Over the centuries, Halloween has evolved from a way of begging for food to one of the most commercialized days of the entire year.
Both Salem, Massachusetts, and Anoka, Minnesota, are the self-proclaimed Halloween capitals of the world.
"Halloween" is short for “Hallows’ Eve” or “Hallows’ Evening,” which was the evening before All Hallows’ (sanctified or holy) Day or Hallowmas on November 1. In an effort to convert pagans, the Christian church decided that Hallowmas or All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2) should assimilate sacred pagan holidays that fell on or around October 31.
Trick-or-treating has existed since medieval times.
Because the movie Halloween (1978) was on such a tight budget, they had to use the cheapest mask they could find for the character Michael Meyers, which turned out to be a William Shatner Star Trek mask. Shatner initially didn’t know the mask was in his likeness, but when he found out years later, he said he was honored.
Sugar rationing during World War II halted trick-or-treating.
Harry Houdini (1874-1926) was one of the most famous and mysterious magicians who ever lived. Strangely enough, he died in 1926 on Halloween night as a result of appendicitis brought on by three stomach punches.
The Village Halloween parade in New York City is the largest Halloween parade in the United States. The parade includes 50,000 participants and draws over 2 million spectators.
When trick-or-treating first became popular in the United States in the 1800s, more children played mischievous pranks than asked for candy. By the 1950s, though, the focus had switched to good old family fun, with sugar-hyped children dressed in costumes.
Candy corn was originally called "chicken feed."
Some animal shelters won't allow the adoption of black cats around Halloween for fear they’ll be sacrificed.
Candy corn has been made with the same recipe by the Jelly Belly Candy Company since around 1900.
Illinois produces up to five times more pumpkins than any other state.
Samhainophobia is the fear of Halloween.
The first Jack O Lanterns were actually made from turnips, potatoes, and beets.
Halloween is thought to have originated around 4000 B.C., which means Halloween has been around for over 6,000 years.
Halloween is the second highest grossing commercial holiday after Christmas.
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