Facts about Halloween that you might not know

Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in the world, celebrated on October 31. It has a rich history and many interesting traditions that vary from region to region. Halloween is associated with costumes, sweets, and scary decorations, and has its roots in ancient Celtic customs. We offer you a selection of interesting facts about Halloween that will help you better understand this fascinating holiday.

1. Halloween comes from the ancient Celtic holiday Samhain, which was celebrated in late October. The Celts believed that at this time, the line between the world of the living and the dead becomes thin, and spirits can visit the earth. Samhain was a time when people lit bonfires and wore costumes to scare away ghosts.
2. The name “Halloween” comes from “All Hallows’ Eve”, which means “All Hallows’ Eve”. This holiday precedes All Saints’ Day, which is celebrated on November 1. In medieval England, this day was called “All Hallows’ Eve”, which was eventually shortened to “Halloween”.
3. The tradition of carving pumpkin lanterns comes from the Irish legend of Jack the Lantern. According to the legend, Jack was a cunning farmer who tricked the devil several times and after his death was doomed to wander with a candle inside a turnip. Immigrants brought this tradition to America, where the turnip was replaced by pumpkin because it was more readily available and easier to carve.
4. The trick-or-treat tradition has its roots in the medieval practice of “walking”. Poor people would go door to door, receiving food in exchange for prayers for the dead. In the United States, this tradition began to gain popularity in the 1920s and eventually evolved into the well-known “trick or treating”.
5. Orange and black have become the traditional colors of Halloween. Orange symbolizes harvest and autumn, while black is associated with death and darkness. Together, these colors create a characteristic atmosphere of the holiday.
6. One of the most popular Halloween attributes is costumes. The tradition of wearing costumes originates from the Celtic practice of wearing masks and costumes to confuse the spirits. Today, people dress up in a variety of costumes, from scary to fun, to take part in festive events.
7. Halloween is the second largest holiday in the United States after Christmas in terms of money spent. Americans spend billions of dollars on costumes, decorations, and candy. According to the National Retail Federation, Halloween spending reached a record $10 billion in 2021.
8. Halloween fortune telling was a popular pastime in the past. People tried to predict their future using various methods such as reading letters, throwing apple skins, or lighting bonfires. These traditions were meant to help find out about future partners or predict good luck.
9. In Mexico, Halloween is intertwined with the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos). This holiday is celebrated on November 1 and 2 and is intended to honor the memory of deceased relatives. During the holiday, people create altars with photos and favorite things of the deceased, and decorate them with sugar skulls and flowers.
10. “Haunted houses” have become a popular Halloween attraction in the United States. These are specially created places where people can experience scary scenes and feel the adrenaline. They can range from simple mazes to complex productions with actors and special effects.
11. The city of Salem in Massachusetts became famous for the witch trials in 1692. Today, Salem is a popular tourist destination for Halloween, with numerous events, festivals, and parades dedicated to this theme.
12. Cats, especially black cats, are associated with Halloween and have a long history as symbols of magic and the supernatural. In medieval Europe, black cats were considered companions of witches and were often persecuted. Today, they have become a popular motif in Halloween decorations and costumes.
13. Horror movies and themed TV programs are an integral part of Halloween celebrations. Classic movies, such as John Carpenter’s Halloween, have become symbols of this holiday. Many TV channels create special programs and horror movie marathons in honor of the holiday.
14. One of the popular Halloween activities is pumpkin carving. People carve different designs and faces on pumpkins and then light them with candles to create scary lanterns. This activity has become a family tradition for many people.
15. There is a tradition of decorating houses with spider webs, skeletons, ghosts and other scary attributes. These decorations create a special atmosphere and make the holiday even more exciting. Some people even organize contests for the best decorated house.
16. Sweets play an important role in Halloween celebrations. Children go from house to house, saying the phrase “Trick or Treat” and receive sweets. The most popular treats are candy, chocolate, and caramel apples.
17. In some countries, such as Ireland and Scotland, there is a tradition of baking objects in bread that predict the future. This bread is called “barmbrack” and may include a ring, coin, or button. Depending on the object found, a person could expect marriage, wealth, or misfortune.
18. The tradition of telling scary stories around the campfire also has ancient roots. People used to gather around campfires and tell each other scary stories to scare and entertain each other. This tradition continues to this day, especially among children and young people.
19. Halloween has its musical hits, such as the song “Monster Mash” by Bobby Pickett. These songs have become an integral part of the celebration and are often played at parties and events. Other popular Halloween songs include “Thriller” by Michael Jackson and “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr.
20. Halloween parades have become a popular way to celebrate in many cities. The most famous of them is the Halloween Parade in New York City, which gathers thousands of participants and spectators. People dress up in costumes and walk through the streets of the city, demonstrating their creativity and love for the holiday.

Halloween is a holiday that combines ancient traditions with modern entertainment. It offers many ways to celebrate this day, from costume parties to pumpkin carving. Celebrating Halloween allows you to plunge into the world of magic and mystery while enjoying time with friends and family.