23 Vintage Halloween Decorations That Show How Much The Times Have Changed

Halloween-like celebrations date back much farther than most people realize, and they weren't always the costume-wearing, candy-eating, game-playing holiday that All Hallow's Eve is today. What began as a Pagan New Year in the 10th century has become what we now know as Halloween. Traditions have (obviously) evolved since then, and with them so have the decorations and celebrations that come with the once Celtic holiday. These vintage Halloween decorations from the last 150 years show how the holiday is still evolving, centuries after its inception. Though there are some common themes in Halloween decorations — ghosts, pumpkins, and skeletons — their designs and uses have changed since the mid-1800s.

You may not be able to find exact replicas of these vintage Halloween decorations in stores today, but there are similar ones you can shop or DIY to celebrate All Hallow's Eve this year, and spoiler alert: they're not that difficult. Heads up, however, some of these vintage Halloween decorations are very creepy. You've been warned.