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The Halloween tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people used to light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. So I guess nothing says 'Happy Halloween!' like something that scares you to death and makes you forget the world is celebrating in the first place.

Bored Panda decided to pay tribute to those who go above and beyond to create the right atmosphere for this spooky occasion. Whether it's an extremely gory massacre scene or a subtle, half-buried body bag, these Halloween displays were so next-level, some people thought there actually was something wrong and called the police to investigate. Continue scrolling and enjoy!

#1

When You Go "Too Far" With The Halloween Decorations

Man takes selfie with Halloween decoration resembling a buried body while two police officers stand nearby outdoors.

Capinron Report

Texas resident Steven Novak is one of the people who went all out for Halloween this year. In his yard, one dummy lies with his head pulverized, one lies with a scale where his or her head used to be, and a few more lie in bloodied trash bags fallen off a wheelbarrow. All the while, in the window of the house, a zombie horde attempts to break out.

"I'm most proud of the wheelbarrow tipped over by the street full of Hefty bags, looking like a failed attempt to dispose of the dismembered bodies in the middle of the night," Novak told Dallas Observer. "A kid walked by and asked me what happened to them; I said they ate too many Skittles."

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    #2

    Life-Size Michael Myers House

    Haunted house Halloween decoration with scary figure on the roof and police caution tape around the yard.

    Alex Sanchez Report

    Shelp
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How much are some people ready to spend just for one day in the year?!

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    Novak's decorations have brought the police to his house multiple times. "Neighbors told me cop cars were in front of my house a lot during the day," he explained. "I was only home twice to receive them. They told met hey thought it was cool and that they were only there because they were required to reply to complaints from the sergeant."

    "They were in formation at the door and when I opened it they asked me if it was all mine. I asked, 'You mean the blood and the bodies? Yeah, that’s me.'"

    "Honestly, though, I think I could’ve used more. [My plans] were way worse on paper. Next year though!"

    #3

    Now That Is How You Do Halloween Right. This Guy Got The Cops Called On Him Several Times In Dallas

    Halloween decorations with fake blood, body bags, and fake dead bodies overdone on a residential lawn and porch.

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    Shelp
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To be fair, this is really awful

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    Halloween’s origins date back to the ancient Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago, mostly in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France. They celebrated their new year on November 1.

    This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead got blurred.

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    In addition to causing trouble and damaging crops, Celts thought that the presence of the otherworldly spirits made it easier for the Celtic priests to predict the future. Considering the Celts were entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophecies must've been really comforting in the face of a long, dark winter.

    #4

    Woke Up This Morning To 6 Cops, A Fire Truck, And An Ambulance At My Door Because A Passing Car Was Concerned About The One Halloween Decoration I Neglected To Take Down

    Halloween decoration on front porch resembling a body wrapped in black plastic, likely causing concern and police calls.

    reddit.com Report

    mysty
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i want to commend you for that detail around the limbs

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    To commemorate the event, the priests built huge sacred bonfires, where everyone would gather to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the deities. During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically made of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other's fortunes.

    Who knows, Maybe Novak has some Celtic blood? Either way, his display sure looks like a modern version of the old celebration.

    #5

    Fake Fire Got People Calling 911

    Halloween decorations with intense red lighting and smoke effects outside a house, attracting attention and concern.

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    Tiari
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one is really cool and a bit different from all the dead bodies...

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    #6

    Deadly Halloween Tableau Too Realistic For Some. Neighbours Called 911

    Man posing with Halloween decorations of fake dead bodies and caution tape outside a house overdoing Halloween decorations.

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    #7

    Neighbors Subtle Halloween Decor

    Yard with Halloween decorations wrapped in black plastic, resembling bodies, likely causing concern and police calls.

    dovesondoves Report

    Eva the Egg
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    even better their house looks quite plain and isolated

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    #8

    Terrifying And Realistic Halloween Decorations

    Halloween decorations with realistic hanging dolls staged in a front yard, showing overdone spooky decor.

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    Zophra
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd be pissed if I had small kids and that was my neighbor.

    Ani-87
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love bloody stuff, the creepier the better but this would make small children so confused. It’s not worth giving them nightmares...

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    mysty
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    went from 0 to satanic real quick

    Kim Shannon
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ummm...no. Halloween is supposed to be scary/fun, not a torture crime scene.

    StrawberryParfait
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When did Halloween become about torture porn? This is grotesque, and not festive at all.

    Full Name
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Um....Halloween has ALWAYS been about dead people. Literally always.

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    deanna woods
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you live in an adult neighborhood this is fine, but this is very inappropriate for a neighborhood full of children. It's called "Halloween" not "Show Everyone How Sadistic I Am"

    Leo Domitrix
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What is WRONG with people....

    deanna woods
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They don't know what is appropriate decorations.

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    Among Us
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    WHAT'S WITH THE BODIES? Plus, usually it's little kids going Trick-or-Treating, not the adults and the CORRECT audience that should be seeing this...

    Jane Alexander
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    and just what is the 'correct audience' for this garbage?

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    GeoSushi
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What if his/her neighbors had little kids...

    Moezarella
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The Purge comes to mind when I saw this...and while it is amazing, I dont really like it either

    Calvin Suzuki
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I should stop scrolling if I don’t wanna have nightmares

    Nicole Tomme
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This person is disturbed.

    Amanda Bischof
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yikes don’t have people hanging from trees, there’s too much of that already and it’s more horrifying than any Halloween decor could ever be

    Billy the kid
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    its cool but not sure about the last picture though. That looks to me like a kid on that pole

    Angela Turrall
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nope, this ones not awesome at all.

    Jane Alexander
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And those who have lost loved ones or are about to lose one don't need this garbage either! My neighbor may be about to lose the 5th family member in the last couple of years.

    Elaine Mattingly
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Halloween is for giving children a break, some fun ,they have enough reality in their life that would scare a person far more than decorations. Leave their little holiday for them , keep your morbid things in places for adults only. please.

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    Sam T Godfrey
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm surprised about the arguments here! At the first picture I thought that commenters would be going ballistic over the upside-down cross! Shows how little I know about religion... Seemed to me the idea was to make a display as scary as possible, but yeah, this is kind of morbid... I remember a century ago, the big deal was to create a surprise for the trick or treaters, much more fun! My uncle set up a ghost on a cable and pulleys that would fly past when kids walked up, worked great! So did getting dressed as a dummy and sit on the porch ready to move and growl when kids came up. Good fun!

    Elaine Mattingly
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, your uncle did halloween! That is what it's for , children. Keep the dead people in the paid haunted houses for grown ups. Let the children have a squeel and a giggle and candy.

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    Petros Vrasivanopoulos
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    only kareans are complaining, wonder why? on second thought that what you karens do, complain when others are having fun. you hate that

    Billy bob
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    omg I love this but not for public places there could be kids!!! The oain for them to see this is horrible

    arryana webwolf
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    any parent getting bent out of shape about this is missing a golden teaching moment. 'see, this is what happens to kids who don't listen to their parents...'.

    Riley Reynolds
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wpuld so drag my brothers to this house saying it was real😂😂

    Zak McDonald
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m 13 when I was Younger I loved horror and I still do just tell your kids it’s not real

    XxxPotatoes_rockxxX
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    although, the only thing i don't like is the upside down cross. That's why to fair!!Like yes some people have there own opion of god but what you just did is a plain up "NO" if you dont know what the upside down cross mean search it up. my family studies abt god and jesus alot and this just made me very upset- again i dont blame you its just for fun..but please stop ;n;

    Miles
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Where do you even get something this realistic!? .....asking for a friend ;)

    Joshua Topash
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah and when your kids get scared it's YOUR job as a parent to tell them it's not real you know like any person with COMMON SENSE would do and if you don't like it DON'T GO NEAR THE GODDAMN HOUSE IT'S HALLOWEEN IV'E SCARIER S**T IN MY TOILET AND ON TV. but that's just my opinion I don't like the pole one though it look's like a kid and that is kinda messed up.

    that rando_;)
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd bring my family to this house every year just for this kind of scare.

    *sigh*, The Yellow Teletubby
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    knowing the kids in my neighborhood, yes even the small ones, this would be the most popular house on the street. The younger parents might even take their kids there if they asked to go lmao

    Emmanuel Gates
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Everyone gangster until Lucifer pops up and says that’s their a big fan

    Sophia Eressea
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    it being "realistic" to have hanged/impaled people in your front yard is kind of sad...

    Dav Browning
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I agree….. it’s Halloween and not the purge

    D K
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I mean, things like this are just NOT okay?!

    Rosemary Paul
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Given us ideas for this Halloween! If you had figured a way to make some of the bodies wrapped in black plastic to wriggle. Not a lot, just once in awhile. Maybe rigged to a motion detector, so when an unsuspecting delivery person or dog walker passes by the body tries to move. To add a bit more macabre by putting a voice box in it so everytime it wiggles, a low moan or raspy, "Help me. Oh god. Please, help me" comes out of the bag! We got an honorable mention last year for our display. 2021 miIght be a good year to amp it up!

    Jen Szabo
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is not the kind of Halloween I enjoy.

    Smiley Rie
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    errrr I'd be pretty concerned about the state of mind of those neighbours

    Emma Garcia
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One way to give the kids nightmares

    Dat Witch
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    imagine living across from them

    invisible sheep
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this is terrifying, what if your neighbors have kids?? this could be very traumatizing!

    Carol Charles
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is really over the top YOU IDIOTS

    Jean Thompson
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is horrible, over the top and would upset a lot of people. Yuck!

    The Coated Dev
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This s**t is really good but it's not safe for kids under 13

    Don Flynn
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The upside down crusifiction is a great touch

    QoP1586
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is is a staked child! The owners of this house should be immediately psychologically evaluated.

    Merilyn Horton
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You’d never get away with that in Australia.

    Eagle Girl
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's almost biblical. Downvote if you must but you know The Romans let lions rip a man to shreds for sport & punished anti-followers by hammering them to a cross.

    Elaine Mattingly
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And did it for those heathen adults not for a childrens night out!

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    Johanne Trudeau
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh sweet jesus!!! Hahaha!!! This is amazing!!!

    Mae Mosse
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a bit much. There is Halloween decorations and then there are demonic symbolism horror decorations. Maybe they want to stop biblebashers knocking on their door or Vlad the Impaler lives there

    Steve Cruz
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Add garland and lights, and leave them up for Xmas!

    Julieta S.
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Totally agree with Zophra... there has to be a limit to what they see!

    Vivianne De La Garza
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I WOULD LIKE TO BE FRIENDS WITH YOU I WANNA KNOW HOW TO DO THIS SO I CAN SCARE MY FRIENDS

    WildBerry
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do you have any black friends? They usually get uptight about people hanging.

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    backatya
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the upside down cross is going too far

    JJM
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think people would have more sense when they know young kids would see this. This scene would give anyone nightmares. I think they should have certain restrictions because of children.

    Polly Culberson
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is just too much. Kids or people driving past would be grossed out.

    kkathleen517
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hell yeah!! Get mad neighbors!! These are awesome!

    Kerry Smith
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Really bad taste as many of these displays are

    Funksters
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    WAYYYY over the line 👎🏽

    Rita Shapiro
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had a neighbor steal a pumpkin of mine once because she thought it was too gruesome. A pumpkin. Seriously. There will always be tight lipped prudish women worried about 'what will the children think?' who wish to be the neighborhood decoration nazi. The problem with these scenarios is that they occur in neighborhoods full of a) stupid people who cannot tell reality from fantasy, or b) folks who delight in being judgemental and controlling.

    Elaine Mattingly
    Community Member
    5 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And thiefs who steal peoples pumpkins tell their children not to steel, hypocrite!. Moderation in all things people.

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    Todd Hollfelder
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh c'mon now! Children see this on TV/movies/church/the streets. Also, I wouldn't pass out candy and would have an adult party.

    Elaine Mattingly
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    NOT ALL children see this on tv, they see it in their hospital room quit trying to group everything in one big pot of untruth.

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    Marlowe Fitzpatrik
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Okay.... I know this sounds weird because I loved the gory one with the blood-spatter, but this is actually too much for me. I think it's the kid on the spike that does it for me. Shows that a subtle thing can make all the difference between "cool" and "Hell no!"

    Jane Alexander
    Community Member
    5 years ago (edited)

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    People who do this sh*t need to be watched very carefully. They are ugly sick.

    Full Name
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would do this for sure. I may be ugly, but I have a sense of humour, and perspective. Nobody cares when someone dresses up as zombie so what's the difference? Stop cherry picking.

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    Bettye McKee
    Community Member
    5 years ago

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    Very satanic and quite creative.

    Spankathon
    Community Member
    5 years ago

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    I'd leave them up all year. Would stop cold callers.

    Gavin Bothwell
    Community Member
    5 years ago

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    "it's not holy, take it down!" - basically every Karen to see this

    Stille20
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a kid on a spike.... most people should have an issue with it.

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    Gage Humiston
    Community Member
    5 years ago

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    Y’all a bunch of snowflakes huh

    H Edwards
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have two little kids living next door to me, and I can imagine how upsetting this would be for them to see. Some people do need to dial it back a notch.

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    #9

    Fake Car Crash

    Halloween decorations overdone with a fake bloodied car scene and police tape, causing neighbors to call the cops.

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    Zophra
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe people need to just put a sign out next to some of these saying "Happy Halloween" so people know what to think.

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    #10

    Crime Scene

    Halloween decorations set up like a crime scene with fake bodies and police tape, showing overdone Halloween decorations.

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    #12

    Dead Body Hanging From Roof

    Hanging Halloween decoration wrapped in black plastic and rope, resembling a disturbing figure between two houses.

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    #13

    Body Bags Hanging From A Tree

    Halloween decorations overdone with black bag figures hanging from a tree in a suburban neighborhood lawn.

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    Red
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Idk man this tree kinda sus..

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    #14

    Suspended Dead Man

    Halloween decorations with hanging severed arm, ghost pillows, and tombstones on a residential lawn during fall season.

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    Lord Mysticlaw
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At least this one makes it clear that it's Halloween decorations

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    #15

    Creepy Clown Hanging The Whole Family

    Halloween decorations with hanging dolls in front yard, showing overdone spooky scene that could alarm neighbors and police.

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    #16

    When Halloween Decorations Go Too Far

    Halloween decorations showing three hanging mannequins in a yard, illustrating overdone decorations that could alarm neighbors.

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    Serial pacifist
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think this person actually needs professional help.

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