15 Lesser-Known Halloween Facts That Will Amaze You

Samhain Origins

Halloween traces its roots back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, where people believed that the boundary between the living and the dead blurred.

Jack-o'-Lantern Legend: 

Jack-o'-lanterns weren't always made from pumpkins; the tradition began with turnips in Ireland.

The Real Witch Trials

The infamous Salem Witch Trials, depicted in popular culture, took place during a time of deep paranoia in colonial America.

Halloween Colors

Black and orange are Halloween's signature colors, with black representing death and orange symbolizing harvest.

Halloween Colors

The Candy Corn Connection

Candy corn was originally called 'chicken feed' and was invented by George Renninger in the 1880s.

Halloween Colors

Halloween Myths

Black cats are not bad luck; in many cultures, they're seen as symbols of good fortune and protection.

Halloween Colors

Halloween in Space

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station have celebrated Halloween by wearing costumes and decorating their living quarters.

Halloween Colors

Halloween Full Moon

A Halloween full moon, also known as a "Blue Moon," occurs approximately once every 19 years.

All Hallows' Eve

The term "Halloween" is derived from "All Hallows' Eve," the evening before All Saints' Day, a Christian holiday.

Trick-or-Treating Origins

The tradition of trick-or-treating is believed to have originated in medieval Europe, where children went door-to-door asking for "soul cakes."

Haunted Places

Halloween is the perfect time to explore haunted locations. The Stanley Hotel in Colorado inspired Stephen King's "The Shining."

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Washington Irving's classic tale introduced the Headless Horseman, a spooky Halloween icon.

Dia de los Muertos

In Mexico, Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a colorful and joyful celebration of deceased loved ones.

The Guinness Record

The world's largest pumpkin ever weighed in at a whopping 2,624.6 pounds, setting a Guinness World Record.

Halloween Economy

Halloween is big business, with Americans spending billions on costumes, candy, and decorations each year.