your experiences and traditions with us in the comments section below.
