Halloween is a time of spooks, treats, and all things creepy, but how much do you know about the holiday? Let’s dive into some fun and eerie facts that might surprise you and add a bit of extra magic to your Halloween festivities!

1. Halloween Has Ancient Roots

Halloween traces its origins back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated over 2,000 years ago. The Celts believed that on October 31, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, allowing spirits to roam the Earth. To ward off these spirits, people would light bonfires and wear costumes, marking the beginning of many Halloween traditions.

2. Jack-o’-Lanterns Were Originally Made from Turnips

Before pumpkins became the go-to, the Irish carved turnips, beets, and potatoes to create Jack-o’-lanterns. When Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America, they discovered that pumpkins, native to North America, were easier to carve, creating the modern Jack-o’-lantern we know today.

3. Halloween Is the Second-Biggest Commercial Holiday

Halloween is a major holiday for retailers, second only to Christmas. Americans spend over $9 billion annually on costumes, decorations, candy, and festivities. It’s no wonder that Halloween stores seem to pop up on every corner as October approaches!

4. “Trick-or-Treat” Was Once a Threat

The phrase “trick or treat” was first popularized in the 1920s and 1930s in North America, but it wasn’t always about harmless fun. In some regions, children would perform pranks and “tricks” if they didn’t receive treats, like soaping up windows or putting manure on doorsteps. Today, the tradition is much friendlier, focused mainly on collecting candy!

5. Black Cats Are Associated with Witches

During the Middle Ages, black cats were thought to be witches’ familiars or even witches in disguise. This association is one reason black cats are linked to Halloween and spooky lore. Many shelters won’t allow black cats to be adopted during October to prevent them from being harmed due to superstitions.

6. Costumes Were Originally Worn to Scare Away Ghosts

The Celts wore costumes and masks during Samhain to blend in with evil spirits and avoid being recognized. Over time, the tradition evolved into wearing costumes for fun, and now people dress up as everything from vampires and zombies to superheroes and pop culture icons.

7. Candy Corn Was Originally Called “Chicken Feed”

When it was first invented in the 1880s, candy corn was marketed as “Chicken Feed,” complete with a rooster on the box. It was intended as a treat for rural Americans, and although it’s now a Halloween staple, it wasn’t initially associated with the holiday at all.

8. The Largest Pumpkin Ever Carved

In 2021, the record for the largest carved pumpkin was set with a giant gourd weighing over 2,350 pounds. This pumpkin was transformed into a spooky Halloween sculpture, capturing the spirit of the holiday in an impressively massive way.

9. The Fear of Halloween Has a Name

Samhainophobia is the medical term for the fear of Halloween. People with this phobia often have anxiety or panic attacks at the thought of spooky decorations, costumes, and haunted houses that come with the holiday.

10. Some Animal Shelters Limit Black Cat Adoptions in October

To protect black cats from potential harm during Halloween, many shelters delay adoptions of black cats until after October. This helps ensure that the cats won’t be used as props or subjected to superstitious harm.

11. Houdini, the Master Illusionist, Died on Halloween

Legendary magician Harry Houdini died on October 31, 1926. Known for his jaw-dropping escape acts, his death on Halloween only adds to his mysterious and magical legacy.

12. Pumpkin-Flavored Everything? Thank Halloween!

Halloween and autumn bring with them the iconic pumpkin spice flavor. While pumpkin spice has ancient roots, its massive popularity in the U.S. surged thanks to seasonal products and Halloween-themed treats.

13. The Most Popular Halloween Candy in the U.S.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups consistently top the list as America’s favorite Halloween candy. According to various polls, M&M’s, Snickers, and Skittles also make the top treats. Candy preferences vary by region, but chocolate treats generally outshine other types of candy!

14. “Boo!” Is One of the Oldest Ghostly Sounds

The word “boo” dates back to the early 18th century and may have originated from the Latin word “boare,” meaning “to cry aloud.” Its simplicity and association with ghosts and scares make it a Halloween staple.

15. More Candy Is Sold on Halloween Than on Any Other Day

Halloween accounts for around a quarter of all candy sold in the U.S. each year. It’s estimated that 600 million pounds of candy are bought in the weeks leading up to October 31!

16. Trunk-or-Treating: A New Halloween Tradition

To make trick-or-treating safer, some communities started the “trunk-or-treat” tradition, where people gather in parking lots and hand out candy from decorated car trunks. This twist on trick-or-treating is especially popular in rural areas and among families with young kids.

Final Thoughts

Halloween is filled with traditions, superstitions, and fascinating history that make it one of the most exciting and mysterious holidays. Whether you’re carving pumpkins, putting on a spooky costume, or sharing ghost stories around a fire, remember that these fun facts are all part of a rich tradition that spans centuries. So, enjoy the magic of Halloween and all the spook-tacular celebrations that come with it!