Day of the Dead, the Beauty of the Marigold

Dia de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and exuberant Mexican holiday that pays tribute to and celebrates the lives of departed family members. Marigolds are one of the most recognizable and colorful components of the many customs and symbols connected to this special celebration. We will explore the intriguing history of marigolds and their importance in the Day of the Dead.

The Aztecs thought marigolds had special spiritual properties. They saw the bright color of the flowers as a representation of the sun’s life-giving energy, which they thought was essential for the souls of the dead to travel to the hereafter. Marigolds were frequently used in a variety of rituals, such as funeral and burial rites.

The rich customs of the native Americans, which included the use of marigolds in spiritual rituals, were observed by the Spanish conquistadors upon their arrival in the Americas. Because of this, the marigold has come to be associated with Catholicism and the Day of the Dead celebration, which falls on November 1st and 2nd, the Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

Marigolds are a major component of Day of the Dead celebrations in modern times. Marigold petals are carefully placed on altars, or Ofrendas, to create elaborate patterns and designs. On the Day of the Dead, these vivid orange and yellow flowers are thought to help the departed’s spirits return to this life.

I don’t know about you but I love these flowers. I find them bright and cheery, I can see why they chose this flower to lead their loved ones back to them.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

I have loved Indy, since the first time I watched Raiders when I was a little girl. I wasn’t born when Raiders came out, okay? Just wanted to clarify that. Anyways, much to my excitement a new Indiana film came out this year, practically had me swooning.

In 1944, the world was engulfed in a fierce war because the Nazis had taken two prominent archaeologists captive: Indiana Jones and Basil Shaw of Oxford. They had done this as part of their attempt to gain global dominance. The elusive Lance of Longinus, a mythical relic said to possess extraordinary power, was what they sought. They had no idea that this journey would lead them to the enigmatic Dial of Destiny—the discovery of a lifetime.

Astrophysicist Jürgen Voller made a discovery that would change the path of history forever in the midst of the chaos of the French Alps. He told his Nazi superiors that the Lance of Longinus was a forgery and that, instead, he had discovered half of Archimedes’ Dial, which was even more amazing. The Antikythera mechanism is a remarkable invention attributed to the ancient Syracusan mathematician Archimedes. Time fissures could be revealed by it, raising the exciting prospect of time travel.

Twenty-five years later, in 1969, an aging Indiana Jones is about to retire from his position at New York City’s Hunter College. His personal life is a complete mess; Marion Ravenwood, his wife, filed for legal separation and recently left him, mostly because of Indy’s severe depression after losing their son Mutt in the Vietnam War.

Reluctantly at first, Indiana is pulled back into the field of archeological research. He’s been holding the mysterious Dial of Destiny for years, and it might hold the secret to deciphering and manipulating time itself. Indiana is forced to set out on a brand-new, exciting journey because of the possibility of time travel, the constant threat posed by those who would use it for evil, and the memory of his beloved friend Basil Shaw.

It is a fantastic movie full of twists and turns, but it’s all Indy. Grab some popcorn, get cozy on the couch and watch our hero ride again.

As Always, Keep On Brewin.

Evil Dead, Always a Classic

I watched this movie month s ago but, I have to say few franchises are as revered in the world of horror film as the Evil Dead series. This franchise, which is well-known for its distinctive fusion of humor, gore, and visceral scares, has continuously pushed the limits of horror storytelling. The most recent episode, Evil Dead Rise, offers a new perspective on the long-running conflict with supernatural forces by introducing us to a new cast of characters and situations.

The film begins with a startling and graphic scene. Teresa, Jessica, and Jessica’s boyfriend, Caleb, are on vacation at a secluded cabin by a lake. Their otherwise perfect trip takes a terrifying turn when Jessica, who appears to be under the influence of something otherworldly, decapitates Caleb and scalps Teresa before vanishing menacingly above the placid waters. It’s an intensely frightening and gut-wrenching start that foreshadows the unrelenting horror to come.

As the narrative progresses, we are transported back in time to meet Beth, a guitar technician who recently found out she was expecting a child. Beth, who is distraught and in need of comfort, goes to see her tattoo artist sister Ellie, who is also a single mother of three kids: Danny, Bridget, and Kassie. They live in the Monde Apartments, a dilapidated and abandoned complex in Los Angeles with its own sinister secrets.

Both newbies to the series and ardent fans of the franchise will find something to like about the film’s intriguing premise and fresh cast of characters. Evil Dead Rise is billed as a terrifying thrill ride that will have viewers on the edge of their seats and serve as a reminder of why the Evil Dead series has endured for so long as a mainstay of the horror genre. Thus, get ready for a plunge into the unknown and brace yourself for the horrors that lie ahead in Evil Dead Rise. I definitely jumped , screamed and hid during the movie. So, it’s a jumping good time, check it out.

As Always, Keep On Brewin.

The Nun II

Even though the horrific events at Saint Cartha’s monastery happened four years ago, those who were there still can’t shake the nightmare they had of Valak the demon. Sister Irene returns to face the evil force once more in The Nun 2, which delves deeper and deeper into the macabre realm of supernatural horrors.

As the sequel begins, Taissa Farmiga’s character Sister Irene is working at a sedate convent in Italy and is making a valiant effort to put her past behind her. Maurice (Jonas Bloquet), her combat partner against Valak, has sought safety at a French boarding school. He has developed a close relationship with Sophie, a young Irish student, and Kate, her mother and teacher. This peaceful environment is where the evil forces of Valak will eventually reappear.

Irene’s tranquil existence abruptly changes when she starts to see Maurice in her dreams, pleading for her assistance. After this terrifying experience, she goes to the Vatican for help, specifically to the Cardinal, who gives her the task of looking into a string of horrific deaths that have happened all over Europe. The demon known as “The Nun,” Valak, is held responsible for all of these deaths. Because of her prior encounter with Valak, Irene represents the Church’s best, if not the only, chance to end the unrelenting reign of terror.Now I won’t go any further and spoil the movie but it is a must see!

As Always, Keep On Brewin.

Screams, Screams, and more Screams

Let me tell you about Scream-A-Geddon, folks. It’s like a Halloween rollercoaster ride right outside Tampa in Dade City, Florida. We’re talking about a place where you can swap your candy for goosebumps and your laughter for screams. Yeah, it’s that kind of party.

You stroll in during the Halloween season, and what do you find? Haunted houses, eerie trails, and interactive horror setups that’ll make you question your life choices. You’ve got actors dressed up like monsters and creepy critters lurking around every corner, ready to make you jump higher than a kangaroo on a trampoline.

But here’s the deal, my friends. The specifics can change from year to year, so keep an eye on their official website or social media. Missing out on the latest scares would be a crime against your inner thrill-seeker. It’s Scream-A-Geddon, baby!

You know, there’s something about the air at Scream-A-Geddon that makes you feel like you’ve stepped right into a horror movie. It’s like being in a wild film, but you’re the star, and the scares are real. You can almost hear the spooky music in the background as you venture through the haunted houses, and every shadow becomes a potential source of terror.

And let’s not forget about the fearless actors at Scream-A-Geddon. These guys and gals are like method actors from the dark side. They’ll do whatever it takes to send shivers down your spine and make you question every decision that brought you to this night of terror.

As for me, I’ve often thought about trying to join in as a guest actor for a night, you never know! But until then, I’ll keep writing and leave the real scares to the pros at Scream-A-Geddon. So, if you’re looking for a night of hair-raising fun, that’s the place to be. And remember, check their updates to stay in the loop, because life is too short not to enjoy a little spooky adventure!

As Always, Keep On Brewin.

Samhain

The origins of Samhain can be found in old Celtic customs, especially those of the Celtic people who lived in what is now Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. It signaled the start of winter and the conclusion of the harvest season. The Celts thought that this night blurred the line between the worlds of the living and the dead, letting fairies and spirits into the world of the living. Many of the traditions connected to Samhain originated from this belief.

Samhain was a religious and spiritual occasion in addition to being a harvest celebration. It was a time when Celtic priests and druids connected with the afterlife, performed rituals, and offered sacrifices to their gods. Huge bonfires were lit to ward off evil spirits and to honor the deities.

With the belief that this was the time when the curtain between the worlds of the living and the dead was the thinnest, the festival marked the change from the light to the dark half of the year. As the days grew shorter and the nights grew longer, people lit bonfires to provide light and warmth.

Costumes and masks are worn in observance of Samhain, one of the oldest customs. It was thought that by engaging in this practice, people could either placate or disguise themselves from vengeful spirits. Participants frequently wore costumes inspired by mythological animals or characters.

Fortune-telling and divination were common during Samhain. Individuals would participate in a variety of rituals in order to obtain predictions about the future, particularly with regard to things like wealth, marriage, and health. These rituals were thought to have greater power during this period of intense spirituality.

Over time, in many places, All Hallows’ Eve and Samhain customs merged. The Celtic custom of carving faces into vegetables is assumed to be the source of the custom of turning turnips (and later pumpkins) into lanterns, or jack-o’-lanterns. The tradition of going door-to-door asking for candy, known as “trick-or-treating,” has its origins in earlier traditions of providing food to pacify spirits.

As Always, get spooky with it and Keep On Brewin.

Cobweb Dark Family Secrets

Few movies in the horror genre have the ability to chill viewers to the bone and make them wonder about the darkest corners of human nature. One such filmic masterpiece that explores the depths of psychological suffering, familial horror, and the terrifying results of unrestrained cruelty is “Cobweb.” The film, which is helmed by a master of suspense, transports us to a terrifying place where a small boy named Peter discovers a terrifying secret that is hidden inside his own house.

Eight-year-old Peter is depicted as timid and defenseless. He lives with his controlling and emotionally aloof parents, Carol and Mark. His life is dominated by abuse and disregard, and the only person who can provide him with any kind of understanding or compassion is Ms. Devine, his substitute teacher. Peter’s greatest wish is to have a normal childhood, complete with trick-or-treating on Halloween evening. But his parents fiercely prohibit him from leaving the neighborhood because of the unsolved mystery surrounding a little girl who vanished there a few years ago.

When Peter is startled awake in the middle of the night by eerie tapping noises coming from inside his bedroom wall, the film takes a terrifying turn. But his parents write off his assertions as wishful thinking. In the days that follow, Peter starts talking to an enigmatic voice coming from the walls that claims to be his sister, who has been missing for a long time. The voice calls Carol and Mark “evil” and claims they are keeping her trapped inside the walls. The disclosure is nothing less than a terrifying nightmare.

The psychological horror movie “Cobweb” explores the horrible things that can happen behind closed doors and the darkness that can exist within a person’s soul. It casts doubt on our beliefs about morality, the family, and the possibility of evil, leaving us with the unspoken worry that some secrets are best kept hidden. This cinematic masterwork challenges us to consider the eerie effects of our choices and our own potential for darkness. After all is said and done, “Cobweb” is a haunting and unforgettable trip into the heart of horror that will stick with viewers long after the credits have rolled.

As Always, Keep On Brewin.

Pet Sematary: Bloodlines

The terrifying adaptation of Stephen King’s novel “Pet Sematary” was released in 2023, exposing a new generation of horror fans to the sinister forces that lurk beneath the quiet town of Ludlow, Maine. For many years, there has been both fear and fascination surrounding the tale of a family’s spiral into madness and the eerie presence of the enigmatic burial ground. The upcoming movie “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines” now transports us to a different era and illuminates the dark past of Ludlow in 1969.

A young Jud Crandall and his childhood friends are introduced to us in Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, where they set out on a terrifying journey to face an ancient evil that has taken over their hometown. This movie explores an important but little-known aspect of Pet Sematary lore, exposing the beginnings of the cemetery’s evil forces and the horrors that have haunted Ludlow for many years.

Fans of the original book and its earlier adaptations will recognize Jud Crandall as he is resurrected in a younger actor who embodies his carefree demeanor. This time, Jud is an ambitious and fearless adolescent prepared to face the source of the evil that has afflicted Ludlow for far too long instead of the wise old man cautioning against the supernatural.

The friendship between Jud and his childhood pals, who band together to battle the ancient evil, is the central theme of Pet Sematary: Bloodlines. These pals are a diverse collection of people, each with special abilities and personalities. In contrast to the Creed family’s solitary struggle in the first Pet Sematary, their dynamic gives the story depth.

The film moves forward because of the bonds that form and the difficulties they encounter while learning the town’s sinister secrets. A gripping and exciting story is set in motion by the group’s unwavering resolve to rescue Ludlow from its own doomed past.

As Always, Keep On Brewin.

The Hauntings of Ybor City

Famous for its lively nightlife, rich history, and vibrant culture, Ybor City is a historic district located in the center of Tampa, Florida. Beneath the vibrant exterior of this cherished neighborhood, however, is a mysterious past that has profoundly impacted the community and is replete with legends of ghosts, hauntings, and unsettling experiences. This article will examine the mysteries and legends that have fascinated readers for years, delving into the spooky tales of Ybor City’s haunted past.

Spanish businessman Vicente Martinez Ybor created Ybor City, also referred to as “Cigar City,” in the 1880s with the goal of establishing a prosperous cigar industry in the United States. Immigrants from Cuba, Spain, Italy, and other countries soon transformed the neighborhood into a mingling pot of cultures as they came to work in the cigar factories.

Diverse cultures and rapid industrialization combined to create a distinct atmosphere that permeates Ybor City to this day. The history of the region does, however, include some dark periods, which many people think have left a legacy of ghosts and paranormal activity.

The Cuban Club: The Cuban Club, one of Ybor City’s most recognizable structures, has a long history of paranormal activity. Strange noises, disembodied voices, and even ghostly apparitions have been reported by both staff and visitors. Many ghost stories have been inspired by the building’s past as a center of social gatherings, gaming, and even Mafia activity in the early 20th century. The Don Vicente Inn: Supposedly, the ghosts of former cigar workers and visitors who never checked out reside in this historic inn, which was once owned by Vicente Martinez Ybor himself. Both visitors and staff have reported paranormal activities like strange whispers and footsteps.

The Ritz Theatre: There are ghost stories aplenty at this famous theater. While some have reported experiencing phantom voices and unexplained cold spots during performances, others claim to have seen the apparition of a woman dressed in white. The 7th Avenue Bridge, which crosses the Hillsborough River, has seen its fair share of fatal collisions and suicides. When traversing this bridge after dark, both locals and tourists have reported seeing ghostly figures and experiencing uneasy feelings. Which is downright eery.

As Always, Keep On Brewin.