Halloween may be a relatively new thing for us South Africans, but it’s growing in popularity each year and big retailers are never slow to cash in on a lucrative trend. You only have to observe how much floor space is dedicated to Halloween merchandise and how that space grows every year, to know just how lucrative it is for big business. But economics aside, it’s fun – although not without a little contention here and there it would seem.

If you’ve ever wondered about the source of this sugar-fuelled, dress-up and freak-out celebration, according to Wikipedia, here it is: the word ‘Halloween’ dates back to around 1745 and it’s of Christian origin. It’s derived from ‘All Hallows Eve’ or ‘All Saints’ Eve’ which was a three-day celebration to remember the dead – including saints, martyrs and all the faithful departed. While many of the traditions which evolved over time have pagan roots, many academics support the belief that Halloween began independently as purely a Christian holiday. And while it may have been largely commercialised, in many parts of the world it is still commemorated by attending church services and lighting a candle by the graveside of those who have passed on. Which would explain all the ghoul costumes come dress-up time.

If you’re joining in on the fun and catering your own Spooky Shindig, you’re spoilt for choice – Google ‘Halloween meat’ and you’ll find 29 million results! Worms in Dirt sound appropriately awful: slice your viennas lengthwise into thin strips, boil them until they curl and serve them on a bed of black beans – instant ew-appeal. Or how about Oozing Beef Eyeballs? Easy to make, simply poke a hole in the middle of your raw meatball, fill it with tomato sauce, top it with a disc of mozzarella and another, smaller slice of olive, bake it and yes, it does look like an oozing eyeball – sounds delicious, doesn’t it? The possibilities are endless – 29 million endless. To get you started, head over to All Recipes, they have everything from Ratloaf to Dead Man Meatloaf and a few other novel ideas in between.

Whatever you end up doing, have fun and don’t forget to stock up on sweets for the trick-or-treaters. Here’s witch-ing you a spook-tacular Halloween.