Spectral figures and eerie adornments, designed for exterior display during the autumnal holiday, serve as a prominent element in seasonal festivities. These items range from simple white-sheet apparitions to complex, illuminated, and animated specters intended to enhance the chilling ambiance of residential and commercial spaces. For example, a six-foot inflatable ghoul positioned on a lawn, or a series of translucent, glowing forms suspended from trees, exemplifies this type of seasonal ornamentation.
The practice of decorating with phantasmal representations offers benefits by fostering a sense of community spirit and participation in cultural traditions. These displays, often rooted in historical beliefs and folklore surrounding the transition from summer to winter, provide an avenue for creative expression and can contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods. The visual impact of these seasonal installations has also been observed to positively affect the engagement and enjoyment of trick-or-treaters and other celebrants.