Category Archive: Historical

What’s “Really” Great About Memorial Day

Categories:

Historical, Holiday's

May 22, 2013

by Jenna Maxwell

Memorial Day

Memorial Day

If you are like most people, when you think about Memorial Day weekend, many things come to mind.  Barbecues, family gatherings, vacations–all of these things have become standard Memorial Day fare and with good reason–they are fun and what better time to engage in such things than a long three-day weekend that kicks off the warm weather months!

The truth is, however, that there of course is a far deeper, much more reverent meaning to the Memorial Day holiday that has somehow gotten lost in the quest for All-American style fun.  The true meaning of Memorial Day has almost completely eluded the younger set, which was poignantly illustrated during a survey done by an organization known as “No Greater Love”.  This humanitarian organization conducted a survey of children back in 1996, asking kids why there was a holiday on Memorial Day.  The children’s answers were very heart wrenching as there was much chatter about vacations, barbecues, three-day weekends and local swimming pools finally being open.  There was one huge thing missing amongst the majority of the children surveyed, however, and that was a general knowledge of what Memorial Day was really for, that being to honor and recognize the soldiers who made the most supreme sacrifice of all, by giving their lives in order to preserve the many freedoms that we today can fortunately enjoy.

Memorial Day

This organization did a very important thing after these revelatory survey results were brought to light.  A “National Moment of Remembrance” was instituted.  This moment of remembrance would require everyone to stop whatever they were doing at precisely 3:00 pm (local time) on Memorial Day and pause for one full minute of silent reflection.  In some locations “Taps” will be played at 3:00 as well, depending on where you are at this time, of course.  Whether you are in a formal setting or not, there is no reason why you can’t stop and take advantage of this opportunity to pay due homage to our fallen soldiers; it’s the right thing to do!

The point of instituting a “National Moment of Remembrance” was to raise awareness in future generations about Memorial Day and to remind all people of what this special holiday is really about.  The idea of the Memorial Day moment of silence was fully embraced by both the President and Congress and since 1997 it has become an American tradition.  What will you be doing at 3:00 pm on Memorial Day this year?  If you and your family are out and about–enjoying many of the freedoms that many soldiers gave their lives to preserve–by all means, take one minute to show respect, honor and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in our behalf.

Happy Memorial Day from your friends at Halloween Express!

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President’s Day: Time to Brush Up On Your Lincoln Trivia!

Categories:

Historical, Holiday's, President's Day, Trivia

February 13, 2013

by Jenna Maxwell

Abraham Lincoln

Next Monday, February 18, is President’s Day.  Although originally designated as Washington’s Birthday, now the President’s day holiday honors both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, as well as any other man who has served as the head guy in the Oval Office.  This year, with the feature film “Lincoln” still holding firmly to one of the top 10 movie spots at the box office, it might be a great time to add a little honorary historic remembrance to your President’s Day by seeing this 10-time Oscar nominated film.  You might even learn a thing or two about this great President.  Just to help you brush up on your Lincoln trivia, here are a few little tidbits and little known facts about Lincoln–use them to impress your friends!

10.  Lincoln has no living posterity.  Even though Abraham Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln had four sons, 3 of the 4 died very young (Edward-age 4, Willie-age 12, Tad-age 18) and Robert, who was Lincoln’s only son that lived into adulthood, had his only known descendant pass away in 1985.

9. Lincoln’s son had his life saved by the future presidential assassin’s brother.  One day while at the train station, Lincoln’s son Robert fell between the platform and the train as the train began to move.  Edwin Booth, the brother of John Wilkes Booth (who later would assassinate the President), quickly pulled Robert Lincoln out of danger, saving his life.

8. President Lincoln felt he should serve in battle during the Civil War.  Although his presidential obligations obviously prevented it, word got out that President Lincoln had regrets about not fighting in battle since he was clearly the leader of the nation’s military.  J. Summerfield Staples volunteered to fight in the war in President Lincoln’s stead.  He served in (and survived) the war.

7.  Lincoln had an epic beard.  Lincoln was the first President to have a beard while serving in office.

6. Lincoln was an inventor and held a patent.  Lincoln was the only known President to obtain a patent.  In 1849, Lincoln’s patent was obtained for a device that lifted ships over shoals through a type of buoying mechanism.  This invention, however, was never put into practical use.

5. Lincoln was the first president who started speaking about women’s rights and at one point suggested that women should be extended the right to vote.

4.  Lincoln’s Inaugural portrait.  Lincoln was the first President to have his photograph taken at inauguration.  Apparently standing near the President in the photograph was John Wilkes Booth, the man who would later assassinate him.

3.  Robert Lincoln was close to 3 Presidential assassinations.  Not only was Robert invited (but declined) to attend the theatre the evening his father was assassinated but also he unfortunately found himself close by 2 other Presidential assassinations.  Robert was invited to meet President Garfield at the train station in Washington, D.C. when he was an eyewitness to Garfield’s assassination.  Robert was also invited to a New York fair where William McKinley would be assassinated.

2. Lincoln had a premonition about his death.  Not long before his assassination, Lincoln had a dream in which he heard crying in the White House.  When he inquired as to who had died, he was told that it was the president.  He peered into the coffin that was there and apparently looked down onto his own deceased face.

1. Urban Legends about Lincoln and Kennedy.  There are many odd coincidences that surround the lives of both President Lincoln and President Kennedy.

  • Both Lincoln and Kennedy were shot in the head on a Friday.
  • Lincoln and Kennedy were elected to congress exactly 100 years apart. Lincoln in 1846, Kennedy in 1946.
  • Lincoln and Kennedy were elected to be President 100 years apart, Lincoln in 1860, Kennedy in 1960.
  • Both Lincoln and Kennedy had successors that had the last name Johnson. (Andrew Johnson and Lyndon Johnson.)
  • The men that assassinated each of these Presidents were known by three names.  (John Wilkes Booth and Lee Harvey Oswald.)
  • Lincoln and Kennedy each have 7 letters in their surnames.  Their assassin’s names each contain 15 letters.
  • Lincoln was shot in Ford’s theatre.  Kennedy was shot while riding in a car (a “Lincoln” made by Ford.

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Who is this Cupid Guy, Anyway?

Categories:

Historical, Holiday's, Romance, Valentines Day

January 22, 2013

by Jenna Maxwell

What comes to mind when you think of Valentine’s Day?  Valentine cards are obviously way on the top of the list.  Hearts, flowers and candy are also very traditional tokens that we associate with Valentine’s Day as well.  Valentines Day, a holiday that celebrates all things love and romance, is steeped in lots of symbols.  Cupid, however–the arrow bearing, diapered baby, might be the oldest and most common of the love symbols we associate with Valentines Day. But who is this Cupid guy anyway?  What has he got to do with the day of love?

Cupid:  What’s Up With the Diaper?   Not to burst anyone’s bubble here, but Cupid actually didn’t start out wearing a diaper at all.  In Ancient Roman mythology, Cupid, the son of Venus, was usually depicted completely in the buff.  (That’s naked, folks.) He also wasn’t always a baby.  Cupid grew up into quite a strapping (and apparently quite smokin’ hot) youth who indeed was also the god of desire and erotic love.  He did indeed carry a quiver of potent arrows, however.  The gold-tipped arrows were purported to make someone fall madly and quickly in love, while the lead-tipped ones were used to create wanton passion and lust.

Jealous Mother:  Roman Mythology gets a little dicey here, but as the story goes, Venus, Cupid’s mom was very jealous of a mortal human woman named Psyche.  Psyche was extremely beautiful, perhaps even more so than Venus, which made Venus a bit crazy.  Venus sent Cupid (armed with his powerful arrows) to shoot Psyche.  The point was to make Psyche fall immediately in love with someone nearby that was a truly vile or hideous human–now that would keep her busy and get her off of Venus’ mind, right?

Whoops…I Hate it When That Happens:  When Cupid lays eyes on Psyche, he slips up and accidentally scratches himself with his own potent arrow.  He immediately falls madly in love with mere mortal Psyche and although he knows trouble could be a-brewin’, he marries her anyway.  Even though he and Psyche are now in love, Cupid insists that Psyche never look at him.  That’s the rules.  Now, Cupid is aware that he is indeed quite delicious to gaze upon, but Psyche just isn’t allowed to know what he looks like-ever.  Cupid only visits Psyche when it is dark so that she cannot see him.  Cupid is apparently quite a magical lover, so Psyche is very happy.  During the daytime, Cupid has supplied Psyche with all she needs to live a very happy and quite a cushy life.

Jealousy Strikes Again:  Psyche’s sisters become very jealous of the very pleasant lifestyle their beautiful sister has suddenly attained with her mysterious new husband.  They stir up all sorts of trouble by convincing Psyche that Cupid must be actually quite hideous looking or he wouldn’t keep his appearance a well-guarded secret.  Psyche allows herself to become convinced that she must see what her husband looks like.

Shed A Little Light On It:  One night, during one of Cupid’s nocturnal visits, Psyche sneaks a candle into the room.  While Cupid is sleeping, Psyche lights the candle in order to be able to get a good look at her husband.  Psyche is so enamored with the great beauty of her husband that she stares completely aghast at his stunning form.  As she does so, she accidentally drips some of the candle wax on Cupid, waking him.  Enraged by her disobedience, Cupid leaves Psyche, who now is left totally in despair.

Love Conquers All:  Don’t worry–this torrid tale still somehow manages to end up happily.  Psyche strikes a deal with Venus who sends her on a mission to prove herself, which even includes a trek into the underworld.  In her possession, Psyche has a box, which Venus has instructed her to never open.  Overcome by curiosity, Psyche opens the box, which immediately puts her into a deep, deep slumber.  Cupid happens upon his sleeping bride and upon seeing her in this state, he just can’t be angry with her any longer.  Cupid released Psyche from her sleep, and then takes her to see Venus, convincing his mother that Psyche is now worthy of godly immortality. The gods give Psyche some powerful nectar made of ambrosia, making her a goddess in her own right.  Now folks…that’s what we will call a happy ending!

Feeling the Love?  You may want to try creating your own version of Cupid with one of our many perfect-for-Valentine’s Day costumes.  Check out our how-to video on how to create a really sweet and sexy Valentine’s Day look. This look is going to knock his socks off!   (Plus it works a lot better than a half-naked arrow-wielding baby, we promise!) Happy Valentine’s Day from your friends at Halloween Express!

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Martin Luther King: 5 Interesting Facts You Should Know

Categories:

Historical, Holiday's, Political, Pop Culture

January 21, 2013

by Jenna Maxwell

Martin Luther King is the only private U.S. citizen that wasn’t ever an elected official to have a national holiday designated in his name.  Today we remember a man who believed in the equality of all men and who passionately dedicated his life to the peaceful resolution of civil right’s issues.  Martin Luther King, Jr. will always be remembered for his strong commitment to non-violent activism and the increased awareness of America’s struggle for civil rights.  Here are 5 fun facts about Martin Luther King, Jr. that you may not know, but probably should!

  1. Don’t Move Over Rosa!  Martin Luther King was the public voice for the Montgomery bus boycott.  In December of 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a public bus in Montgomery, Alabama, which ultimately led to her arrest.  Martin Luther King, Jr., although relatively unknown at this time, was asked to organize the 385-day bus boycott.  The situation of course became quite tense, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s house was eventually bombed at one point.  In the end, however, the U.S. District Court ruled to end racial segregation.
  2. Gandhi Is My Hero!  Many infamous folks inspired Martin Luther King, Jr.; including, Jesus, Abe Lincoln, Benjamin Mays, Hosea Williams and Henry David Thoreau.  One of Dr. King’s greatest sources of inspiration, however, came from the teachings of Mohandas Gandhi.  Dr. King was so inspired by the non-violent activist teachings of Gandhi that he later went to India himself to further his understanding.
  3. I Have a Dream!  This infamous speech may have been a classic case of winging it and was largely improvised, being truly inspired in the moment.  According to sources, Martin Luther King Jr. was so busy during this time that even 12 hours prior to his appointed speech time, he still wasn’t sure what he was going to say.  This infamous and galvanizing speech not only electrified many that day but has gone on to be heard and recognized by many in subsequent generations as his most inspiring. 
  4. That’s Just One Opinion.  Apparently while in seminary school, Martin Luther King Jr. got a “C” from one of his professors in public speaking.  (We’re not sure what it must have taken to get an “A”)  Dr. King’s father was a preacher and had held extremely high hopes for his son’s public speaking abilities.  Fortunately, by Dr. King’s senior year, he was not only the school valedictorian, but he also had all “A’s”. 
  5. So Wise, So Young.  When Martin Luther King Jr. won the Nobel Peace Prize, he was the youngest person to ever have received it, at the time being just 35 years old.  During his acceptance speech for the prize, Martin Luther King uttered this infamous quote.  “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.” 

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The 5 Most Popular Christmas Customs

Categories:

Christmas Costumes, Historical, Holiday Costumes, Traditions

December 17, 2012

by Jenna Maxwell

There’s something about Christmastime that makes us hang onto those bygone traditions that have been passed onto us from one generation to another.  In a world that nowadays has to have the latest and the greatest innovations in most everything and in a world where technology seems to advance at nearly warp speed, for some reason, when it comes to the holidays, many of us tend to embrace the old fashioned customs with relative ease.  The activities that we associate with our own childhood memories as well as remembering those traditions of a generation or two that have gone before us are those that will endure, and are most favored by the masses.

The Christmas Tree:  Decorating a Christmas tree is one of the most universally accepted Christmas traditions out there and is one that is exuberantly participated in throughout the entire world.  The type of actual tree used may vary somewhat from place to place, but in spite of all the technological marvels that seem to abound, the real old-fashioned fir tree is still the stand out favorite.  Yes, we do need to water it, vacuum up the needles that fall from it, and depending on how long yours is up before Christmas, it can and will dry out a bit.  People seem to accept the failings of having a real tree inside their homes over the holidays, however, and year after year, this tradition remains nearly unchanged and continues to be one of everyone’s favorite parts of Christmas celebrating.

Santa Claus:  The legend of Santa Claus may be the most popular Christmas tradition of them all.  Santa Claus folklore states that if you are a “good” kid, a fat guy in a bright red suit will deliver toys to your home on Christmas Eve.  If you’ve been “bad”, you may end up with a lump of coal as an alternative gift, which is Santa’s way of admonishing you to be better next year.  Santa Claus (or one of the many other pseudonyms he is known as throughout the world) has been around in one form or another for many years.  The “real” Saint Nicholas, who lived back during the 4th century, was known for his benevolence and acts of kindness.  St. Nicholas shared his fortune with the poor and the needy (check out The History of Santa Claus)  If you want to create the perfect Santa Claus look this holiday season, be sure to take a look at our how to video on How to Create a Perfect Santa Claus Look.

Christmas Stockings:  Children everywhere will hang up their stockings near the fireplace or someplace else on Christmas Eve, in hopes that Santa Claus will come down the chimney on Christmas Eve and fill those stockings up with toys and goodies.  Legend states that thousands of years ago, St. Nicholas of Myra snuck into the house of a family and hid gold coins inside the stockings that were drying near the fireplace in order to save one of the daughters from being sold into slavery.  This story also has been told with St. Nicholas tossing the coins in through the window, where they accidentally landed in the stockings that were hanging on the mantel.  In any case, it’s an ancient piece of folklore that apparently has stuck with us well enough that many of us will be buying those perfect little stocking stuffers for all those fortunate enough to be found on our Christmas gift lists. 

Decking the Halls:  (And decking just about everything else, too!)  Decorating one’s home, inside and out, is a very popular Christmas tradition that has gotten more and more popular as well as elaborate as the years go by.  Simple wreaths and strings of Christmas lights have been further enhanced with giant, charming and whimsical inflatable Christmas yard art that totally lights up the yard with a festive Christmas spirit, giving a magical seasonal greeting to all that pass by.  It’s not uncommon in various communities to have certain homes so amazingly decorated that people will make a pilgrimage just to visit and see these Christmas decoration and light displays. 

Feasting!  Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a special Christmas feast involving lots of delicious holiday fare.  The traditional Christmas dinner includes foods such as roasted turkey, glazed ham, potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, rolls and lots and lots of pumpkin pie! Christmastime has to be most everyone’s favorite time to really eat, drink and be merry! 

Whether you are celebrating an old-fashioned Christmas or starting some new holiday traditions of your own, be sure to visit our Santa’s workshop for those last minute costumes and decorations that are sure to add your own unique touch to your family’s holiday celebration!

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