Santería is another religion that is shrouded in secrecy and often regarded with fear—some deem the practice to be Satanic, but it’s really just Santería. Truth be told, there are a lot of aspects of this religion that may rub people the wrong way—animal sacrifice is not as high on the list as things such as the use of human bones or even dead fetuses during a ritual, but the latter two are considered a rarity among fringe practitioners. Suffice it to say, these practitioners would be less than forthcoming about their uses for ingredients that might label them as evil. Nevertheless, seeing as it’s associated with even a few of the practitioners it’s definitely worth mentioning here.
Another African-rooted religion, Santería is typically combined with Catholicism, as are many religions that made the journey from Africa to America during the days of slavery. Like voodoo and hoodoo, enslaved Africans were forced to convert to a western religion—in this case, Catholicism. Santeras saw the similarities of the Catholic saints to the Orishas which were the deities that they had worshipped before being taken from their own lands. Aside from the Catholic influences that are found within the religion, Santeras believe in only one god, Olodumare, but the Orishas are the deities that represent different aspects of nature, there are said to be over 400 orishas within the religion.
Much like voodoo, ancestor veneration is a huge facet of the religion, this is done to honor those who have passed on and recognize them as guides that can help influence their lives for the good or for the bad. During traditional rituals, there is an abundance of drumming, dancing, and interacting with spirits. Unlike traditional western religions, these rituals are not confined within the walls of a church or temple, they can occur nearly anywhere.
What’s with the Animal Sacrifice?
Photography by Kazi Faiz Ahmed Jeem
Animal Sacrifice is actually a common theme within Santería, but it’s not just about killing for the sake of killing. Santeras use animal sacrifice as an offering to the Orishas during major ceremonies. The blood is considered an important offering to the Orishas, where the actual animal is eaten after the ritual—so while some may consider it awful, it actually serves a purpose to them in their religious activities. It’s definitely a sore subject for those who may not understand the practice and indeed caused quite a stir when a man in Texas decided to fight for his freedom to practice his religion without undue burden from the law.
Is Santería Dangerous?
Photography by Gerhard Lipold
It really depends on who you ask, as can be expected, Santeras would likely not agree which is fair. They’re a federally recognized religion as of 1993 after a case to ban animal sacrifice was overturned as it was said to specifically target Santeras and their religious practices. There are however some aspects of the religion that some may construe as dangerous—as well as other practices that are indeed dangerous to the health of those who partake. One of these dangerous aspects of Santería is that at one time it was considered a fairly common practice to use liquid Mercury in ritual, which as can be expected led to Mercury poisoning and has since become a less frequent ritual substance.
Georgia-based author and artist, Mary has been a horror aficionado since the mid-2000s. Originally a hobby artist and writer, she found her niche in the horror industry in late 2019 and hasn’t looked back since. Mary’s evolution into a horror expert allowed her to express herself truly for the first time in her life. Now, she prides herself on indulging in the stuff of nightmares.
Mary also moonlights as a content creator across multiple social media platforms—breaking down horror tropes on YouTube, as well as playing horror games and broadcasting live digital art sessions on Twitch.
Most Realistic Masks Used in Horror Movie Costumes
Gruesome, Terrifying Horror Movie Masks
The world of horror has brought a lot of truly disgusting, and terrifying masks out of the darkness. Some are latex and meant to quite literally be a Halloween mask. Other masks had other uses before they shielded the horror slasher’s mug! There are some masks which are better known than others, even world-renowned…and then there are some super niche horror movies with much less recognized masks. Still, there is no end to the creativity in Hollywood and in form of horror movie masks!
Terrifying, Gruesome, Realistic or Scary Horror Movie Masks
With the diverse variety of mask types available, horror movie killers can be seen with some sincerely creative masks. This list is ranked in order of scariest to tamest of the best masks used in horror movies.
Please note: Masks only. Paint doesn’t count. Makeup doesn’t count. It must be a covering part of the face with a physical object than can be removed to make the list!
Leatherface Mask
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre hosts one of the scariest horror movie slashers in the genre. Leatherface is a larger, beast-like killer and his mask may be just as scary as his stature and weapon. Leatherface makes his masks out of human flesh, so they are naturally one of the most terrifying of all the horror movie masks out there.
Buying a real Leatherface inspired mask (not real human flesh obviously) is pretty easy, but many are cheap. It is still possible, though, to buy a high quality Leatherface mask.
The Strangers Bag Head
The Strangers highlighted one of the most common cliches in the horror genre: protagonist stuck in the house, slashers trying to break in and terrorize. Only the Strangers did it all in one single house, throughout the entire movie. Most of the fear was psychological, but the small visual peeks at the killer are terrifying mostly due to the bag over his head.
It is possible to buy the Strangers Bag Head mask, a few places offer them. Some are authentic, others are knock offs and look-a-like bag masks. They are all pretty scary though!
Michael Myers
Almost everyone (fan or not) knows the face of Michael Myers. He is a ghost-white latex-faced killer with zero facial expression and the “blackest eyes.”
There are a wide variety of real Michael Myers masks available for sale. Like all costume, Halloween and horror movie masks, some are higher quality than others.
The Masquerade Mask
The masquerade mask has been used in a variety of horror movies. Some of the most notable include the Purge movies and Valentine (2001). The masquerade mask is naturally scary as it is meant to ‘blend the wearer into the crowd,’ made popular centuries ago. Parties around the world make use of the masquerade mask…making it a truly scary horror movie mask…as it typically represents an unknown killer!
Masquerade masks are obviously extremely accessible and easy to buy. It is possible to buy Purge-style Halloween masks (realistic replicas) as well as the authentic recreations of the Purge masks themselves.
Jason’s Hockey Mask
The Friday the 13thfranchise created one of the most iconic (and deadliest) killers of all time, Jason Voorhees. Jason’s Hockey mask is one of the only identifying features a victim sees before the machete.
Purchasing a Jason Voorhees style hockey mask is easy, as they are available to buy in all types of colors and qualities.
Jigsaw Mask
Saw’s John Kramer (aka Jigsaw) is a very intelligent horror movie killer. Although he does not typically show himself nearly as often as the other horror movie slashers…he most certainly shows off his Jigsaw doll. The Jigsaw doll is most memorable due to its mask. The Jigsaw doll sports a spooky clown-inspired white-faced mask with the red hypnotic spirals on the cheeks!
Some Jigsaw masks for sale are made of cheap PVC or plastic, while it is also possible to buy a high quality Jigsaw mask (even made of nice grade resin).
Ghostface Mask
The antagonist of the Scream franchise (no matter who the killer is), wears a long-mouthed ghost-like mask with a black hood. The mask is extremely identifiable and thus the character has infamously become known most commonly as “Ghostface.”
Ghostface is probably the most commonly purchased Halloween mask available and worn. It is also probably the easiest Halloween mask to buy, both in availability and price. Still, some are higher quality than others.
Buy the Best Halloween and Horror Movie Masks (and scariest)
If you are looking for a truly scary Halloween or horror movie mask, a lot of these masks, and similar Halloween masks are available to buy online. There is a super wide variety of extremely realistic Halloween masks out there. It’s important to be careful when purchasing masks outright, as many of them lack quality. The last thing a high quality Halloween or horror costume needs is a cheap mask. High quality masks mean better scares. Buying a realistic, high quality horror mask can absolutely complete a look.
Some masks are also considered horror movie props and are awesome collector’s items. Many horror fans collect masks (even those that were not featured in horror movies) for their intrinsic scare-based value, as well as their future monetary value. It has been proven that many of the higher quality masks become instant investments when properly cared for.
Tritone’s love of horror and mystery began at a young age. Growing up in the 80’s he got to see some of the greatest horror movies play out in the best of venues, the drive-in theater. That’s when his obsession with the genre really began—but it wasn’t just the movies, it was the games, the books, the comics, and the lore behind it all that really ignited his obsession. Tritone is a published author and continues to write and write about horror whenever possible.
Scotland is a country known for its majestic castles. With a history that dates way back, people lived in Scotland for at least 8,500 years before Britain’s history records started. It is one of the oldest countries and Europe and with that comes a lot of history and ghost stories! The castles of Scotland have seen more life, death, and tragedy than any building in North America. So it’s no wonder they have a few hauntings. Almost every castle in Scotland has a ghost story or two or more from over the centuries. These are some of the most haunted castles in Scotland which also makes them my favourites!
Crathes Castle, Banchory
There are many sightings of a Green Lady in Scottish castles. No one would know if it’s the same Green Lady or not. A popular sighting tends to be Crathes Castle, where many people have been said to have seen a green lady cradling a baby. When Crathes Castle was renovated in the 1800s, there were some children’s bones found beneath the fireplace in the room that has long been known as the Green Lady’s room. Who these belong to has never been discovered. One theory about the Green Lady is that she has come from an incident where Lady Agnes, widow of the Laird, was an overbearing, obsessive mother to her son, Alexander. When he grew and formed a relationship with a common young lady named Bertha, Lady Agnes was not happy with the idea of sharing her son with this young woman. When Alexander was away on a long journey, Lady Agnes decided to poison Bertha. Alexander returned to the news that she had passed away.
In an effort to comfort him, Lady Agnes prepared him a meal. However, when he reached for a goblet, she snatched it away, realising that this was the same goblet that had held the poison she used to kill Bertha. Alexander was furious with his mother.
When Bertha’s parents arrived to collect her remains, Lady Agnes was screaming “She comes! She comes!” and was struck dead within minutes.
However, the Green Lady has never been identified as either Agnes or Bertha. Some say that Bertha herself has been sighted on the anniversary of her death. Some believe that the Green Lady is the ghost of a servant who disappeared after getting pregnant.
Falkland Palace, Fife
Before Falkland Palace was constructed, it was a hunting lodge. When it was expanded, it was owned by The Earls of Fife – Clan MacDuff.
Falkland Palace was apparently loved by Mary Queen of Scots, and some have claimed to have seen her ghost around there. It is said that if you stare through a window in the Queen’s bedroom, you’ll see a sinister face staring back at you.
There is also the ghost of the White Lady, who will disappear through a wall once she catches you staring at her.
Another ghost has been sighted in the Tapestry Gallery, known as the Grey Lady and she can be seen anxiously pacing. It is said that her lover left for battle and never returned, but to this day, she is still waiting.
Several staff members have reported seeing the Grey Lady. One of whom – a gardener- has reported seeing her wandering around the drive of the castle. Another experience from the same staff member was when she and a friend were in Lord Bute’s room. While they had reason to be in there, they found that they felt uncomfortable, as though they were intruders.
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle is said to be one of the most haunted places in Scotland. Many of the former prisoners are said to haunt the dungeons to this day. One unfortunate prisoner had chosen to hide in a dung barrel, thinking that the barrow would be wheeled down the Royal Mile and he could escape. However, he had not considered how the dung was disposed of and he was thrown down the slopes of the castle to his death. Many visitors claim to experience a feeling that someone is trying to push them, accompanied by an unpleasant smell.
There is also the ghost of the piper boy. This dates back several centuries to when there were tunnels found under the castle. The entrance was so small, that the piper boy was the only one who could fit. He was instructed to investigate where the tunnels lead, but to play his bagpipes as he travelled, so that everyone knew where he was. As he wandered the tunnels, multiple people were listening for the sounds of his bagpipes, but the sound of piping stopped somewhere near Tron Kirk, a church on the Royal Mile. There were several attempts to find the boy, but there was never any trace of him. The city council ordered the tunnel to be sealed, but late at night, some people still say that they hear the sound of a single bagpipe playing from beneath their feet.
A headless drummer was seen shortly before Oliver Cromwell attacked the castle in 1650. While the sightings are rare, often people claim to hear the sounds of drums inside the castle. It is said that his appearance would come as a warning when the castle was about to come under attack. No one knows who the ghost may be, or how he died, but a common belief is that he was beheaded.
Janet Douglas, Lady of Glamis is the tragic woman who was accused of trying to poison the king and of practising witchcraft. In 1537, she was burned at the stake, while her 16-year-old son watched. She was one of thousands of victims of Scotland’s witch hunting. It was shortly after her death that apparitions of (another) Grey Lady began to happen at the castle. She is often spotted wandering the halls and weeping. There have also been reports of knocking sounds, which some believe could be the sounds of workmen building the structure that killed Janet.
If you love horror and all things scary, check out author Lynsey Mitchell’s blog -> Lynsey’s Awesome Horror Blog
Tritone’s love of horror and mystery began at a young age. Growing up in the 80’s he got to see some of the greatest horror movies play out in the best of venues, the drive-in theater. That’s when his obsession with the genre really began—but it wasn’t just the movies, it was the games, the books, the comics, and the lore behind it all that really ignited his obsession. Tritone is a published author and continues to write and write about horror whenever possible.
Much as Jason Vorhees forever changed the hockey goalie mask Ghostface has brought fame and fortune to the Scream movie mask or is it the Ghostface mask, well really it was called “The Peanut-Eyed Ghost,” but we’ll get to that. Since the original Scream movie the mask has taken off in popularity and there are dozens of variations, fan versions, and remakes available. In the mid 1990s it is widely considered the highest selling Halloween mask and continues to sell thousands a month and even more in September and October.
History of the Ghostface Scream Mask
Scream was originally going to be called “Scary Movie,” but after the Scream’s Ghostface mask was discovered the movie title was eventually changed to “Scream.” Mostly likely due to mask’s inspiration from the impressionistic painter Edward Munch´s “The Scream” – 1893.
Ghostface’s Scream mask was originally discovered at a scouting location once used by an Alfred Hitchcock film, by Marianne Maddalena. Much like there are different killers in the Scream franchise, there are different stories as to where the mask was found from a box to draped over a chair, but what remains consistent that it was discovered on a location scouting mission.
After the generous home owner let them take the mask the production team set to making their own variation. The script called for a mask that you might find at a “dime store” and after 20 variation attempts the team was still not able to create something satisfactory.
They must’ve done 20 different designs. Every one of them was rejected by the studio, and finally we were like, why don’t we just get the rights to this mask?
Behind the Scenes Scream
Concept Art of the Variations
Finally, it was suggested that they simply get the rights to use the mask. The original mask was created by “Fun World” and it was called “The Peanut-Eyed Ghost.” Fun World currently sells 9 variations of the mask but they are a retail distributor so you cannot buy just one directly from them, sorry. The Ghostface scream mask was originally designed by Brigitte Sleiertin for the “Fantastic Faces” series somewhere around 1994. She noted that she was influenced by the Scream Painting but also:
I just loved all vintage animation and that fluid, almost rubbery movement
Brigitte Sleiertin original Scream Mask Designer
But the saga continues. Her boss at the time, Alan Geller, has claimed he actually created the mask, but nothing has surfaced to date to prove that.
Scream Behind The Scenes Documentary
Ghostface Scream Mask Variations
Fun World made a guide of many of the face mold options, but there is more than just the molds. There are color variations, themes, and anniversary editions all out there for your collection.
2022 Ghostface Mask Variations
The Patriot, Pumpkin, Pride, Blood, Dead by Daylight Ghostface mask and more. These Ghostface Masks are currently Available at Horror Hub Marketplace
Older Ghostface Mask Variations
2018 Ghostface Mask Variations
2017 Ghostface Mask Variations
Scream the Series Masks
MTV’s adaptation of the movie franchise ran for 3 seasons. For the first two seasons the series did not use the official Ghostface Mask. Instead it ran with a variant of sorts. More of a post surgical mask, but with some reference to the original. This did not go over well with die hard Scream fans so in season 3 MTV got the rights from Fun World to use a proper Ghostface mask.
The future of the Scream mask seems certain, more variations! Until then stay creepy and enjoy the upcoming 5th release this week.
Tritone’s love of horror and mystery began at a young age. Growing up in the 80’s he got to see some of the greatest horror movies play out in the best of venues, the drive-in theater. That’s when his obsession with the genre really began—but it wasn’t just the movies, it was the games, the books, the comics, and the lore behind it all that really ignited his obsession. Tritone is a published author and continues to write and write about horror whenever possible.
Comparing Horror Movie Killers: How Are Horror Movie Villains the Same and Different
There are so many horror movie slashers and so many different villains! These villains all make their mark differently, each killing with their own modified personality and weapon. However, despite how different they may be, there are also some serious similarities between the horror movie killers when it comes to the art of killing. In fact, the Horror Enthusiast has identified a number of similarities between these killing masters which are undeniably inherent in almost all of the major horror movie slasher franchises.
Mostly we are talking about slashers here, such as Freddy Krueger (Nightmare on Elm Street), Jason Voorhees (Friday the Thirtieth), Michael Myers (Halloween), Chucky (Child’s Play), and Leatherface (Texas Chainsaw Massacre).
Similarity #1: Delayed Gratification
It is blatantly obvious that almost all horror movie villains are able to absolutely destroy their victims nearly immediately upon encountering them. Still, the horror slashers seem to enjoy a good hunt and frequently allow their prey a few feet of a head start in order to prolong the kill! This delayed gratification can last a few moments, or sometimes the duration of an entire movie (or longer)!
Similarity #2: Weapon Emphasis
Although some horror killers have been known to use their bare hands and other objects for their creative kill scenes, nearly all of the most notable horror franchises utilize one or a few select weapons. Many of the slashers prefer a weapon or two, in fact. Freddy Krueger is prone to favor his razor finger glove. Jason Voorhees has used many weapons, but has the most kills with his famed machete. Michael Myers prefers his large kitchen knife. Leatherface tends to rely most heavily on his chainsaw, however, also enjoys the use of meathooks to retain his captured prey!
Similarity #3: Disguise or Mask or Grotesque Look
Horror movie slashers need to look as scary as possible, and normal looking humans are just not that scary. Freddy Krueger is naturally burned, but looks like he has been spat out of hell itself. Jason Voorhees hides behind a scary looking hockey mask. Michael Myers has a mask that covers his entire head, a mask that almost speaks death. Charles Lee Ray possesses the creepy Good Guy doll “Chucky.” And Leatherface wears masks created from the actual flesh of the faces of his victims. Having a bolstered, evil look is critical in creating a terrifying presence.
Similarity #4: Rejected by Society
Almost all of our favorite horror movie villains have been rejected by society in one fashion or another. Freddy Krueger is a child murderer who was punished by his neighborhood peers after preying on their children. Jason Voorhees was bullied due to his deformities and low IQ. Michael Myers was deemed “unhuman” and sent to live in a psychiatric ward most of his life. Chucky is actually a desperate fugitive taking refuge within the doll to avoid his fate as a discovered serial killer. Leatherface is mentally challenged to the point his town pokes fun at his low intellect. In fact, rejection is an important fabric in developing a ruthless killer.
Similarity #5: Lurking in the Shadows
A really big part of horror is the unknown. From the slasher’s perspective, however, the victims are almost always known about ahead of time, at least a few moments from the kill. Even the most disconnected killers (such as Jason Voorhees or Leatherface), stalk their prey for a short time before the victims become aware of the killer’s presence. In fact, slashers like Freddy Krueger and Michael Myers are known to do a fair amount of stalking before they slit any flesh!
Similarity #6: Supernatural Powers
Despite the many forms horror movie slashes may come in, they almost always possess supernatural powers in the leading horror movie franchises. Freddy Krueger is a dreamworld manipulator and demon-like soul harvester. Jason Voorhees is literally brought back from the dead and given superhuman strength and is seemingly indestructible. Michael Myers is “pure evil,” as best put by Dr Loomis, and by no means a human being. Chucky is a possessed doll invoked through the use of ancient a voodoo ritual.
Similarity #7: Sympathetic Storyline
Ironically, all of the killers are humanized at one point or another in their horror movie killing career. This is probably done to create sympathy for the killer among the audience to increase brand loyalty…as the slashers themselves often become famed stars that drive the future success of the franchise. Freddy Krueger is made up to be a victim, burned in a brutal boiler room fire without proper judicial process. Jason Voorhees is a mentally handicapped child who is drowned by cruel teenage peers. Michael Myers is psychologically damaged and constantly being locked up in a mental institute, ever since he were a child. Leatherface is mentally ill as well and only broke bad after he got fired from his job as a butcher, previously having no incidents of violence. Even Chucky is humanized, at one point taking on a wife that matched his stature!
Similarity #8: Little to No Empathy
Although the directors and writers of many of these horror slasher franchises have invoked empathy for the killer at one point or another, the slasher almost never has any empathy for the victims. There are a few scenes where some of the killers surprise us, however, typically they are ruthless and only interested in a gruesome death and/or possibly harvesting a soul!
Similarity #9: Relentless Pursuit
A good horror movie is built upon suspense. No matter how the suspense is built, it is a necessary trait to creating dopamine from fear. The audience must feel they are at risk themselves and remain on the edge of their seat throughout the entire film. Most notable horror slashers are relentless and will pursue a victim as long as it takes, sometimes throughout the entire film!
Similarity #10: Impossible to Kill
Although horror movie slashers are nearly always defeated towards the end of each film, they almost always come back…sometimes it is even hinted at the very end of the film itself! Horror movie slashers are notoriously hard to kill…this is probably to increase the likelihood of the survival of the franchise. Horror movie franchises typically rely upon the continuation of a killer’s rampage. After all, if the slasher’s victim count cannot increase, neither can the number of movies within the franchise! Freddy Krueger very commonly was seen having the final upper hand within many of his movies. Jason Voorhees has also come back several times in the final moments. Michael Myers almost always escapes death somehow. And we all know leatherface always has the last laugh (well, if he laughed anyway)!
How Are the Horror Movie Slashers Different?
As similar as these monsters and killers may be, each horror movie villain is different in their own way as well! Each character requires as much of a unique presence as can be mustered for the same genre…thus the characters are generally products of their environment with each movie changing the environment slightly. Freddy Krueger’s grotesque look comes from the boiler room fire that killed him. Leatherface is a deranged inbred, which is why he covers his face with the flesh of his victims. Michael Myers is always wearing a jumpsuit after escaping mental institutions. Chucky is a doll that has been given to a child as a present. Each killer is made to fit the environment by which it kills, and each environment is different.
Find out who has the most kills of this group of horror monsters.
Have some similarities or differences you have noticed? Comment below, we’d love to hear from you!
Tritone’s love of horror and mystery began at a young age. Growing up in the 80’s he got to see some of the greatest horror movies play out in the best of venues, the drive-in theater. That’s when his obsession with the genre really began—but it wasn’t just the movies, it was the games, the books, the comics, and the lore behind it all that really ignited his obsession. Tritone is a published author and continues to write and write about horror whenever possible.
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