Vintage Halloween Greetings

Note the strange phrasing and tempo of this halloween greeting basically saying not all ghosts are bad and this one brings good tidings. Note too the strange ears on the phantom.

This image shows goblins in silhouette riding a bat. the copyright on this one is 1911.

An inviting scene shows us the charms of Halloween as an apple bobbing game is prepared. This tradition became connected to Halloween through the continuing of practices established during Samhain a Gaelic celebration that celebrated the harvest while acknowledging the coming of darkness and cold in the form of Winter.

This greeting warns that despite its charms, the wiles of Satan may be hiding behind Halloween traditions. The word wiles refers to clever schemes or tricks meant to ensnare our souls.

There's a lot going on here in this whimsical image, that almost has elements of a Christmas card with the reds, greens, lit candle, complete with traditional candlestick holder and stars. Even the font plainly stating Halloween greeting looks like a traditional yule tide font. beyond the courting mice, its the jack o lantern and witchy smoke ghost that deliver the chills.

Halloween has evolved much throughout its history. apparently it went through a phase where the night, along with some witchy imagery was a time where ladies could on this magic night learn the name of the person you are to marry.

This image too, details a ritual for finding the name of your husband. She looks though to have received more than she bargained for as two ghosts have come to pay a visit. i love the way the ghosts are depicted including their vacant eyes.

Another holiday card meant to show a wholesome non frightening depiction of the night.

Another love prediction.

Copyright 1907.

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Again a lot going on, in this with two images one of boys playing a Halloween prank framed by a witch jack o lantern, cat, and other spooky icons.

There are many depictions of evil spirits and goblins looking in windows, as if to warn stay inside where its safe and warm, for out side mischief is afoot.

Another image that warn not to go outside or even look out the window! The frightful specters here seem to modeled after traditional carved and decorated turnips and potatoes where toothy grins were carved a practice began in Ireland.

This greeting emplores kindness from the witches you will be meeting on this night.

No comment on this one.

Simple greating and simple imagaery show a witch keeping warm as traditional haystacks adorn the background.

Another Rockwellian idealic image of the inncent fun of halloween trick or treating. the tradition of trick or treating as we know it.....

I love this design, from the transparent skull faced ghost to the pumpkin cat and bat filled dark sky!

This curious image and accompanied text champions "Ghosty Interests".

This witch depicted in red warns of mischief.

A wonderful image that looks to be from the fifties or inspired by norman rockwell shows a young girl peering through a window with a witch mask.

A cute halloween party invitation.

Here we see a later image showing a witch in her typical post Wizzard of Oz guise complete with all black dress green skin long bewartred nose.