A Geek Native tradition is to count down to Samhain with the 12 Masks of Halloween. Pretending it was the plan this year, we are starting with six all at once!
We give you the scary six!
The Duchess
The Duchess is a zombie, but I suspect we all knew that.
Here’s my pitch; “A zombie duchess, risen from her crypt with a thirst for revenge, terrorizes the inhabitants of her ancestral manor. As the undead noblewoman wreaks havoc, a brave young woman must uncover the secrets of the Duchess’s past to stop her reign of terror.”
Grinning Reaper
Who said the Grim Reaper was toothless?
The Grim Reaper, its skeletal grin filled with jagged, mismatched fangs, dragged its rusty scythe towards the terrified musician. With a sickening crack, the creature lowered its head, not to claim a soul, but to tear into the youth’s flesh with those horrifying teeth.
[I’ll wear this to the office]
Tooth swirl zombie
Perfect if you work at a dentist!
A sharp pain erupted in her jaw, her teeth shifting and grinding against each other with a sickening crunch. Staring into the mirror, her blood ran cold as she watched her teeth twist and contort, merging into a grotesque spiral that seemed to bore into her skull.
[I’ll show them wisdom teeth!]
Faceless horror
“I wear no mask” – The King in Yellow.
The monster lurched from the shadows, its burnt head a grotesque mockery of a human face, with only empty sockets where eyes should have been. A charred hand reached out, its touch promising not death, but an eternity trapped in the burning abyss from which it crawled.
The mouth
Did someone call you a big mouth? Wear this to their party.
The creature’s maw gaped open, revealing rows of needle-sharp teeth, but within that horrifying chasm, another mouth writhed, its own grotesque maw lined with barbed hooks. Paralyzed with fear, she watched as the inner mouth lunged forward, a monstrous tongue lashing out to taste her terror.
[Mine!]
Okarun
Dandandan is popular right now…
It’s hard to comment on this character without slipping into spoilers, but you don’t have to watch or read much before you see this face. Tell me it’s not a scary one!
But why masks?
Okay, that’s a good point. I go for masks on Halloween as they’re an easy costume and can be carried in a bag. However, masks are connected to Halloween in various ways, and the series is not just about my tastes.
Historical and Cultural Roots:
- Ancient Celtic traditions: During Samhain, the Celtic festival that marked the end of summer, people wore masks to disguise themselves from spirits or even mimic them, believing it would ward off evil.
- Medieval Europe: Masks were used in “mumming” plays, where performers would wear disguises and act out folk tales or religious stories. These plays often involved themes of death and resurrection, aligning with Halloween’s focus on the supernatural.
Psychological and Symbolic Meanings:
- Transformation and Identity: Masks allow people to temporarily shed their identity and embrace a different persona, tapping into Halloween’s playful and transformative spirit.
- Confronting Fears: Masks, especially those depicting monsters or creatures, provide a safe way to engage with fears and anxieties about the unknown.
- The symbolism of the Other: Masks can represent the otherworldly, the supernatural, and the things that lurk in the shadows, making them perfect for a holiday that celebrates the spooky and macabre.
Modern Influences:
- Pop Culture: Horror movies with iconic masked killers like Michael Myers (“Halloween“) and Jason Voorhees (“Friday the 13th“) have solidified the connection between masks and Halloween.
- Festive Fun: Masks are a fun and festive way to celebrate Halloween, adding to the excitement of parties, trick-or-treating, and haunted houses.
That’s my defense!
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