Tom
An Old Friend
October 12, 2014
Skeletons
Skeletons are body parts forming the support structure of an animal. In popular media and online, undead creatures are often depicted as animated skeletons and associated with the annual Halloween celebration.
Skulls
The skull is a bony structure in the head of most vertebrates (in particular, craniates) that supports the structures of the face and forms a protective cavity for the brain. The skull is composed of two parts: the cranium and the mandible. The skull forms the anterior most portion of the skeleton and is a product of encephalization, housing the brain, many sensory structures (eyes, ears, nasal cavity), and the feeding system.
The Meaning of Halloween Skulls and Skeletons
Continuing in the knowledge that Halloween is a time to honor the memories of those who no longer share the physical stage of life with us, the skeleton is a symbolic (and physical) reminder of the remnants of life. Skulls in particular were considered by many ancient cultures (including the Druids of the Celts) to be the psychic seat of the human whole. As such, skulls are powerful symbols invoking a heightened awareness of our psychic potential. Incorporated during this powerful time of year doubles their profound symbolic purposes. The skeleton is almost always featured on the Major Arcana Death card; peering into its meaning may offer more enlightenment on these intriguing concepts here. I've also written a bit on the skull as a good luck symbol here. You may also be interested in the symbolic meaning of skulls according to the Mexican tradition of Dia de los Muertos here. With more research, our understanding of this Halloween symbol takes on a whole new meaning.
No yard display is complete without a creepy bonepile. Here are some skulls you might want to include because, well, they're creepy as hell!
These are ALL normal animal skulls!
Make your own skulls using Plaster of Paris