Maci

Written by Maci

Modified & Updated: 30 May 2022

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Halloween Facts

No other holiday in the world has as much superstitions associated with it as Halloween. For many, Halloween means late nights of trick or treating, binging scary movies, and partying with friends and family. However, there’s more to this holiday than its spook factor. 

With its roots dating back thousands of centuries ago, Halloween borrows its traditions and practices from many different cultures. Find out the good, the bad, and the weird about this holiday with these Halloween facts.

  1. Halloween is annually celebrated on the night of October 31st.
  2. The holiday has Christian origins dating back to 1745.
  3. The holiday was not called All Hallows Eve until 1556.
  4. Many believe that most Halloween traditions originate from ancient Celtic harvest festivals.
  5. Halloween is often believed to be a holiday celebrating ghosts and other scary themes.
  1. Halloween is known by many names such as All Hallows’ Eve and All Saints Eve. 
  2. This holiday is typically observed by Western cultures such as in the United States. 
  3. Halloween signifies the first day of Allhallowtide or Hallowtide. 
  4. Jack-o-lanterns is one of the common symbols associated with Halloween. 
  5. Halloween is typically celebrated by children who dress up and collect candy.
  6. Some churches will hold services on Halloween and deliver a prayer to those who attend mass.
  7. Halloween is typically a time of remembering the dead which include saints and martyrs.
  8. Some Halloween traditions include making a bonfire and playing divination games. 
  9. Halloween costumes today are believed to derive influence from folk customs of Celtic-speaking countries. 
  10. Halloween is also observed in some countries outside of the Western Hemisphere.
  1. The word Halloween translates to Saints’ evening. 
  2. Some believe that the term Halloween has Scottish origins. 
  3. Halloween is often associated with the Day of the Dead for similarities in tradition. 
  4. Decorations featuring ghosts, skeletons, and pumpkins are most commonly used for Halloween.
  5. Some Christians believe that modern celebrations of Halloween encourage paganism and the occult.
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Halloween Facts Infographics

Halloween Facts Infographics

Finding a spider on Halloween night is considered good luck.

Despite the common phobia of spiders many people share, spotting this insect on Halloween night is considered great luck. It is believed that if you see a spider during Halloween, it means that a loved one is watching over you. 

In many parts of the world, spiders are seen as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Another superstition states that if a spider crawls into your pocket, it will bless you with everlasting wealth.

The first Jack-o-Lanterns were carved from turnips.

You may automatically associate pumpkins with Jack-O-Lanterns, but this wasn’t always the case. Traditionally, the Irish used large turnips and potatoes for carving the first Jack-O-Lanterns. Upon bringing the practice to America, the use of pumpkins soon took over, probably as a less-smelly alternative. 

Spirit Halloween is one of the most popular Halloween stores in the United States.

Spirit Halloween specializes in decorations, costumes, accessories, and Halloween props like fake blood and vampire teeth. Founded in New Jersey in 1983, the company has since expanded to over 1,000 locations located all over North America. 

One of the reasons why this store is so popular is due to its exclusive decoration items manufactured by popular brands such as Yu Jia and Morbid Enterprises. 

There is a movie series called Halloween.

The Halloween movie series began in 1978 with the first installment, Halloween. As of 2020, there have been 11 films and two upcoming movies scheduled for release in 2021 and 2022. 

The films have also collectively grossed over $640 million at the box office and even has its own video game based on the storyline of the films. 

German model Heidi Klum is famous for her outstanding Halloween costumes.

Apart from her modeling career, Heidi Klum is known for her love of Halloween and extravagant costumes. Each year, fans look forward to her costumes, eventually dubbing her as the Queen of Halloween. 

Of all her costumes, her most notable ones include her 2015 Jessica Rabbit and 2018 Fiona costumes. Other simpler yet iconic costumes include her catsuit in 2007 and a senior citizen costume in 2013.

On average, kids who trick or treat will bring home a bag of candies worth 11,000 calories.

This amount is the average that a plastic pumpkin bag can hold which equals to around 365 teaspoons full of sugar. This is also seven times the recommended daily sugar intake for children. Definitely one of the concerning Halloween facts in terms of nutrition.

In Alabama, wearing a nun or priest costume for Halloween is illegal.

Once caught dressed up as these religious figures, violators may be charged a $500 fine as well as a year in prison. Passed by the legislature of Alabama in 1965, the provision considers the act as a misdemeanor that disrespects the religion and those who put their faith into it.

Similarly, the law prohibits people from dressing up as any other religious figures in the state of Alabama.

Halloween Facts
Source: Pexels

Walnut Creek, California prohibits Halloween masks without permits.

Although masks are pretty much a standard for Halloween, you’d need to secure permits before donning one in Walnut Creek, California. The Walnut Creek authorities strictly implement this law to prevent criminal activity during Halloween celebrations. It is also implemented for children to avoid costumes with masks. 

To get a permit for wearing a mask, the town’s Sheriff must first approve your request before giving you a printed permit. Now there’s one for sensible Halloween facts.

Originally, the film Halloween was going to be called Babysitter Murders.

Before it became the cult classic we know today, Halloween producer Irwin Yablans intended for the film to be called Babysitter Murders. The producer initiated the concept of setting the film on the holiday itself, which led to the titular film series.

Creative liberty aside, Halloween definitely has a nicer ring to it than the other title. Revisit the film series and give yourself a classic fright here.

The first Halloween movie was also filmed within 21 days.

In 1978, filming for Halloween officially began in southern Pasadena, California. The film’s main setting featured an abandoned house that was previously owned by a church. 

For the film’s climax, the production crew also utilized two other homes by Orange Grove Avenue in Hollywood. After a brief total of 4 weeks, production wrapped up filming by May 1978. Definitely one of the more admirable Halloween facts.

The Jack-O-Lantern borrows its name from a stingy man named Jack.

According to an old Irish legend, the practice of carving produce for Halloween comes from a man named Stingy Jack who once invited the devil for a drink.

True to his name, Jack didn’t want to pay for his drinks, which led to a series of tricking the devil. After some years, Jack passed away and had his soul left in the dark using only a carved turnip to light his way. How’s that for dark Halloween facts?

The fear of Halloween is called Samhainophobia.

For a holiday largely revolving around fear, you may or may not be surprised that a fear of Halloween itself exists. Samhainophobia roots from ancient pagan traditions that come from Celtic druids. This phobia is characterized by an intense, persistent, and abnormal fear of Halloween and anything related to the traditions. 

Statistical studies found that 50% of children prefer to receive chocolate on Halloween.

Another 24% stated that they prefer non-chocolate candies and another 10% preferred to receive gum. The rest stated that they enjoyed gummy and hard candies better. 

Among the most popular candy bars included Reese’s peanut butter bars and other melt in your mouth candy.

The word witch comes from the Old English word ‘Wicce’.

In the Old English language, Wicce referred to a wise woman, which also relates to Wicca. 

Historically, the term described women healers. The term was also attributed to midwives and those who would practice the art of witchcraft.

The world record for the heaviest pumpkin weighed at 2,624.6 pounds.

Mathias Willemjins of Belgium holds the current record for growing the heaviest pumpkin in the world at roughly 1,190.49 kilograms.

Authenticated by the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth (GPC) in Ludwigsburg, Germany, Willemjins officially achieved the title on October 9, 2016.

The owl is a popular image used for Halloween.

October is also known as Owl Month and is associated with Halloween due to their nocturnal nature. It is also believed that owls once served as witches’ companions along with black cats. 

Typically considered clever and cunning, owls have a heightened capacity to accomplish small tasks for their owners, making them dependable familiars.

Halloween Facts
Source: Pexels

Michael Myers' mask came from an altered Captain Kirk Star Trek mask.

In an interview with Willam Shatner, he revealed that the Michael Myers mask used in the film was a prop he would often use when trick or treating. Formerly a Captain Kirk mask, Halloween‘s production crew painted it white for the killer’s iconic visage. 

The film crew decided on the Captain Kirk mask because of its emotionless mold that gave it a creepier appearance. Since then, all masks for the movie series have been made the same way. Snag one for yourself and complete your Halloween look here

The candy Milk Duds were originally intended to be made in the shape of a perfect circle.

In mass production, “duds” refer to defective or imperfect items. Hershey’s intended for Milk Duds to come in perfect circles. However, the caramel center’s consistency greatly hindered its form, which earned it the eventual name of Milk Duds. How’s that for Halloween facts to chew on?

The world record for the fastest pumpkin carving is 16.47 seconds.

Stephen Clarke of the United States earned the title for the fastest pumpkin carving at a little over 16 seconds. Featured on the PX11 Morning News, Clarke achieved the feat in New York City in the Halloween of 2013.

The requirements for pumpkin carving states that the Jack-O-Lantern must have a full face, including the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears.

In Dublin, Georgia, any type of costume that covers the face is illegal.

For those aged 16 and over, it is considered illegal to wear any type of costume that covers your face. Sunglasses, hoods, and anything else that covers your head or face are also prohibited.

Like most regulations on Halloween costumes, the law acts as a preventive measure against crime and other heinous acts. done under the guise of masks or other props.

Count Dracula was not the vampire’s original name.

Originally, the famous vampire was named Count Wampyr in Bram Stoker’s novel. Numerous tall tales once suggested that Stoker got the inspiration for Dracula’s name based on a legendary figure in Romanian history. 

Born in 1431, Vlad Tepes served as the Count’s main inspiration. More infamously known as Vlad the Impaler, the ruler had many theories surrounding his gruesome practices. However, the connection between Vlad and Stoker’s Dracula has since been disproved.

The American capitals of Anoka and Salem are self-proclaimed Halloween Capitals.

These American states take Halloween celebrations seriously and take pride in their efforts for the holiday. Anoka is also one of the first cities in the world to begin the traditional celebration of Halloween that discourages playing tricks or causing trouble to others. 

Salem is also known as the Witch City for its extravagant decorations and haunted houses. Historically, Salem also bears the unfortunate mark of the Salem witch trials which lasted from February 1692 until May 1693. Throughout this period, the town executed 19 people by hanging upon accusing them of being witches.  

Halloween is the second highest-grossing commercial holiday.

This makes it second only to Christmas in the United States according to the National Retail Federation in 2012. According to data, the average American would spend nearly $100 on decorations, candy, and costumes each year for Halloween. 

If you are over the age of 13 in Bellville, Missouri, you cannot ask for Halloween candy.

In this town, children over the age of 13 can no longer go out to trick or treat during Halloween. This law enforces the idea that this activity is done by children only. 

Furthermore, the state of Missouri also has a curfew for trick or treaters where they can only collect candy until 8 or 9 pm.

In the film Halloween, the knife sound effects are made by plunging a knife into a watermelon.

To replicate the grisly hack-and-slash effects, the sound production team used watermelons, plunging a knife into the fruit at the studio. How’s that for behind the scenes Halloween facts?

Trick or treating tradition is believed to have originated from Celtic traditions.

In the history of Halloween, trick or treating is said to root from old Samhain festivals. Dating back to the beginning of the 9th century, Samhain festivals practiced lighting bonfires and wearing costumes to ward off evil spirits and ghosts.

Over time, this tradition was slowly changed to introduce friendlier customs to children until it evolved into what we know today. 

Source: Pexels

The largest Halloween parade in the United States is annually held in New York City.

First held in 1973, the Village Halloween Parade, was established by Greenwich Village puppeteer Ralph Lee. To this day, the parade remains as the largest Halloween parade in the US, exclusively held in New York City at night. 

Each year, over 50,000 participants join the parade in their costumes, viewed by an average of over 2 million people annually.

Boston, Massachusetts holds the biggest record of Jack-O-Lanterns lit at once.

In October 21st, 2006, Boston, Massachusetts set the world record for the most number of Jack-O-Lanterns lit at once. The total count amounted to 30,128 simultaneously lit lanterns. 

According to statistics, children are most likely to get into an accident on Halloween night.

On Halloween night, the rates of pedestrian-related accidents generally increase. According to statistics, children are 43% more likely to get into an accident on Halloween night compared to any other holiday. Definitely one of the Halloween facts to look out for.

In some American cities, Halloween was originally referred to as Cabbage Night.

The name Cabbage Night comes from the typical use of rotten cabbages for Halloween pranks. In some cities, people also gather leftover cabbages in a pile on a field, eventually lighting it up. 

Today, cabbage night refers to the night before Halloween instead of Halloween night itself. 

Traditional Halloween colors include black, orange, and white.

The colors black and orange symbolize the fun and frightful sides of the holiday, such as the orange of pumpkins and witches in black robes. 

The color black also represents the time where the dead can cross over to the world of the living to celebrate with us.

Halloween scarecrows symbolize the ancient and agricultural roots of the holiday.

Scarecrows are one of the most iconic decorations used during Halloween. The scarecrow is said to represent the celebration of the autumn harvest season, as they are typically placed in large crop areas. 

Farmers also use these decorations to ward off birds from consuming their crops. 

Some countries such as Australia believe that Halloween is an unwanted holiday.

Halloween is mainly considered an American tradition, and is not often celebrated in other countries. However, other countries still hold similar holidays that celebrate the dead or remember the loved ones that have passed. 

Canton, Ohio has the largest haunted house in the world.

Known as the Factory of Terror, this Ohio destination has made a name for itself  as a premier haunted attraction. Founded in 2002, the Factory of Terror has since attracted thousands of people from all over the world.

Holding the Guinness World Record for the largest haunted house in the world, the Factory of Terror features five separate themes that people can choose from.

Pumpkins classify as a fruit, not a vegetable.

Fruits are often classified as produce that contain seeds. On the other hand, vegetables have edible roots, flowers, leaves, and bulbs. 

From this principle, the pumpkin is officially classified as a fruit instead of a vegetable.

The holiday of Halloween was also influenced by ancient Roman festivals like Pomona.

Halloween was influenced by many Roman fall festivals combined with Samhain traditions. Among these Roman influences are the Roman goddess of fruit and vegetation Panama, who inspired the practice of apple bobbing and pumpkin carving.

Halloween Facts
Source: Pexels

In Hong Kong, Halloween is known as The Festival of the Hungry Ghosts.

Hong Kong natives refer to Halloween as Yu Lan, believing it as a time where the gates of hell open to unleash spirits that haunt the living. 

As a result, the typical Yu Lan practice includes offering food to ancestors, so they may appease malignant spirits who walk among them. This is believed to bring peace to the family as well until the next celebration. 

The traditional version of trick or treating was called Souling.

Souling was a tradition recorded in parts of Britain, Flanders, southern Germany, and Austria in the 18th century. Considered a Christian practice, souling referred to an activity where the poor would visit the homes of the rich to ask for soul cakes. 

After some years, the tradition was taken by children, with the cakes replaced by sugary treats.

In 2010, the National Retail Federation stated that only 46.3% of households give out candy on Halloween.

On average, this is equivalent to around $2.6 billion spent annually. This means that the average American spends $25 on candy alone.

Cats play a prominent role in traditional Halloween folklore.

In Halloween folklore, the black cat is often associated with witchcraft. Others believe that these black cats are the witches themselves in disguise to hide from humans. 

In many cultures, the black cat is considered a sign of misfortune or bad luck. 

Harry Houdini, the famous magician, passed away on Halloween night in 1926.

This famous magician is known for being a master of escape. Harry Houdini fascinated many and made a permanent name for himself with his illusions and stunts. 

In 1926, he passed away from a ruptured appendix. However, many speculate the true cause of his death to this day.

It is believed that if a child is born on Halloween, they will be able to talk to the spirits.

There are many beliefs regarding birth on Halloween day. One of them includes being born with the ability to be able to communicate with ghosts and spirits.

Some also state that a baby born on this day will become immune to evil spirits, and have the ability to read other people’s dreams. However, some believe that if a baby is born on this day, he or she will be cursed and unlucky.

The first printed mention of Halloween in North American territory occurred in 1927.

The earliest mention of the term “trick or treating” dates back to November 4th, 1927, from a publication in Alberta, Canada that featured nearby festivities. 

At the time, Halloween provided an opportunity for people to experience strenuous fun by roaming around neighborhoods. 

The Halloween tradition of dressing up as ghosts comes from ancient Celtic traditions.

During the ancient celebration of the Samhain festival, people would often wear costumes to ward off bad spirits and ghosts. Bonfires were also lit as people gathered around them to honor saints, until All Saints Day branched out as its own holiday. 

Ireland is believed to be the birthplace of the Halloween tradition.

Halloween is said to have come from the ancient Celts who lived over 2,000 years ago. The land Celtics used to occupy now consists of Ireland and the United Kingdom.

China holds Halloween festivals by lighting dragon-shaped lanterns.

China considers Halloween as one of the few important holidays in the year dedicated to worshiping their ancestors. This festival entails the custom of lighting lanterns in the shape of dragons are lit and presenting offerings to the spirits. 

The lanterns signify the peoples’ wish for a bright future. Many of these lanterns also come decorated in red and gold, each representing happiness and wealth. How’s that for interesting Halloween facts?

Halloween Facts
Source: Pexels

Halloween has several names other than All Hallows Eve or All Hallows Evening.

Apart from common modern alternatives to the celebration of Halloween, the holiday also takes after many other names. Other terms for Halloween include Witches Night, Lambswool, Snap-Apple Night, Samhain, and Summer’s End. 

In Scotland, girls believed that wet sheets could help them see their future husbands on Halloween night.

During the Middle Ages, women in Scotland believed that they could find their future spouse with the use of a sheet. On Halloween night, these sheets would be soaked in water and hung in front of a fire. 

By doing this, they believed that the sheet would display what their future spouse looks like.

Halloween is believed to have originated during 4000 B.C.

According to historians, traces of the Halloween holiday date as far back as 6,000 years ago. However, some believe that this holiday is not as old, only going back to the Middle Ages. 

Halloween was once associated with Guy Fawkes Night.

Also known as Guido Fawkes, Guy Fawkes became infamous as a member of a provincial Catholic group involved in the failed gunpowder plot of 1605. The celebration of Guy Fawkes Night is typically celebrated on the fifth of November after Halloween celebrations. 

Many believe that Guy Fawkes Night acts as a Protestant replacement for the Samhain custom and celebration of Halloween. 

Each year, Americans spend around $86.79 for Halloween related goods.

According to the National Retail Federation, the United States spends an average of $9 billion on Halloween related items and activities. In 2018, over 175 million Americans were expected to partake in Halloween events and celebrations throughout the fifty states. 

Reese’s cups rank as one of the highest-selling candies during Halloween.

In 2019, Monmouth University conducted a study to rank the most popular Halloween candies in the United States. In the survey, 36% of participants favored Reese’s peanut butter cups over all other Halloween candies. 

This is followed by the Snickers bar which was favored by 18% of participants. 

The state of Illinois produces five times the amount of pumpkins than any other state.

In 2018, a total of five states produced more than 1 billion pounds worth of pumpkins. The state of Illinois produced a total of 500 million pounds worth of pumpkins making it the number one producing state. 

On average, a farm in the state can produce around 40,000 pounds of pumpkins per acre. The average price for these pumpkins is $16 per 100 lbs. Definitely one of the cooler Halloween facts.

Some traditions state that walking backwards with inside-out clothes will let you see a witch on Halloween.

Based on old folk tradition, some people wear their clothes inside-out and walk backward on October 31st. This stems from the belief that upon doing so, a witch would appear to them at midnight.

Bonfires are an important part of the Samhain Pre-celebrations of Halloween.

The Samhain festivals held many traditions that include offerings for the dead and the lighting of bonfires. The ancient Celts considered this the most important of quarterly holidays at the time due to its association with the underworld.

Some animal shelters forbid the adoption of black cats during the Halloween celebration.

Shelters established this rule to help decrease the number of inhumane rituals done to black cats on Halloween night. On any other day, black cats commonly have the lowest adoption rates and take up to thrice as long to find a new home. 

Source: Pexels

Pumpkin themed foods are popularly eaten during Halloween.

Among some of the common treats on Halloween include Pumpkin pie, glazed pumpkin cookies, roasted pumpkin seeds, and more. Other foods also include candied apples and Irish traits such as potato pancakes. 

Many drinks such as lattes and frappuccinos are often pumpkin-themed as well to celebrate the season. One of which includes the famous Starbucks pumpkin spiced latte. 

The night before Halloween is referred to as Mischief Night or Goosey Night.

This holiday is more commonly observed by children and teenagers who engage in pranks and vandalism. Mischief Night is also known as Devil’s Night, Gate Night, and Moving Night. 

The earliest reference to this day dates back to 1790, when a school’s headmaster encouraged a school play when it closed with the phrase an Ode to Fun which praises children’s tricks on Mischief Night in most approving terms“.

Candy corn was originally named Chicken Feed due to its shape and color.

First produced in 1888 by Wunderle Candy Company, this famous confectionery used to be known as Chicken Feed. 

Despite being a Halloween staple, the taste of the candy is considered polarizing and has been the subject of debate numerous times. Other variations of the candy are also produced such as bunny corn, reindeer corn, cupid corn, and Indian corn. Definitely one of the more curious Halloween facts.

Ireland has traditional Halloween bread.

The Barmbrack bread is a traditionally baked fruit bread from Ireland. This treat is commonly made for the Halloween celebrations in the fall.

The bread consists of yeast and dried fruit soaked in hot tea. Some traditions involve a ring baked into the bread to promote luck to the person who receives it in their slice. 

Women initiated many Halloween traditions.

During the Middle Ages, many Halloween traditions involved women finding ways to see their future husbands. A few of these traditions include bobbing for apples and staring into a mirror at midnight.

Surprisingly, pumpkin carving also has female origins dating back to the early 19th century. However, the earliest Jack-O-Lanterns would be filled with fruit and eaten before bed to help women dream of their future spouse.

Trick or Treating was banned during the 1940s due to a shortage of sugar rations.

During WW2, the US government temporarily outlawed Halloween celebrations and trick or treating. Because of the ongoing war, the country plunged into recession, including a scarce amount of sugar distribution. 

As a result, the government heavily regulated the distribution of sugar and sugar-related goods until the end of the war.

Halloween was once considered as a holiday for romance.

Before Halloween’s rep as a holiday focused on spirits, ghouls, and ghosts, the holiday used to be a day for romance. During the 18th century, matchmaking was a popular activity on this day in Ireland. 

For some time, Halloween focused on looking towards the future and the living. For many women, this involved finding a spouse. 

On Halloween, the use of silly strings is prohibited in Hollywood.

In 2004, the mayor of Los Angeles forbade all use and retail of Silly String in Hollywood on Halloween night. Failure to comply with this law can result in a $1,000 fine and six months of mandatory jail time for the use or possession of the item. 

The most popular children's costumes on Halloween are superheroes and princesses.

Among these costumes include superhero icons such as Marvel‘s Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, DC’s Batman, and The Incredible Hulk. Additionally, the most popular type of princess costume is those that come from the Disney Princess franchise such as Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty. 

Other popular costumes include Witches, Ghosts, Vampires, and Skeletons.

Many cities hold annual Halloween decorating contests for the best-decorated house.

Halloween is often a big event in certain American communities and neighborhoods. During Halloween, neighborhoods would often hold decorating contests for the most creative and spooky household attractions. 

Source: Pexels

In 2014, France banned people over the age of 12 from wearing clown costumes and makeup on Halloween.

The town of Vendargues forbids children aged 13 and above from wearing any type of clown costume or make-up. This is due to the number of teens dressed as clowns wielding weapons being arrested by the French police due to violence and chaos created by the teens. 

The overall ban of clown-related costumes and make-up has since decreased the number of clowning incidents during Halloween. 

Another matchmaking Halloween tradition involved staring at a mirror.

During the 1800s, women would spend a large amount of time staring into a mirror in a darkened room during Halloween. It is said that after some time, the woman would be able to see the face of her future husband in the mirror.

This tradition was commonly done until the early 1900s.

In Scotland, women would also burn hazelnuts to determine their future spouse.

This tradition comes from the ancient Celts where women would designate each hazelnut for each of their love interests. The women would then throw these Hazelnuts into the fire and wait for them to burn. 

If a hazelnut burned completely instead of popping, it signifies which man would become the woman’s husband in the future.

On average, Americans buy 600 million pounds of candy for Halloween annually.

According to the National Confectioners Association, the annual amount of candy on average bought by American citizens total to 600 million pounds for Halloween. This estimates to around $2.4 billion spent on candy during the weeks leading up to Halloween night.

A full moon on Halloween night is considered rare.

You may picture a big, full moon when you think of Halloween, but it’s actually very unlikely in real life. According to scientists, a full moon on Halloween is considered rare due to the moon’s formation cycle.

It was discovered that a full moon on Halloween will only appear once every 19 years in a phenomenon called the Metonic cycle.

Some studies have found that children become rowdy during Halloween.

Studies have been found that younger kids tend to be more chaotic than older children during this holiday. This is mainly because younger children are more impressionable which leads them to believe that they are scarier and depicting real monsters on Halloween. 

Psychologists call this phenomenon deindividuation, where a person’s identity is subsumed by the identity of a group. 

The traditional Halloween apple bobbing originated as a British courting ritual.

During the Middle Ages, bobbing for apples was once a popular courting ritual amongst young women and their potential partners. In one of the many versions of a game, each apple in the tub would represent a potential mate. 

If it only takes one try to acquire the apple, it meant that they were destined for romance together. On the second try, she would be courted but their love would fail, while three bites indicate a failed relationship.

The Peanuts animated show helped revive the Halloween spirit.

The commercialization of Halloween began after WW2 when sugar rationing came to an end in 1947. Several candy companies began advertising campaigns and the concept of Halloween with help from popular characters such as the Peanuts crew and Disney’s Donald Duck.

At the time, these shorts portrayed the cartoon characters in Halloween-themed costumes, preparing for the holiday. This enticed children to get back into the Halloween spirit and popularize trick or treating again.

Around 35 million pounds of candy corn are produced for Halloween annually.

According to the National Confectioners Association, over 15,000 metric tons of candy corn sell annually, peaking during the weeks leading to Halloween day. This iconic Halloween staple began production during the 1880s and became associated with the holiday during the 1950s. 

This is mainly due to the candy’s colors which resemble autumn themes and the Fall harvest seasons.

Halloween Facts
Source: Pexels

Playing with an Ouija Board is a popular game during Halloween.

The Ouija Board is a popular game played by teenagers and young children. Also known as a spirit board, the item is said to act as a medium to communicate with ghosts. The standard Ouija board displays the letters of the alphabet, the phrases yes and no, and single-digit numbers.

To use the board, all players must place a finger on the marker. Many paranormal and superstitious beliefs also surround the game, despite being criticized by the scientific community. 

America spends half a billion dollars on Halloween pet costumes each year.

In 2019, researches stated that Americans have spent nearly half a billion dollars on pet costumes for Halloween. Statistics also show a rising trend in households with pets partaking in the Halloween activity. 

As of 2019, the most popular choices for Halloween pets costumes include a pumpkin, a hotdog, a superhero, and a bumblebee. See for yourself and make your pooch the hottest hotdog here.

Men are more likely to spend more on Halloween than women.

According to a study by the National Retail Federation in 2018, men spend an average of $14 more than women on this day. Additionally, another study found that women are more likely to carve pumpkins than men.

Men are also more likely to attend Halloween parties than women. 

Halloween is considered the New Year for those who practice Wicca.

For Wiccans, Halloween is often considered the New Year of Witches. During this time, it is believed that both the world of the undead and the living are closer together compared to any other time of the year. 

Since 2011, Halloween celebrations have been slowly declining over the years.

A research study conducted in 2018 has found that the number of Halloween related celebrations have slowly begun to decline in the United States since 2011. This is mainly due to changes in recent trends and laws that forbid teenagers in certain states from trick or treating. 

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