Dictionary

air cannon: A cylinder through which compressed air is blown, releasing confetti or other substances. Used to startle, but not harm, people.

air ram: A special effects device. An air ram is a cylinder with an enclosed piston. When compressed air is forced through the cylinder, the piston moves, which also moves a connected puppet or other scary object.

All Hallows Eve: An old name for October 31^st, or Hallowe'en.

All Saints Day: In the Catholic calendar, November 1^st is All Saints' Day, when saints who don't have their own holy days are honored.

All Souls Day: On November 2^nd, Catholics celebrate All Soul's Day, a day of remembrance of the faithful dead.

animatronics: The science, and practice knowledge, of animating inanimate objects.

apparition:A ghost or spirit which appears suddenly.

banshee: In Irish mythology a female spirit whose wailing foretold death.

Beggars Night:Also known as Devil's Night or Mischief Night. Falls on October 30th, the day before Hallowe'en. The night before Hallowe'en often sees a spike in vandalism and arson.

Bela Lugosi:An actor from the 1930s best known for his portrayal of Dracula.

black light: Ultraviolet light. When black light hits certain materials, the material glows.

bobbing:Bobbing for apples is an old Hallowe'en tradition. Apples either float in a bucket of water or are suspended from string, and participants try to take bites out of them.

bogeyman:A ghost or monster who hides under beds or in closets before attacking sleepers.

boggart:A British spirit who can either be helpful or a mischief.

candy corn:Soft and chewy yellow and black candy that resembles corn.

Celtic:A diverse group of ancient and modern cultures which includes the Irish, Scots, and Welsh.

coven:A group of witches, traditionally 13 in number.

crypt: A burial vault.

Day of the Dead: The Mexican Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, and has some similarities to Hallowe'en.

Devil’s Night: October 30th, also known as Beggar's Night or Mischief Night. The night before Hallowe'en often sees a spike in vandalism and arson.

Druid:Priest of the ancient Celts. In New Age religions, Druids are nature worshippers.

dry ice:Solid carbon dioxide, used to make fog effects when covered with water.