By Keandre Williams-Chambers

Staff Writer

Fear the Reaper, and other creatures
Halloween often comes with the shadowy figures and creatures of the night, but none are more fearsome than Death himself and his ghastly entourage. This is a figure that is difficult to avoid, but staying safe for the holidays makes it easy to avoid a deadly encounter that doesn’t involve eager children accompanied with their parental entourage.

The Little Path-crossers
They say if they cross your path, you get bad luck, so watch out for those stray black cats! Many neighborhoods have a few here and there, and there’s little to worry about. Should you encounter one on your nightly stroll about the town, simply change your route. However, if they circle you, you probably should consider investing in some lucky trinkets to counterbalance it all.

The Uninvited
They stalk the night and want your blood, this age old superstition is exactly what you believe it to be. Vampires. But don’t let your veins freeze at the mere mention. Should you fear an encounter with them as the Halloween nights progress, you can simply pick up a bag of garlic at the local supermarket or wear the ever-fashionable crucifix about your neck to ward off the vampires. Oh, and be careful who you invite into your home, especially when you see the bats hanging up there for a while.

Light the Lanterns Home
Little known fact: the tradition of lighting Jack-o-lanterns has a deeper meaning to it. As night descends and each is lit in the night of the world, the lost souls can return to their homes. So keep them lit, bright and safe from a wayward foot. Help those poor, unfortunate souls find their way home!

Watch for Witches!
Known for their toil and trouble, you best watch out! Legend says that if a spider should fall into the flames of a lit candle, witches be near! So look to the sky and follow that crescent moon for the flames of mischief. Many may be benevolent, but beware of the ones who use this holiday as an opportunity to conjure some true fear.

The Apple of the Future
Many remember how, as children, we would bob for apples as a Halloween event, but few of us know the history behind it. It falls under the fortune-telling aspect of Halloween and could often depict the love life of the bobber. Is love in the future, or is it just a face drenched in other peoples’ spit water?