Thursday, December 31, 2015
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
New Item in Stock: Shower Head Holder for Chair
Click to Shop NOW! |
NO9306-R - Our Price = $5.45
Monday, December 28, 2015
New Carhartt Crossflex in Stock Now
Click to Shop Now! |
These Cross-Flex Carhartt womens scrubs feature FastDry technology for wicking, Stain Breaker for stain release, RuggedFlex for ease of movement and knit panels for improved range of motion.
Made of stretch dobby fabric - 94% polyester, 6% spandex.
Our Price: $26.99 & Up
Labels:
black and cyan,
c12310,
c52110,
carhartt,
cross-flex,
crossflex,
laurel uniforms and apparel
Friday, December 25, 2015
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
FROM ALL OF US
We would like to thank you for your continued loyalty.
We appreciate and enjoy working with our customers each and every day!
We appreciate and enjoy working with our customers each and every day!
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Monday, December 21, 2015
Please Note Our Holiday Hours
Happy Holidays
Merry Christmas
Happy Hanukkah
Happy Kwanzaa
May the season bring happiness, joy and time with loved ones!
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Great Gift Idea: Crutcheze Crutch Pads
Click to Shop Now |
CZCRU010 - Our Price = $31.82
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Need a Last Minute Gift for the Healthcare Worker in Your Life?
We have gift certificates at Laurel Uniforms & Apparel!
Available in any amount. Stop by today and get your holiday shopping done with ease!
Available in any amount. Stop by today and get your holiday shopping done with ease!
Friday, December 11, 2015
Great Gift Idea: TheraCane Self Massager
Click to Shop |
Thera Cane Personal Massager helps you reach and massage those hard to reach knots!
The unique design allows you to apply deep pressure to sore muscles on hard to reach areas of your body.
Theracane - Our Price = $36.68
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Ready Santa! Holiday Scrub Top Print
Click to Shop NOW! |
This mock wrap top features holiday images of Santa and Rudolph, front and back princess seams, patch pockets and side vents. Center back length is 27". Made of 100% cotton. Pair with royal, red, black, green or white pant.
Our Price: $27.49
Labels:
6794c,
christmas,
laurel uniforms and apparel,
luch6794C,
Ready santa,
rudolph,
santa,
scrub top print
Monday, December 7, 2015
Better Living Corner: "The swelling in my feet wont allow me to wear house slippers"
These shearling edema slippers are extra roomy and soothe swollen feel.
They are 40% wider than standard wide width shoes and feature a cushy
feel, Velcro closure and a large toe box. For indoor use only. Non-slip
bottom. Machine wash and dry. Made in the USA.
Select style and size. Sold by the pair.
RC7139 Our Price = $21.80
Select style and size. Sold by the pair.
RC7139 Our Price = $21.80
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Shimmer & Sparkle Scrub Tops
Click to Shop Now |
Gold Strike on the left: This beautiful gold print mock wrap top features piping at the front neck, front princess seams, self belt at empire waist with decorative snap, angled patch pockets, back darts, and side vents.
Holiday Sparkle on the right: The original Nicole Top in the Koi Comfort line gets a little sparkle for this holiday season! The super comfy rib-trim top pairs with our Koi Comfort Morgan pant! Features easy fit pullover styling, rib-trim at neck and sleeves, mini chest pocket and two patch pockets and side vents.
Labels:
cherokee,
gold strike,
holiday scrub tops,
holiday sparkle,
koi,
womens scrubs
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Monday, November 30, 2015
New Walker Ski Glides Now in Stock!
These walker ski glides feature rugged long-lasting thickness, good
friction resistance and are contoured to better traverse various surface
changes. Ideal for standard 1" walkers, and easy to uninstall or
replace with positive dual locking feature. Sold by the pair.
YUMG08805-TR - $16.67/pair
YUMG08805-TR - $16.67/pair
Friday, November 27, 2015
Need Gift Ideas? We have the BEST ONE EVER!
Add a Laurel Uniform & Apparel Gift Certificate to your holiday wish list and be sure to get what you REALLY want!
Or, have a hard-to-buy for person on your gift buying list?
Our Gift Certificates are a great gift idea!
Available in any amount, from "Secret Santa"
to "Have a New Job, Need a New Wardrobe"!
to "Have a New Job, Need a New Wardrobe"!
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Monday, November 23, 2015
How To Survive the Holidays with FAMILY....
The first Thanksgiving brought
together the Pilgrims and Native American tribes who hadn't exactly been
best buddies. Many Americans can say the same thing about the Holidays
and spending time with family. So, how do you get through the holidays
without conflict and even reconnect with family in positive ways?
Here are a few suggestions.
Do Your Homework!
Arrive with memories of family FUN (not disasters), to spark laughter and bonding. “Remember when…” will engage family members in reliving positive family moments.
Think of some movies, novels or pop culture on which you’ll all agree. Remember the good old days of Hannah Montana? Does anyone aspire to wear hats like Pharrell Williams? What TV shows are you binge watching these days? Can we help set Grandma up with Netflix so she can binge watch too?
Brainstorm Future Fun
As our families move on to new places in life, new traditions are bound to appear. Instead of exchanging gifts, plan an annual bowling or movie outing instead. Or, have a game night and potluck. Think of new ways to spend time together that center around an activity to provide distractions should conversations take a wayward turn. If all goes well, perhaps you can discuss trips you’d like to take together.
Express Care and Concern
Expressing interest in, and concern about each other’s health and wellbeing is usually appreciated and a way to bond. Avoid any competitive undertones or touchy topics, and be truly supportive if you can.
Whatever you do, don’t leave the table to go shopping! Stores that are open on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day, are ruining other peoples’ holidays and should not be rewarded. It’s also taking the easy way out of time spent with family. Stay at the table and make the most of the opportunity to enjoy family while they’re still around and in good health.
Here are a few suggestions.
Do Your Homework!
Arrive with memories of family FUN (not disasters), to spark laughter and bonding. “Remember when…” will engage family members in reliving positive family moments.
Think of some movies, novels or pop culture on which you’ll all agree. Remember the good old days of Hannah Montana? Does anyone aspire to wear hats like Pharrell Williams? What TV shows are you binge watching these days? Can we help set Grandma up with Netflix so she can binge watch too?
Brainstorm Future Fun
As our families move on to new places in life, new traditions are bound to appear. Instead of exchanging gifts, plan an annual bowling or movie outing instead. Or, have a game night and potluck. Think of new ways to spend time together that center around an activity to provide distractions should conversations take a wayward turn. If all goes well, perhaps you can discuss trips you’d like to take together.
Express Care and Concern
Expressing interest in, and concern about each other’s health and wellbeing is usually appreciated and a way to bond. Avoid any competitive undertones or touchy topics, and be truly supportive if you can.
Whatever you do, don’t leave the table to go shopping! Stores that are open on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day, are ruining other peoples’ holidays and should not be rewarded. It’s also taking the easy way out of time spent with family. Stay at the table and make the most of the opportunity to enjoy family while they’re still around and in good health.
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Remember to #ShopSmall!
For every $100 spent at small, local businesses, $68 is returned to the community. - Civic Economics
#ShopSmall
#ShopSmall
Friday, November 20, 2015
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Great Grips Doorknob Gripper
Great
Grips makes it easy to turn round and awkward doorknobs. It’s great for
young children, arthritis sufferers, people with disabilities, and
senior citizens who may have trouble gripping the door handle.
This inexpensive alternative can save you hundreds in door-handle replacements. Slips on quickly with no tools required. And no more Static-Shock and annoying zaps when touching door handles!
ST3101 - $10.83
This inexpensive alternative can save you hundreds in door-handle replacements. Slips on quickly with no tools required. And no more Static-Shock and annoying zaps when touching door handles!
ST3101 - $10.83
Monday, November 16, 2015
NEW! Metalite II Penlights in 4 different colors!
The Metalite II™ 353 is a reusable diagnostic penlight and features
aluminum housing for lightweight comfort, push button activation,
and pocket clip for convenience.
Measures 5¼"L x 1/2"D
Two "AAA" batteries included
AD353xx - $5.36
aluminum housing for lightweight comfort, push button activation,
and pocket clip for convenience.
Measures 5¼"L x 1/2"D
Two "AAA" batteries included
AD353xx - $5.36
Friday, November 13, 2015
8 QT Sharps Collector
8 QT medium sharps container features chimney top, translucent red color
and clear lid. Nestable for storage purposes. Measures 6.75" x 10.56" x
10.89". Can be autoclaved or incinerated.
KE8881676285 - $9.00
KE8881676285 - $9.00
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Better Living Corner: "The disposable waterproof pad rips easily"
"When moving my patient, the disposable waterproof pad rips. Is there a stronger option?"
Yes! All-in-One Underpads by Attends are strong enough to move up to 400lbs, all while preventing leaks in a superior way!
Features a soft cloth-like topsheet, supersorb dryness layer, leakage guard film and a maximum strength breathable backsheet. Also, the embossed pattern on the soft, cloth-like topsheet improves channeling of wetness into the core. Leakage Guard Film, leak-proof, non-slip backsheet.
Clinically proven to reduce Stage I & II pressure ulcers. Reduces labor cost and minimizes odor associated with storing and laundering reusable underpads.
PGASB-3036G - $5.23/pkg of 5
Yes! All-in-One Underpads by Attends are strong enough to move up to 400lbs, all while preventing leaks in a superior way!
Features a soft cloth-like topsheet, supersorb dryness layer, leakage guard film and a maximum strength breathable backsheet. Also, the embossed pattern on the soft, cloth-like topsheet improves channeling of wetness into the core. Leakage Guard Film, leak-proof, non-slip backsheet.
Clinically proven to reduce Stage I & II pressure ulcers. Reduces labor cost and minimizes odor associated with storing and laundering reusable underpads.
PGASB-3036G - $5.23/pkg of 5
Monday, November 9, 2015
Infinity CERTAINTY® in Olive
This olive is rich, vibrant and
antimicrobial! Pair top with olive pant, or mix and match coordinating
pieces to maximize your wardrobe and budget! Features 4-way stretch
fabric, wicking and anti-static properties, wrinkle-free for easy care,
and coverstitch detail for an athletic feel, plus CERTAINTY® is
antimicrobial.
LUCH2624A Our Price: $27.99 & Up
LUCH2624A Our Price: $27.99 & Up
Labels:
antimicrobial,
certainty,
cherokee,
infinity,
laurel uniforms and apparel,
olive
Saturday, November 7, 2015
We Have New Stethoscopes!
In Stock Now!
3M™ Littmann® Classic III™ Stethoscope The Classic III stethoscope offers high acoustic sensitivity for exceptional performance, plus a versatile two-sided chestpiece with tunable diaphragms. Used by students and medical professionals alike, this stethoscope is perfect for general physical assessments. It features dual tunable diaphragms and an updated design that is easier to clean and maintain.
MDF® MD One Pediatric Stethoscope Constructed from acoustically-superior stainless steel, the MDF® MD One™ Pediatric / Childrens Stethoscope delivers accurate auscultation of heart, lung, and Korotkoff sounds with acoustic integrity and clarity. An ergonomic design ensures comfort for the doctor and patient, even during extended use. A premier diagnostic instrument with unmatched performance, durability, and aesthetics. Includes 2 extra sets ComfortSeal™ eartips, spare ultrasensitive diaphragm, and ID tag.
3M™ Littmann® Classic III™ Stethoscope The Classic III stethoscope offers high acoustic sensitivity for exceptional performance, plus a versatile two-sided chestpiece with tunable diaphragms. Used by students and medical professionals alike, this stethoscope is perfect for general physical assessments. It features dual tunable diaphragms and an updated design that is easier to clean and maintain.
MDF® MD One Pediatric Stethoscope Constructed from acoustically-superior stainless steel, the MDF® MD One™ Pediatric / Childrens Stethoscope delivers accurate auscultation of heart, lung, and Korotkoff sounds with acoustic integrity and clarity. An ergonomic design ensures comfort for the doctor and patient, even during extended use. A premier diagnostic instrument with unmatched performance, durability, and aesthetics. Includes 2 extra sets ComfortSeal™ eartips, spare ultrasensitive diaphragm, and ID tag.
Thursday, November 5, 2015
New in Stock: Sani-Cloth® Bleach Germicidal Wipes
Sani-Cloth® Bleach germicidal wipes feature 4-minute contact time and
are ideal for disinfecting high risk areas endemic with Clostridium
difficile spores and Norovirus, plus a total of 50 clinically relevant
microorganisms. EPA-registered intermediate level disinfectant.
Pre-moistened wipes are ready to use. Bactericidal, Fungicidal,
Tuberculocidal, Virucidal.
DYP54072 - $18.02
DYP54072 - $18.02
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Just for Fall!
This fit and flare V-neck top features
contrast print at the neckline and sleeve bands, instrument loop, two
patch pockets and side vents. Center back length is 26". Made of 100%
cotton. Pair with orange, hunter, black, yellow or sage pant.
LUCH42974CB - $18.99
LUCH42974CB - $18.99
Friday, October 30, 2015
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
All That Glitters is Sometimes Gold, Lipstick and Ultramarine!
The original Nicole Top in the Koi Comfort line gets a little sparkle trim in Lipstick for this holiday season!
The super comfy rib-trim top pairs with the sparkle in the limited edition Audrina long-sleeve tee in black with colored foil stars and circles (in Gold, Lipstick or Ultramarine).
Fun and festive, these are perfect for the holiday season!
Click to Shop
The super comfy rib-trim top pairs with the sparkle in the limited edition Audrina long-sleeve tee in black with colored foil stars and circles (in Gold, Lipstick or Ultramarine).
Fun and festive, these are perfect for the holiday season!
Click to Shop
Labels:
audrina,
foil star,
gold,
koi,
koi comfort,
laurel uniforms and apparel,
lipstick,
nicole,
sparkle,
ultramarine
Monday, October 26, 2015
Infinity Certainty Antimicrobial Sold Scrubs
We have expanded our Certainty
Antimicrobial scrub line by Infinity! We brought in the new 1124A Slim
Fit, Low Rise pant in black, and the 2625A Mock Wrap top in Teal (also
in black).
Features 4-way stretch fabric, wicking and anti-static properties, wrinkle-free for easy care, and coverstitch detail for an athletic feel, plus CERTAINTY® specifically inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeast and algae, minimizing odors and stains due to bacteria.
Click to Shop
Features 4-way stretch fabric, wicking and anti-static properties, wrinkle-free for easy care, and coverstitch detail for an athletic feel, plus CERTAINTY® specifically inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeast and algae, minimizing odors and stains due to bacteria.
Click to Shop
Labels:
1124a,
2625a,
antimicrobial,
certainty,
cherokee,
infinity,
laurel uniforms and apparel
Friday, October 23, 2015
New Leg Bag in Stock!
This Hollister leg bag features quality materials that result in soft,
comfortable, durable bags and pleated sides increases the volume but not
the length. Protects skin from pressure points by placing leg strap
connectors and drain valve away from direct contact with leg. Latex
free. 10" length, holds 19oz.
Click to Shop
Click to Shop
Thursday, October 22, 2015
How to Winterize Your Health
Now that
temperatures have dropped and we are bundling up as we leave in the morning,
it's important to remember cold and flu season is here. Young children
and senior citizens are particularly vulnerable to the spread of colds, viral
and bacterial infections. But, there are steps we can all take to stay
healthy throughout the winter season.
Wash Your Hands Frequently
Proper and frequent hand washing is an effective way to avoid spreading germs. Just 15 to 20 seconds of hand washing (or enough time to sing Happy Birthday), using water and soap can reduce the rist of transmitting germs and diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), hand washing is the single most important means of preventing infection from spreading. If you don't have access to a sink, hand sanitizer is another good option.
Vaccinations
Vaccines not only protect vulnerable young children and older adults, but others who need protection due to immunity disorders or other illnesses. Make sure children are up to date on all of their vaccinations, and seniors are up to date on boosters and vaccinations that prevent illnesses such as shingles and pneumonia.
Sick? Stay home
If you have a fever, bad cough, or are vomiting or have diarrhea, make sure to stay home. Not only does staying home provide needed rest for recovery and help prevent the spread of illness and disease to others, but when a person has one illness, they are predisposed to getting another. Staying home prevents “back to back” illness.
Wash Your Hands Frequently
Proper and frequent hand washing is an effective way to avoid spreading germs. Just 15 to 20 seconds of hand washing (or enough time to sing Happy Birthday), using water and soap can reduce the rist of transmitting germs and diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), hand washing is the single most important means of preventing infection from spreading. If you don't have access to a sink, hand sanitizer is another good option.
Vaccinations
Vaccines not only protect vulnerable young children and older adults, but others who need protection due to immunity disorders or other illnesses. Make sure children are up to date on all of their vaccinations, and seniors are up to date on boosters and vaccinations that prevent illnesses such as shingles and pneumonia.
Sick? Stay home
If you have a fever, bad cough, or are vomiting or have diarrhea, make sure to stay home. Not only does staying home provide needed rest for recovery and help prevent the spread of illness and disease to others, but when a person has one illness, they are predisposed to getting another. Staying home prevents “back to back” illness.
Get a Flu Shot
Along with regular
vaccinations, the flu shot is a good way to reduce your risk of catching the
flu, or worse, developing more serious complications from the flu. The flu vaccination is recommended for all
people 6 months and older. A nasal spray
is also available, instead of a shot.
Contact your doctor or county health department for a list of places
where the vaccine is available near you.
Depending on your age, some places offer low cost or no cost flu shots
to senior citizens.
Get Enough Sleep
Children and senior
adults especially need enough sleep.
Children need about 8-10 hours of sleep, and seniors need about 7-9
hours of sleep so they have enough energy to fight off infection. Try to keep a nighttime schedule and routine
to remain well-rested.
Physical Activity
Even when it’s cold
outside, it’s important to find ways to exercise and stay healthy. At least 30 minutes of exercise a day can boost
your immune system, help you live longer and maintain an active life. Simple moves can be done indoors at home. For example, jumping jacks (or stepping
jacks), running in place (or stepping in place), dancing, and of course home
exercise videos and games such as Nintendo Wii can get your heart pumping.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Scrub Tops for the Kids... at Heart!
These cute and fun Tooniform prints feature Olaf from Frozen and Baloo and Mowgli from The Jungle Book.
Also features V-neck, stretchy side panels in contrast knit, a neckband, sleeves and center back panel are all done in a contrast solid fabric.
Center back length is 25 1/2".
Made of 100% cotton.
Click to Shop
Also features V-neck, stretchy side panels in contrast knit, a neckband, sleeves and center back panel are all done in a contrast solid fabric.
Center back length is 25 1/2".
Made of 100% cotton.
Click to Shop
Monday, October 19, 2015
New Unisex Alexis Shoe is Slip Resistant
Unisex Alexis Shoe! This new innovative clog by Anywear, is made with lightweight DBL material that contours the foot. Gel insole with cup and arch support doubles the comfort and helps to reduce heel impact. Slip resistant.
In stock now, come in and try on a pair today!
In stock now, come in and try on a pair today!
Labels:
alexis,
anywear,
clog,
laurel uniforms and apparel,
molded shoe,
unisex
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
New Infinity Certainty Antimicrobial Print Tops
We brought in 2 new print Certainty
Antimicrobial scrub tops by Infinity! Upper left 2628A in Not Heart to
Find, and lower right 2629A in Chevron Floral. Features 4-way stretch
fabric, wicking and anti-static properties, wrinkle-free for easy care,
and coverstitch detail for an athletic feel, plus CERTAINTY®
specifically inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeast and algae,
minimizing odors and stains due to bacteria.
Click to Shop
Click to Shop
Monday, October 12, 2015
Bag Balm Now In Stock
This salve was created to soften cow udders but has a whole slew of applications for humans too!
Made of 8-Hydroxy Quinoline Sulfate 0.3% (antiseptic) in a Petrolatum Lanolin Base.
For rough hands, chafing, cuticles, dry cracked skin, psoriasis, dry facial skin, burns, zits, diaper rash, saddle sores, sunburn, pruned trees, bedsores and more.
8oz square tin with lid.
Click to Shop Now
Made of 8-Hydroxy Quinoline Sulfate 0.3% (antiseptic) in a Petrolatum Lanolin Base.
For rough hands, chafing, cuticles, dry cracked skin, psoriasis, dry facial skin, burns, zits, diaper rash, saddle sores, sunburn, pruned trees, bedsores and more.
8oz square tin with lid.
Click to Shop Now
Friday, October 9, 2015
Chic New Lab Coat is Antimicrobial
This chic new lab coat features a tailored fit with back princess
seams, concealed button front placket, pointed shirt collar, button
cuff sleeves that roll up with button tabs, front welt pockets and
hi-low shirt-tail hem. Center back length is 40". Features 4-way
stretch fabric, wicking and anti-static properties, wrinkle-free for
easy care, and coverstitch detail for an athletic feel, plus CERTAINTY®
specifically inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeast and algae,
minimizing odors and stains due to bacteria.
Click to Shop Now
Click to Shop Now
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
New! Flipp'ng Walker Tray
This walker tray can be flipped out of the way when not in use!
Carries up to 5 pounds, can be used with a standard 2-bottom or a single
bar paddle walker, has dishwasher safe removable cover, can be used
with or without cover insert, measures 21.125" x 16" x 1", molded
plastic with cup holder.
Gray with a Clear Top ONLY Color currently available.
Click to Shop Now
Gray with a Clear Top ONLY Color currently available.
Click to Shop Now
Monday, October 5, 2015
Our Halloween Scrubs are Spook-Tacular!
Hurry! These Halloween scrubs and tops are sure to go fast!
Clockwise from top left:
LUCH42700C in Halloween Haunt
LUKO115PR in Magic Potions
LUCH83727C in Hidden Hallow
LUCH4882 Bat Burnout long sleeve tee's in Black or Pumpkin
Click to Shop Now
Our Price: $18.99 & Up
Clockwise from top left:
LUCH42700C in Halloween Haunt
LUKO115PR in Magic Potions
LUCH83727C in Hidden Hallow
LUCH4882 Bat Burnout long sleeve tee's in Black or Pumpkin
Click to Shop Now
Our Price: $18.99 & Up
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Better Living Corner: Dry Nasal Passages in Winter
"During the colder months, my nose passages get dry. Can you help?"
AYR Saline Nasal gel with soothing aloe helps you breathe better! This long lasting topical gel soothes dry, stuffy, sore and tender noses. Helps with dry noses from colds, CPAP, allergies, chronic sinusitis, mouth breathing, flying, winter dryness, low humidity, oxygen therapy and nosebleeds.
0.5oz tube.
Click to shop MI2547
AYR Saline Nasal gel with soothing aloe helps you breathe better! This long lasting topical gel soothes dry, stuffy, sore and tender noses. Helps with dry noses from colds, CPAP, allergies, chronic sinusitis, mouth breathing, flying, winter dryness, low humidity, oxygen therapy and nosebleeds.
0.5oz tube.
Click to shop MI2547
Thursday, October 1, 2015
New Arrivals for Fall
NEW ARRIVALS here at Laurel Uniforms & Apparel!
From the left:
LUCH20944 in Laser Love, HeartSoul Shine On Collection
LUCH2988C in Out of the Bloom, Cherokee Flexibles
LUCH3678 in Fantastically Floral, Cherokee Runway
LUKO298PR in Sweethearts, Koi Susan
LUCH42700C in Dots for Sure, Cherokee Print
LUCH3652 in Hello Poppy, Cherokee Runway
And these are just a few of our New Arrivals!
Click to shop now!
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
13 Halloween Supersitions & Traditions Explained
Dating back about 2,000 years, Halloween marked the Celtic New Year and was originally called Samhain, which translates to "summer's end" in Gaelic. Halloween is relatively new to America, having only become popular in the early 1900s. The various trademarks now a part of Halloween in America have been both carried throughout the centuries, while others are more modern traditions. Read on to find out the meaning behind 13 spooky Halloween staples, including spiders, witches and trick-or-treating.
#1 BLACK CATS
Often used as symbols of bad luck,
black cats grace many Halloween decorations. The black cat's bad reputation
dates back to the Dark Ages, when witch hunts were commonplace. Elderly,
solitary women were often accused of witchcraft, and their pet cats were said
to be their "familiars," or demonic animals that had been given to
them by the devil.
Another medieval myth told that
Satan turned himself into a cat when socializing with witches. But nowadays,
black cats aren't synonymous with bad luck and mischief everywhere — in
Ireland, Scotland and England, it's considered good luck for a black cat to
cross your path.
#2 JACK-O-LANTERNS
A fun fall activity, carving
Jack-o'-lanterns actually has its roots in a sinister, tragic fable. Celtic
folklore tells the tale of a drunken farmer named Jack who tricked the devil,
but his trickery resulted in him being turned away from both the gates of
heaven and hell after he died. Having no choice but to wander around the
darkness of purgatory, Jack made a lantern from a turnip and a burning lump of
coal that the devil had tossed him from hell. Jack, the story goes, used the lantern to
guide his lost soul; as such, the Celts believed that placing Jack-o'-lanterns
outside would help guide lost spirits home when they wander the streets on
Halloween. Originally made using a hollowed-out turnip with a small candle
inside, Jack-o'-lanterns' frightening carved faces also served to scare evil
spirits away. When the Irish potato famine of 1846 forced Irish families to
flee to North America, the tradition came with them. Since turnips were hard to
come by in the states at the time, pumpkins were used as a substitute.
#3 BATS
Medieval folklore also described
bats as witches' familiars, and seeing a bat on Halloween was considered to be
quite an ominous sign. One myth was that if a bat was spotted flying around
one's house three times, it meant that someone in that house would soon die.
Another myth was that if a bat flew into your house on Halloween, it was a sign
that your house was haunted because ghosts had let the bat in.
#4 SPIDERS
A common source of fear, spiders
make for creepy, crawly Halloween staples. They join the ranks of bats and
black cats in folklore as being evil companions of witches during medieval
times. One superstition held that if a spider falls into a candle-lit lamp and
is consumed by the flame, witches are nearby. And if you spot a spider on
Halloween, goes another superstition, it means that the spirit of a deceased
loved one is watching over you.
#5 WITCHES
The stereotypical image of the
haggard witch with a pointy black hat and warty nose stirring a magical potion
in her cauldron actually stems from a pagan goddess known as "the
crone," who was honored during Samhain. The crone was also known as
"the old one" and the "Earth mother," who symbolized
wisdom, change, and the turning of the seasons. Today, the kind, all-knowing
old crone has morphed into the menacing, cackling witch.
#6 CAULDRONS
The pagan Celts believed that after
death, all souls went into the crone's cauldron, which symbolized the Earth
mother's womb. There, the souls awaited reincarnation, as the goddess' stirring
allowed for new souls to enter the cauldron and old souls to be reborn. That
image of the cauldron of life has now been replaced by the steaming, bubbling,
ominous brew.
#7 WITCH’S BROOMSTICK
The witch's broomstick is another
superstition that has its roots in medieval myths. The elderly, introverted
women that were accused of witchcraft were often poor and could not afford
horses, so they navigated through the woods on foot with the help of walking
sticks, which were sometimes substituted by brooms.
English folklore tells that during
night-time ceremonies, witches rubbed a "flying" potion on their
bodies, closed their eyes and felt as though they were flying. The
hallucinogenic ointment, which caused numbness, rapid heartbeat and confusion,
gave them the illusion that they were soaring through the sky.
#8 TRICK-OR-TREATING IN COSTUMES
In olden times, it was believed
that during Samhain, the veil between our world and the spirit world was
thinnest, and that the ghosts of the deceased could mingle with the living. The
superstition was that the visiting ghosts could disguise themselves in human
form, such as a beggar, and knock on your door during Samhain asking for money
or food. If you turned them away empty-handed, you risked receiving the wrath
of the spirit and being cursed or haunted.
Another Celtic myth was that
dressing up as a ghoul would fool the evil spirits into thinking that you were
one of them so that they would not try to take your soul. In the U.S.,
trick-or-treating became a customary Halloween tradition around the late 1950s,
after it was brought over by Irish immigrants in the early 1900s.
#9 HALLOWEEN COLORS
The traditional Halloween colors of
orange and black actually stem from the pagan celebration of autumn and the
harvest, with orange symbolizing the colors of the crops and turning leaves,
while black marks the "death" of summer and the changing season. Over
time, green, purple and yellow have also been introduced into the color scheme
of Halloween decorations.
#10 MISCHIEF NIGHT
For some, namely troublesome
teenagers, Halloween is also a time for neighborhood pranks. From egging and
toilet-papering houses to smashing jack-o'-lanterns, "devil's night"
can be full of mischief and menace.
The ancient Celts celebrated
Samhain with bonfires, games and comical pranks. By the 1920s and 30s, however,
the celebrations became more rowdy, with rising acts of vandalism, possibly due
to the tension caused by the Great Depression. To curb the vandalism, adults
began to hand out candy, reigniting the forgotten tradition of trick-or-treating
in costume in exchange for sweets.
#11 CANDY APPLES
The fusion of Celtic and Roman
traditions is behind Halloween's candy-apple staple. Samhain was around the
time of the Roman festival honoring Pamona, the goddess of fruit trees. The
goddess is often symbolized by an apple, so the fruit became synonymous with
Samhain celebrations of the harvest.
Candy apples are popular Halloween
treats, and the sugary fruit on a stick was handed out during the early days of
trick-or-treating in North America. Today, candy apples can be covered in
caramel or chocolate with nuts, as well as in the classic, shiny red syrup.
#12 BOBBING FOR APPLES
In ancient times, the apple was
viewed as a sacred fruit that could be used to predict the future. Bobbing for
apples is one of the traditional games used for fortune-telling on Halloween
night. It was believed that the first person to pluck an apple from the
water-filled bucket without using their hands would be the first to marry.
If the bobber lucked out and caught
an apple on the first try, it meant that they would experience true love, while
those who got an apple after many tries would be fickle in their romantic
endeavors. Another myth was that if a girl put her bobbed apple under her
pillow on Halloween night, she would dream about her future husband.
#13 CANDY CORN
The candy most synonymous with
Halloween, the yellow, orange and white candy meant to resemble a corn kernel,
was invented in the late 1880s and began to be mass-produced in the early
1900s. The original process for making candy corn was cumbersome and
time-consuming, as each color of syrup had to be heated up in large vats and
carefully poured by hand into specially shaped molds.
Source: http://www.livescience.com/16677-halloween-superstitions-traditions.html
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