In Mexico, Halloween is known as “The Day of the Dead.”
Halloween is considered one of the world’s oldest celebrations, dating back over 2,000 years to a Celtic festival in the U.K.
October 31st is the date of Halloween and it is celebrated in many different ways.
Here are some spooky, strange and fantastic facts about Halloween.
Other Names for Halloween
“The Day of the Dead” is the name for Halloween in Mexico.
In other countries, Halloween is known as All Hallows Eve, Samhain, All Hallowtide, and The Feast of the Dead, which all sound quite eerie!
Fun fact: Samhainophobia is the fear of Halloween.
Halloween in Christianity
When Christianity reached England and other parts of Europe, November 1st became All Saints Day, a day dedicated to all the saints who didn’t have their own special day.
They held a mass called “All hallows mass,” and the night before became known as All Hallows E’en and eventually Hallowe’en, or Halloween.”
Colors Associated with Halloween
Black and orange are the most common colors associated with Halloween.
The color black represents death, darkness, and evil.
Orange represents harvests because Halloween marks the end of harvest season.
Pumpkins at Halloween
99% of all pumpkins sold are used as Jack O’ Lanterns at Halloween, which makes one wonder if they taste terrible if people prefer to use them as decoration.
Growing pumpkins can be a satisfying hobby; the top prize for the largest giant pumpkin can be as much as £15,000.
The largest pumpkin ever recorded weighed 1,528 pounds.
This colossal gourd was weighed in October 2008 at a pumpkin festival in Half Moon Bay, California.
Did you know?
People worldwide spend over £150 billion during Halloween on costumes, decorations, food, and parties, making it the second most expensive holiday after Christmas.
It is believed that the Irish started the tradition of Trick or Treating, where they visited neighbors and asked for contributions of food for a feast in their town in preparation for “All Hallow’s Eve.”
For centuries, people have believed that light keeps away ghosts and ghouls. Making a pumpkin lantern with a candle inside may keep you safe from all the spirits flying around on Halloween.
People also believe that ringing a bell on Halloween will scare evil spirits away, and if you see a spider on this night, it could be the spirit of a dead loved one who is watching over you.
FAQ
1. What is the origin of Halloween?
Halloween has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago, believed that on the night of October 31, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred. They lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off ghosts. When the Romans conquered the Celts, they incorporated some of their traditions into their own festival of Feralia, which honored the dead.
2. Why do we carve pumpkins on Halloween?
The tradition of carving pumpkins comes from the Irish legend of Stingy Jack, who tricked the devil and was doomed to wander the earth with only a carved-out turnip to light his way. When Irish immigrants came to America, they found that pumpkins were more plentiful and easier to carve than turnips, so they began using them instead.
3. What is the significance of black cats on Halloween?
Black cats have been associated with witchcraft and bad luck for centuries, and their association with Halloween likely comes from the superstition that witches could turn into black cats. Unfortunately, this has led to black cats being targeted and harmed during Halloween season, so it’s important to keep them safe.
4. What is the most popular Halloween candy?
According to a survey conducted by CandyStore.com, the most popular Halloween candy in the United States is Skittles, followed by Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and M&M’s.
5. What is the significance of trick-or-treating?
Trick-or-treating likely has its roots in the medieval practice of “souling,” where poor people would go door-to-door on All Souls’ Day (November 2) and receive food in exchange for prayers for the dead. The tradition evolved over time, and by the 1920s, children were going door-to-door on Halloween and asking for candy.
6. What is the scariest Halloween costume of all time?
While this is subjective, one of the most iconic and terrifying Halloween costumes is that of Michael Myers from the movie “Halloween.” The white mask and jumpsuit have become synonymous with the holiday.
7. What is the most haunted place to visit on Halloween?
There are many supposedly haunted places to visit on Halloween, but one of the most famous is the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. This hotel was the inspiration for Stephen King’s novel “The Shining,” and many guests have reported strange occurrences and ghostly sightings.
Zayn Anderson is a prolific writer with a passion for uncovering the world’s intriguing facts. Armed with an insatiable curiosity, he delves into various subjects, from history and science to nature and technology.