Fun, slightly spooky messages for Halloween
Halloween falls on October 31 every year. Its name comes from All Hallows' Eve, the evening before All Saints' Day on November 1, and its roots are usually traced to Samhain, a Celtic festival that marked the end of the harvest season. Today it's best known for costumes, carved pumpkins and children going door to door asking 'Trick or treat?' It's widely celebrated in the United States, Canada, Ireland and the UK, and costume parties have spread to many other countries as well.
A Halloween message can be playful; a quick joke built around a pumpkin, a cauldron, a broomstick or a ghost fits the mood of the night. Not everyone enjoys a scare, though, so if you're writing to a young child or a friend who hates horror films, stay on the cute and funny side. Further down are the three surprises Wishwiff has for this night: a jack-o'-lantern to carve and light, a purple and orange witch's cake, and a cauldron that bubbles over as they stir it.
How do you make a Halloween message fun?
- Pick one Halloween image, like a pumpkin, a cauldron or a ghost; a single image is enough to set the mood.
- If you use a trick-or-treat joke, keep it to one line; a quick bit of wordplay works better than a long setup.
- Consider whether they actually enjoy being scared; keep it sweet for children and friends who startle easily.
- If you know their costume plans, mention them; a question like 'Which witch are you this year?' makes it personal.
- Send it on the evening of October 31, when costumes go on and parties start, so your message becomes part of the night.
Example messages
Copy the one you like and send it as it is, or change it into your own words.
Short and warm
Happy Halloween! Hope tonight is full of candy.
Sending you a little chill tonight. Enjoy it.
A bit of pumpkin, a bit of you. Have a fun night!
Whatever costume you pick, I hope tonight is a blast.
Heartfelt
Even the spookiest night turns into a good memory when it's spent with you.
Whoever gets scared tonight, I've got your back.
I still laugh about last year's costume adventure. You're on my mind again this year.
Whatever costume you wear, the kindness underneath always shows.
Playful
I stirred my cauldron. No idea what's coming out, but I wished you luck. 🎃
Carve your pumpkin, light the candle, then don't forget to look behind you. 👻
There are ghosts in the streets tonight, but my jokes are still the scariest thing around.
Trick or treat? I ate all the treats, so you get the trick.
On Wishwiff
There are four Wishwiff surprises for Halloween night. With the Jack-o'-lantern, the recipient carves the pumpkin and lights the candle. The Spooky cake opens on a purple and orange witch's cake. With the Witch's cauldron, they stir a cauldron bubbling in the garden. In Trick or treat, they knock three times on the door of a dark house; a window lights up with every knock until the door creaks open. Turn the sound on for the full atmosphere; your message is waiting at the end.
Common questions
When is Halloween and where does it come from?
It's on October 31 every year. The name comes from All Hallows' Eve, the evening before All Saints' Day on November 1, and its roots are usually traced to the Celtic harvest-end festival of Samhain.
Why do people carve pumpkins on Halloween?
In Ireland and Scotland, people once carved turnips and similar vegetables and put a light inside. When the custom reached North America, pumpkins, which were plentiful and easier to carve, took over.
Pumpkin, cake or cauldron: which should I send?
For a classic Halloween, the Jack-o'-lantern; for something sweet, the Spooky cake; for a more playful moment, the Witch's cauldron. Whichever you choose, your message shows up right after the little scare.
Can I tell whether my friend stirred the cauldron?
Yes. On your private tracking page you'll see whether the surprise was opened, whether the pumpkin got carved or the cauldron stirred, and whether a thank-you emoji came back. Pumpkin, cake or cauldron, whichever you send is permanently deleted after 7 days.