Magic is in the air as Halloween approaches. This mystical holiday brings excitement and wonder to both young and old. One popular tradition during this time is dressing up in costumes and going door-to-door for treats, known as trick-or-treating. Children and adults alike put on their best costumes, transforming into different characters for a night of magical fun. The concept of magic ties in seamlessly with Halloween. It is a time where illusions and supernatural events captivate our imagination.
"A beautiful book for the art afficionado or charm enthusiast."
— Vision Magazine, Jan 2005
With over 400 lavish color photographs, this book explores amulets from every angle, including their symbolism and the diverse material used to craft them as well as the people and objects they protect. Binding Words covers a wide territory, temporally and geographically, to show how amulets are embedded in the fabric of medieval European society as both physical and cultural artifacts.
It is a time where illusions and supernatural events captivate our imagination. From witches and wizards to ghosts and goblins, the holiday embraces all things mystical and otherworldly. One particular magic guise that grabs attention during Halloween is the witch costume.
Amulets: Sacred Charms of Power and Protection (Paperback)
All over the world and throughout history amulets have offered protection against negative forces, whether witchcraft, the evil eye, enemies, sickness, or accidents. Intricately beautiful or starkly simple, they come in an astonishing variety of guises: from stones, shells, and seeds, through animal tails, teeth, and claws, to beads, mirrors, needles, and bells.
With over 400 lavish color photographs, this book explores amulets from every angle, including their symbolism and the diverse material used to craft them as well as the people and objects they protect. Sheila Paine traveled all over the world--from Afghanistan, Russia, and Albania, to Cameroon, Tunisia, and Mexico--to research the form, properties, and use of amulets, whether for health and safety or as channels for spiritual or magical powers. Worn as necklaces, sewn to clothing, painted on buildings, or hung in vehicles, amulets guard babies and brides; warriors, hunters, and travelers; livestock, crops, and homes through magical, not physical, means. Malign spirits and hobgoblins at crossroads have been feared since ancient times, but modern dangers--car crashes, new diseases, even cell phones--have ensured an abiding faith in the magical protection that amulets afford us that is still widely evident today.
About the Author
Sheila Paine is an expert on tribal societies and textiles and is the author of Embroidered Textiles: Traditional Patterns from Five Continents and the trilogy The Afghan Amulet: Travels from the Hindu Kush to Razgrad, The Golden Horde: Travels from the Himalaya to Karpathos, Amulets and The Linen Goddess: Travels from the Red Sea to Prizren. She lives in England.
Praise For…
". . . an in-depth focus which reveals the past, present, and future of amulets in all their symbolism and power."
— The Midwest Book Review
"In this opulent book filled with full color pictures of headresses and houses, textiles and jewelry, Sheila Paine takes an anthropological and historical look at the symbolism and materials of these charms, fetishes and talismans."
— Vision Magazine, Jan 2005
"A beautiful book for the art afficionado or charm enthusiast."
— Vision Magazine, Jan 2005
“Amulets’ mystical appeal gives them a place among the world’s religions--and in our everyday lives.”
— Jennifer Derryberry Mann, Spirituality and Health, August 2005
"The amount of information collected in this book is nothing short of astounding, making this the ultimate ference book."
— Lauren L. Laflamme, The Beltane Papers, Issue 36, Oct 2005
"This book should be included in every Pagan's library."
— Karolina Blaha-Black, New Witch, Apr 2006
". . . each photo brings the vibrancy and color of the culture of amulets: teeth, feathers, beads and mirrors."
— Vision Magazine, Jan 2005
". . . containing full-color photos of genuine amulets on nearly every page, this book is a survey of creaativity and bekief from around the world."
— Barbara Ardinger, PanGaia, Nov 2006
- Art / Folk & Outsider Art
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Reference
- Religion / Paganism & Neo-Paganism
“Binding Words covers a wide territory, temporally and geographically, to show how amulets are embedded in the fabric of medieval European society as both physical and cultural artifacts. The book avoids artificial distinctions between magic and religion, prayer and charm, to show how an amulet can be simultaneously devotional and protective. This contextualized approach is a significant contribution to the field.” —Karen Jolly, University of Hawaii at Manoa
With their pointy hats, broomsticks, and black robes, witches are a staple of Halloween folklore. These enchanting characters are believed to possess special powers and knowledge of the occult. Along with witches, wizards also make appearances during Halloween with their long beards, robes, and wands. They are often seen as the masters of magic, possessing the ability to cast spells and create potions. Their presence adds an extra touch of enchantment to the Halloween festivities. Ghosts are another frequent theme for Halloween costumes. These ethereal beings are believed to be the spirits of the deceased, returning to the living world during this time. Their pale figures and eerie presence add an element of mystery and wonder to Halloween celebrations. Not only do individuals dress up in magical guises, but Halloween decorations also embrace the theme. Pumpkins are carved into jack-o'-lanterns, casting an eerie glow with their flickering candles. Black cats, bats, and spider webs are also commonly seen, symbolizing the supernatural world. During Halloween, the magic guise extends beyond costumes and decorations. Haunted houses and spooky attractions become popular destinations, offering visitors an interactive experience with ghosts and ghouls. These attractions are designed to transport individuals into a world of magic and terror, providing an unforgettable experience. Overall, the magic guise of Halloween is a beloved tradition that brings joy and excitement to people of all ages. Whether it's dressing up as a witch, a wizard, or any other mystical creature, the spirit of Halloween embraces the wonders of the supernatural. It's a time where the realms of reality and fantasy collide, leaving us with a night filled with enchantment and bewitchment..
Reviews for "Magical Moments: Capturing the Essence of Giuse Halloween with Tricks and Treats"
1. John - 1/5 - I was really disappointed with "Magic giuse halloween". The storyline was confusing and didn't make much sense. The acting was also pretty mediocre, with the characters feeling one-dimensional and uninteresting. The special effects were also underwhelming and didn't add any depth to the movie. Overall, I would not recommend watching this film if you're looking for an enjoyable Halloween experience.
2. Lisa - 2/5 - "Magic giuse halloween" had an interesting concept, but the execution fell flat for me. The pacing was off, with some scenes dragging on for too long while others felt rushed. The dialogue was also pretty weak, with cliché and predictable lines throughout. The film lacked tension and suspense, making it hard to feel invested in the outcome. While there were a few visually appealing moments, they were not enough to redeem the overall mediocrity of the movie.
3. Alex - 2/5 - I was really excited for "Magic giuse halloween" as a horror fan, but it ended up being a major letdown. The scares were few and far between, and when they did happen, they were not very effective. The plot was disjointed and confusing, making it difficult to follow along. The characters were also uninteresting and lacked depth. Overall, I found this movie to be a wasted opportunity to create a truly spooky and memorable Halloween experience.