October is over half way through and that means Halloween is getting closer by the minute. It is finally feeling like fall here in the desert. We have had rain for the past couple of days, even some mighty strong hail that had us all trapped in the garage Sunday evening, till it died down. Since this month is moving way too fast, I wanted to share some pretty interesting facts about one of my favorite Holidays. Hope you enjoy!
Halloween celebrations date back 6000 years.
“Samhainophobia” is the fear of Halloween.
You can refer to Halloween as: All Hallows Eve, Samhain, All Hallowtide, The Feast of the Dead, Haloween, All Saints Eve and El Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead).
We wear masks on Halloween because Welsh and Celtic traditions say that the dead visit the living on October 31st. They wore masks so that the spirits of the dead didn’t recognize the living.
During the 1800’s in America, the end of the harvest season was celebrated at the end of October by wearing costumes, eating sweets, and playing practical jokes on each other.
Trick or treat originally meant that the person asking for the treat would perform a “trick”, like reciting poems or sing a song, for the amusement of the giver.
The “trick” part switched from performing to vandalizing homes and other pranks if the treat was not given.
Bobbing for apples started with a Roman harvest festival honoring Pamona, the goddess of fruit trees.
The Jack o Lantern originated from Ireland, where they hollowed out old turnips and placed candles in them to keep away evil ghosts and spirits on the Samhain holiday.
About 99% of all pumpkins sold are used as Jack o Lantern’s.
In 1964, Helen Pfeil of Greenlawn, NY was arrested for handing out arsenic laced treats to teens she thought were too old for trick or treating.
Orange and black are the main colors for Halloween. Orange representing the Fall Harvest. Black representing darkness and death.
Black cat’s get a bad rap on Halloween. They were once believed to be witch’s subordinates who protected their dark powers.
White cat’s are believed to be bad luck in England.
Halloween is the 2nd most successful holiday. Christmas is number 1.
Halloween candy sales average around 2 billion dollars annually in the United States.
Around 86% of Americans decorate their homes for Halloween.
Halloween is the 3rd biggest party day, trailing behind New Year’s Eve and Superbowl Sunday.
Pumpkin is a healthy holiday treat. It is low in fat, high in antioxidants and fiber. Roast the seeds for a fun Fall snack.
Bone Chilling Halloween Facts
If you see a spider on Halloween, it is said it is a spirit of a loved one watching over you.
Legend has it that if bats fly around your house on Halloween night 3 times, death is on its way.
It is said that a person born on Halloween can communicate with the dead and has protection from evil
If a candle’s flame turns blue on Halloween night, legend has it that a ghost is near.
Avoid owls on Halloween, it is said that they will swoop down and steal your soul.
Want to meet a witch? Legend has it you will, if you turn your clothes inside-out and walk backwards on Halloween.
Some of these facts came from here.
mom of 1 and 10 
I understand Dia de los Muertos to be something different, actually, following closely on Halloween’s heels in time only. (I’m so excited we’ll be celebrating Dia de los Muertos at D’s school! Last year was my first year experiencing it, and I loved it.)
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This was great – thanks for all the fun facts!
And 99% of all pumpkins for Jack-o-laterns? I guess the pumpkin spiced latte and beer industry has their work cut out for it 🙂
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