An effigy designed to simulate a suspended figure, often humanoid in form, intended for display during the Halloween season. Such items frequently incorporate macabre elements and are deployed to evoke feelings of fear or unease within observers. As an example, a life-sized, cloaked figure suspended from a tree branch, complete with sound effects, exemplifies this type of ornamentation.
The popularity of such items stems from their capacity to dramatically enhance the atmosphere of a Halloween-themed setting. Their imposing presence can contribute significantly to the desired level of fright and suspense. The use of similar representations in historical contexts, albeit for different purposes, highlights the enduring human fascination with symbolic depictions of death and mortality.