Halloween is one of the most popular holidays around the world, filled with spooky costumes, carved pumpkins, and sweet treats. But how much do you really know about its origins and traditions? Here are 10 fascinating facts about Halloween that will surprise and delight you!
1. Halloween Started Over 2,000 Years Ago
Halloween began with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The Celts celebrated it on October 31st to mark the end of the harvest and the start of winter. They believed the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred on that night.
2. “Halloween” Means “Holy Evening”
The name “Halloween” comes from “All Hallows’ Eve”, the night before All Saints’ Day. Over time, the name was shortened to the word we use today — Halloween.
3. Pumpkins Weren’t Always Used for Jack-o’-Lanterns
Before pumpkins, people in Ireland and Scotland carved turnips and potatoes to create lanterns. When Irish immigrants came to America, they found that pumpkins were easier to carve and looked better — and the tradition stuck!
4. Trick-or-Treating Has Ancient Roots
The idea of going door to door for treats dates back to medieval times. People performed “souling,” where they asked for food in exchange for prayers for the dead. This later evolved into modern trick-or-treating.
5. Black and Orange Are Halloween’s Official Colours
Orange represents the harvest and autumn, while black symbolizes darkness and death. These two colours have become the traditional symbols of Halloween.
6. The World’s Largest Pumpkin Weighs Over 2,700 Pounds
Every year, farmers compete to grow the biggest pumpkin. In 2021, a grower in Italy set a world record with a pumpkin weighing 2,702 pounds (1,226 kg)!
7. Candy Corn Was Once Called “Chicken Feed”
When candy corn was first made in the 1880s, it wasn’t associated with Halloween. It was called “Chicken Feed”because of its corn-kernel shape and was marketed as a year-round treat.
8. Halloween Was Once a Romantic Holiday
In the 18th century, some Halloween games were meant to help people find their future spouse. Young people used apple-peeling or mirror tricks to try to predict who they would marry.
9. The United States Spends Billions on Halloween
Americans spend over $10 billion each year on Halloween costumes, candy, and decorations — making it the second most popular holiday after Christmas in terms of spending.
10. Not Everyone Celebrates Halloween the Same Way
Different countries have their own versions of the holiday. For example, Mexico celebrates Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which honours loved ones who have passed away, with colourful altars and family gatherings.
Final Thoughts
Halloween is more than just a night of candy and costumes — it’s a holiday with deep history, fun traditions, and fascinating facts. Whether you’re carving pumpkins or telling ghost stories, now you know a little more about the spooky celebration we all love!
