12 Facts We Bet You Didn’t Know About Halloween
Halloween is a holiday that has captured the hearts and imaginations of people all over the world. It’s a time for dressing up in costumes, carving pumpkins, and indulging in delicious treats. But do you know the origins of this spooky celebration? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the history and traditions of Halloween and uncover 12 thrilling facts that you probably didn’t know about this beloved holiday.
1. Once Upon a Time
Believe it or not, the birthplace of Halloween is not a sugar factory: The holiday has been around for about 6000 years and it is believed to have originated around 4000 B.C. in Ireland. The ancient Celtic festival of Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and was celebrated on October 31st. This date also marked the beginning of the dark, cold winter months, which were often associated with death and supernatural beings.
The Origins of Samhain
The Celts believed that on the night of Samhain, the boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. They believed that the spirits of the dead would return to earth and cause mischief and mayhem among the living. To ward off these spirits, the Celts would light bonfires and wear costumes and masks to disguise themselves.
2. Dead or Alive?
As mentioned earlier, the Celts believed that the spirits of the dead would roam the earth on the night of Samhain. But they also believed that these spirits could provide valuable insights and predictions about the future. As a result, people would often consult with fortune tellers and druids during this time to gain insight into their lives and what the future held for them.
The Progression of Trick-or-Treating
The tradition of trick-or-treating can also be traced back to the Celtic festival of Samhain. During this time, people would leave out food and treats for the spirits in order to appease them and prevent them from causing harm. This evolved into the modern-day tradition of children going door-to-door asking for candy.
3. Ka-Ching!
Right behind Christmas, Halloween is the second most commercial holiday in the US: Americans spend about $6.9 billion on Halloween – most of it for candy, costumes, and parties. A surprisingly big chunk is also invested in Halloween costumes for pets.
The Rise of Halloween Consumerism
Halloween has become a major money-making holiday for retailers, with sales increasing every year. In fact, the National Retail Federation estimates that Americans will spend an average of $86.27 per person on Halloween-related items in 2021. This includes everything from costumes and decorations to candy and greeting cards.
4. How is the Titanic relevant to this?
Out of the $6.9 billion spent annually in the US alone, $2.08 billion are spent on Halloween candy. That’s a lot of sugar! To put it into perspective, that’s enough candy to fill the entire Titanic over 8 times.
The Most Popular Halloween Candy
So what exactly are Americans spending all this money on? According to a survey by the National Confectioners Association, the top five most popular Halloween candies are:
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups;
- Snickers;
- M&M’s;
- Hershey’s Chocolate Bars;
- Kit Kat.
5. Candy Breakdown
Now that we know which candies are the most popular, let’s take a closer look at how much of each type is consumed during Halloween. According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, here’s the breakdown of the top five candies:
| Candy | Percentage Consumed |
|---|---|
| Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups | 36% |
| Snickers | 18% |
| M&M’s | 11% |
| Hershey’s Chocolate Bars | 11% |
| Kit Kat | 8% |
6. Let’s Talk About Sugar
It’s no secret that Halloween is a time for indulging in sweet treats, but just how much sugar are we consuming on this holiday? According to the American Heart Association, the average American consumes about 3.4 pounds of candy during Halloween. That’s equivalent to about 220 teaspoons of sugar!
The Health Effects of Too Much Sugar
While it’s okay to indulge in some candy every now and then, consuming too much sugar can have negative effects on our health. Excessive sugar intake has been linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other health issues. So remember to enjoy your Halloween treats in moderation.
7. Boo!
Halloween is known for its spooky and scary decorations, but do you know where the tradition of decorating with ghosts and ghouls comes from? It is believed that the Celts would carve faces into turnips and place them outside their homes to ward off evil spirits. When Irish immigrants came to America, they brought this tradition with them and began using pumpkins instead of turnips due to their abundance in the New World.
The Legend of Stingy Jack
The term “jack-o’-lantern” also has an interesting origin. According to Irish folklore, there was a man named Stingy Jack who tricked the devil and was not allowed into heaven or hell after he died. As a result, he was forced to roam the earth with only a carved-out turnip with a burning coal inside to light his way. This legend eventually evolved into the modern-day tradition of carving pumpkins and placing candles inside.
8. Which Witch?
Witches are a common sight during Halloween, but do you know the history behind this iconic figure? The image of a witch with a pointy hat and broomstick can be traced back to the Middle Ages when women who were believed to have supernatural powers were persecuted and executed. This was often due to their knowledge of herbal medicine and healing, which was seen as witchcraft by the Church.
The Salem Witch Trials
One of the most infamous examples of witch persecution in America is the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Over 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraft and 20 were executed. Today, Salem, Massachusetts is a popular tourist destination for those interested in learning more about this dark period in American history.
9. A Big Ol’ Pumpkin
Pumpkins are not only used for carving and decoration during Halloween, but they also play a significant role in another popular tradition – pumpkin pie! In fact, pumpkins have been grown in North America for over 5,000 years and were a staple food for Native Americans.
The World’s Largest Pumpkin
The world’s largest pumpkin was grown in Belgium in 2016 and weighed a whopping 2,624 pounds. That’s equivalent to about 1,190 kilograms or 188 stone!
10. Jack O’Lanterns
We’ve already discussed the legend of Stingy Jack and how it led to the tradition of carving pumpkins. Have you ever wondered about the origins of the term ‘jack-o’-lanterns’? The term comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Jack who tricked the devil and was forced to wander the earth with only a carved-out turnip with a burning coal inside to light his way. The Irish referred to him as “Jack of the Lantern” and eventually, the name evolved into “jack-o’-lantern.”
The Evolution of Carving Pumpkins
Originally, turnips and potatoes were used for carving, but when Irish immigrants came to America, they discovered that pumpkins were much easier to carve and became the go-to choice. Today, pumpkin carving has become an art form with competitions and festivals held all over the world.
11. Follow the Rules
Halloween is a time for fun and mischief, but did you know that there are actually laws and regulations in place to ensure everyone’s safety? In some states, it is illegal to wear a mask in public or to carry certain types of weapons as part of a costume. In certain urban areas, curfews have been implemented during trick-or-treating to mitigate the risk of accidents or injuries.
Safety First
It’s important to remember to stay safe while celebrating Halloween. Make sure to follow traffic rules, only visit well-lit houses, and check your candy before eating it. And if you’re attending a Halloween party, make sure to have a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service to get home safely.
12. Itsy Bitsy Spider
Spiders are often associated with Halloween, but do you know why? The tradition of decorating with spider webs can be traced back to the legend of Arachne, a skilled weaver who was turned into a spider by the goddess Athena. Spiders are also seen as symbols of mystery and magic, making them a perfect fit for this spooky holiday.
The Most Popular Halloween Costumes
Aside from spiders, other popular Halloween costumes include witches, ghosts, vampires, and zombies. But according to a survey by the National Retail Federation, the top five most popular costumes for adults in 2021 are:
- Witch;
- Vampire;
- Zombie;
- Pirate;
- Ghost.
And for children, the top five costumes are:
- Princess;
- Spider-Man;
- Superhero;
- Ghost;
- Witch.
Conclusion
Halloween is a holiday that has been celebrated for thousands of years and has evolved into the fun and spooky celebration we know today. From its ancient Celtic roots to its modern-day commercialization, there are many fascinating facts and traditions associated with this holiday. So whether you’re dressing up in a costume, carving pumpkins, or indulging in some candy, remember to have fun and stay safe on this hair-raising holiday.