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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...

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

    What? THIS is okay but the obviously fake bodies are too much? I'm so confused...

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

    It's cool until it keeps being reported and the firefighters don't actually know if the call is real now or not

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

    Fire is no joke. People lose their lives, homes and all their worldly possessions. What if there was a real fire elsewhere and the fire fighters forces were slowed down and divided because this house was reported first? Not cool

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

    Yeah. I have no problem with dead corpses, but this is definitely the wrong choice.

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

    oop. not the BEST one to go with, for exactly that reason. XD LMAO

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

    Well first that's a huge house second that's fake?!

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

    It looks really cool, until the firemen get called.

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

    Not funny for the Fire Department.

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

    It is funny. April Fools on Halloween. Who would've thought?

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

    I realize now the comment are right. Sometimes too realistic is actually inconvenient for some people.

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

    fire is no joke. Takes time away from Rescue on real calls

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

    Its not surprising the fire brigade were called out!

    Mimi777
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It really does look realistic if you’re just driving by and glance at it. It’s a cool idea.

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

    Oh yes right this one I saw it on the news lol

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

    I hope the homeowners have to pay for all the time and resources wasted by firefighters and other professionals having to come out for this s**t 👎🏽

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

    They have good neighbors for calling the fire department.

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

    Oh... ha ha, that sucks. WOuld not have seen that coming.

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

    how did you manage to make it look that real

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

    how is a fake fire related to halloween though??

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

    Here in the UK, the firefighters hate Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes celebration). It sounds like in America, the police and fire crews hate Halloween! 😂

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

    Finally no dead bodies or blood just a nice warm fire

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

    I actually think this is really cool, with how realistic he/she/they made it.

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

    only a complete self-centered a hole would conceive of such entertainment. Frightening the neighbors, needlessly involving the fire department, this is supposed to be entertaining? Ever heard of the boy who cried wolf? Next time he has a real fire in his house let's all ignore it...

    Braydon Tan Jin Yan
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    looks like a real fire even though it's false fire

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

    I realy think this is cool so it isnt inappropritate

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

    that mansion looks amazing though.

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

    fun fact on halloween my house almost legit caught on fire

    Diandra “Mss Didi” Blackthorn
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Halloween is My absolute favorite holiday but that is irresponsible and a drain on tax dollars. A fake fire is completely disrespectful and DANGEROUS all the way around. While fire department is rushing to this fake, someone could die in a real fire

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

    now THIS is to far i would take dead corpse props any day

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

    I think it is better than the dead bodies honestly

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

    You had me scared but really even I would call 911 that is so realistic

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

    Very unique! I love those pirate details!

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

    Wow, I found it. "DIY Halloween Props - Realistic Fake Fire Special Effects" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DustMUjfk58

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

    Some people have a gift!!! That's all I can say...

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

    I'm not too keen on this one, simply because it looks so real. Potentially taking firemen away from what could be an actual emergency for a prank, isn't cool (to me).

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

    This was based on Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland/world. However the house is in California where they have been having the wild fires so it would concern people so see it. Apparently the firemen congratulated the homeowners on the display

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

    Wow! Really keeping the chills away! ❤️

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

    Interesting but calling out a false alarm.

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

    Pretty well done, realistic enough for the average bear, but needs something. Should have a dummy with head and arms out a window not moving. This would make it an obvious decoration and not real. Does remind me of my house burning when I was 12. It was daytime, but sort of looked like this!

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

    What is this? Besides being a crappy pic, I mean.

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

    OK I can see this freaking out a passing car

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

    Why do people think things like this are a good idea?

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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.

    ersal Report

    #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.

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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.

    reporterjim Report

    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.

    aligulpir Report

    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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