A seasonal decoration displayed on or near a home’s entrance, it announces the spirit of the holiday to visitors and passersby. These adornments often feature thematic imagery such as pumpkins, ghosts, or bats, combined with greetings like “Welcome” or “Happy Halloween.” For example, a wooden plaque painted with a grinning jack-o’-lantern and the word “Welcome” hung on a front door serves this purpose.
Such festive displays contribute to the overall ambiance of the holiday, fostering a sense of community and excitement. They provide a visual cue that the home is participating in the seasonal celebration. The practice of decorating entryways for autumn festivals and holidays has historical roots in harvest celebrations and warding off ill spirits during the transition to the darker months.