During Halloween, some of you can’t wait to flaunt your artistic makeup skills. You get to try on different creative costumes, sure to make the world stop!
By this time, most filmmakers are ready to release horror movies to mark the tradition.
There is so much to anticipate; from indulging in pumpkin-spiced flavors to eating lots of candies, e.t.c. A time when kids go door to door for some trick or treats while adults enjoy some alcoholic cocktails.
In the era of social media, Millennials and Generation Z will definitely take the internet by storm. Literally, every youngster looks forward to getting entertained by those Halloween-inspired Instagram reels and TikTok videos.
How much do you know about Halloween? This holiday is a lot older than you may think. Do you ever ask yourself why we celebrate it on October 31st? What is the origin of Halloween?
To get to learn about this popular holiday, we have gathered for you well-detailed Halloween Fun Facts.
Take a look!
20 Fun Halloween Facts You Need To Know
If you are planning on attending a Halloween Party or any other social gathering to mark the tradition, sharing these Halloween fun facts will wow your peers.
The following is a breakdown of everything you need to know about Halloween.
History of Halloween
Most people trace Halloween beginning to the early 2000s. It started as a Celtic festival known as Samhain. The Celt people lived in what would later become Great Britain, Ireland, and some parts of France. They used to mark their new year on November 1st hence would celebrate it the night before – Samhain event.
Samhain was a celebration of harvest after winter, it was believed ghosts would come out. The Celts enjoyed special feasts and dressed in costumes as a disguise against ghosts. They would build bonfires and wear masks to shield against the ghosts. They even left some food for the ghosts to eat.
With time, Christianity took over and the pagan undertones were lessened, but the tradition remained a part of the pop culture every year.
Trick or Treating has Existed Since Medieval Times
The Medieval English tradition known as “souling” inspired the trick or treat. Young people could dress up in costumes and go door to door looking for food or money in exchange for songs, poems, e.t.c.
Jack O’ Lantern Originated from the Irish Legend of Stingy Jack
Halloween is not complete without lighting up some Jack O’ Lanterns. In fact, the City of Keen in New Hampshire holds the highest record (30, 581) of lit lanterns.
Historically, it is believed that the Irish legend Stingy Jack had a drink with the devil and refused to pay. He convinced the devil to turn himself into a coin, so he won’t be in his life again.
When Jack died, he could neither go to heaven nor hell. He was sent to earth with only a burning coal to light his path. Jack placed the coal inside a carved-out turnip and has since then been roaming on earth.
Therefore, people started creating lanterns out of turnips, potatoes, and pumpkins.
Halloween Rituals Involved Finding A Husband
In the 18th Century, single ladies would throw apple peels over their shoulders, hoping to find a romantic match. When they bobbed for apples at parties, it was said the winner would marry first. They could even hold a candle in a dark room in front of a mirror, hoping to marry the person whose reflection appears first.
Candy Corn’s Original Name Was Chicken Feed
Since Chickens feed on corn, the creation was called chicken feed due to its shape and color. It was created in 1880 and sold to the masses by the Geolitz Confectionary Company.
Immigrants Helped Popularize The Holiday in the USA
Following the 1840s potato famine in Ireland, the Irish people moved to the USA, bringing with them the Halloween traditions.
Most Americans Spend on Costumes and Candy
About 95% of the money goes into buying candy, with 75% going into decorations and the other 65% is for purchasing costumes.
Illinois Produces Up To 5 Times More Pumpkins Than Any Other State
Illinois has more than 15,000 acres dedicated to growing pumpkins. These farms typically grow about 500 million pumpkins annually.
We sure need more pumpkins for the Halloween custom.
The Fear of Halloween is called Samhainophobia
The word comes from Samhain which inspired the origin of Halloween. In as far as there are people who enjoy the holiday, there are those who fear it.
Halloween is Short for “Hallows Eve” or “Hallows Evening”
In an effort to convert pagans, the Christian church decided that All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day should assimilate sacred pagan holidays that fall on or before October 31st.
There is a Movie called Halloween
The Halloween movie series premiered in 1978. There are two upcoming movies scheduled for release in 2021 and 2022.
The films have collectively grossed over $640 Million at the box office.
It is Illegal To Wear A nun or a Priest Costume for Halloween in Alabama
If you get caught wearing like these religious figures or any other religious leaders, you will be charged a $500 fine or get imprisoned for a year.
The act is considered a misdemeanor that disrespects the religion and those who put their faith in it.
Halloween Symbols Aren’t Random
Black cats, spiders, and bats are all Halloween signs because of their spooky history and ties to Wiccan. All three are often associated with witches and bad luck.
Traditional Halloween Colors Were Black, Orange, and White
Both colors orange and black symbolize the scary and fun side of the holiday. The black color also represents the time when dead people can cross over to the land of the living to celebrate with us.
Canton, Ohio has the Largest Haunted House in the World
This factory of terror was founded in the year 2002 and has since attracted thousands of visitors.
China Holds Halloween Festivals by Lighting Up Dragon Shaped Lanterns
China considers Halloween a time to worship ancestors and present offerings to spirits.
The lanterns represent people’s wish for a bright future. The colors signify happiness and wealth.
Reese’s Cup Ranked as the Highest Selling Halloween Candy
In a survey conducted by Monmouth University, it was observed that 36% of the participants favored Reese’s peanut butter over other Halloween candies.
Some Animal Shelters Forbid the Adoption of Black Cats During Halloween Celebration
On a normal day, black cats have a lower adoption rate. Shelters established this rule to help decrease the probability of people performing inhumane rituals to black cats on the night of Halloween.
The Night Before Halloween is Referred to as Mischief Night
This is because the holiday is widely commemorated by children and teenagers who engage in pranks and vandalism.
Ireland has a Traditional Halloween Bread
The Barmbrack bread is a traditionally baked fruit bread in Ireland. Some traditions involve a ring baked into the cake to promote good luck to the person receiving it.
Conclusion
Indeed, it is evident that no other holiday in the world has so many superstitions and widely appreciated than Halloween.
Moreover, as we look forward to the celebrations, this piece comes in handy to broaden our understanding of Halloween.