A puzzle hint referencing items commonly used to adorn spaces during the autumnal holiday celebrated on October 31st. The answer to such a clue could be “SKELETON,” “PUMPKIN,” or “GHOST,” depending on the number of letters required and other intersecting answers in the grid.
The prevalence of these types of clues reflects the enduring popularity of both crosswords and the associated seasonal festivities. Successfully solving these hints provides a small sense of accomplishment and engages the solver with cultural touchstones. The historical context reveals a long-standing tradition of using symbolic figures and objects to represent themes related to harvest, mortality, and the supernatural.