Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31, and Halloween 2024 will occur on Thursday, October 31. The tradition began with the ancient Celtic holiday of Samhain, during which people dressed up as ghostbusters and lit bonfires. Pope Gregory III declared November 1st to be a day to celebrate all saints in the seventh century. Soon, some of the Samhain customs were absorbed into All Saints Day. All Hallows' Eve, and subsequently Halloween, was celebrated the previous evening. With time, Halloween changed to become a day filled with festivities, trick-or-treating, jack-o'-lantern carving, costume parties, and candy consumption.
But how much do you really know about this beloved holiday? From ancient traditions to modern-day practices, Halloween is full of intriguing facts that might surprise you. Here are ten fun and lesser-known facts about Halloween that you probably didn’t know!
- The Origins of Halloween’s Name
The word "Halloween" has its roots in the Christian tradition. It comes from "All Hallows’ Eve," which is the evening before All Saints’ Day (November 1). The term "All Hallows" is derived from Old English "halwen," meaning "to make holy," which eventually shortened to "Halloween."
- Pumpkin Carving Started with Turnips
Carving jack-o'-lanterns is a custom that originated with the Celtic holiday of Samhain. Traditionally, turnips and rutabagas were carved with faces to ward off evil spirits. Irish immigrants found that pumpkins made better jack-o'-lanterns since they were larger and easier to carve.
- The First “Trick-or-Treat”
In North America, the term "trick-or-treat" gained popularity in the 1930s. Children would travel from house to house, yelling "trick-or-treat" in order to receive candy or other goodies. The "trick" aspect was more of a lighthearted joke than a serious threat—you might get a harmless prank if you didn't offer candy!
- Halloween’s Creepy Crawlers
With the release of the Creepy Crawlers toy by Mattel in 1964, children could create their own rubber monsters and insects. As a pleasant method for youngsters to enjoy spooky creatures without the spookiness, this toy quickly became a Halloween favorite. It was so popular that it even served as the impetus for the TV series "Creepy Crawlers"!
- Costume Trends of the 1970s
The 1970s brought about a change in the fashion of costumes, with more people donning looks influenced by hit films and television series. Characters from television series such as "Star Trek" and "The Brady Bunch" have been incorporated into Halloween costumes, demonstrating the increasing impact of popular culture on Halloween festivities.
- Bats and Halloween
Because of their nocturnal habits and preference for gloomy environments, bats have a reputation for being eerie. The Halloween mystique of bats was enhanced by the belief that they were the familiars of witches in medieval Europe. Bats are actually rather helpful since they eat insects like mosquitoes, despite their spooky appearance.
- The Birth of Halloween Specials
TV specials with a Halloween theme were more popular in the 1960s. Halloween-themed episodes of television series like "The Addams Family" and "The Munsters" contributed to the holiday's cultural acceptance. For many fans, these Halloween specials remain a tradition.
- Candy Corn's Sweet History
A favorite Halloween confection, candy corn was first developed in the 1880s by the Wunderlee Candy Company. Candy corn was first dubbed "chicken feed" because it looked like poultry feed. It quickly gained popularity during Halloween thanks to its vibrant appearance and delicious flavor.
- Haunted House Craze
The 1970s saw the rise of haunted house attractions as part of Halloween celebrations. These spooky, immersive experiences became increasingly popular, with many communities setting up elaborate haunted houses to thrill and chill visitors.
- Halloween Around the World
Halloween is celebrated in many countries, although it is most commonly observed in the United States. For example, the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) in Mexico is a vibrant celebration honoring departed family members. Halloween remains intimately associated with the ancient Samhain holiday in Scotland and Ireland, where bonfires and apple bobbing are common traditions. Known as "Harajuku Halloween," this Japanese celebration draws thousands of attendees to the Harajuku neighborhood with its vibrant, imaginative costumes.
Halloween is a holiday with a rich history and many fascinating traditions. Whether you’re carving pumpkins, dressing up in costumes, or just enjoying some candy, these fun facts can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your Halloween festivities. What’s your favorite Halloween tradition? Share your thoughts with us!