Visually altering one’s visage for the autumnal holiday through artistic application of cosmetics to achieve an alarming or frightening appearance is a common practice. An example includes the transformation of a human face into a ghastly monster through careful layering of white, gray, and black pigments, accentuated by jagged lines mimicking scars and wounds.
This activity serves multiple purposes, including the expression of creativity, the embodiment of fictional characters, and the elicitation of surprise or fear in onlookers. Historically, the practice is rooted in traditions of disguise and warding off malevolent spirits, evolving into a contemporary form of celebratory self-expression. It fosters a sense of community through shared experiences and provides an avenue for artistic skill development.