Origins in Samhain: Halloween traces its origins to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated over 2,000 years ago. Celts believed that on October 31, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, allowing spirits to roam the earth. This is where many Halloween customs, like wearing costumes, started as people tried to disguise themselves from wandering spirits.
- All Hallows’ Eve: The word “Halloween” comes from “All Hallows’ Eve,” the evening before All Saints’ Day (November 1). In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III moved the holiday to this date, and it gradually merged with Samhain practices.
- Candy Craze: Halloween is the second-largest commercial holiday in the United States, with Americans spending over $3 billion on candy alone each year. Trick-or-treating gained popularity in the U.S. in the 1950s as a way to bring communities together post-World War II.
- Largest Halloween Parade: The New York Village Halloween Parade is one of the largest Halloween celebrations in the world. The 2021 parade marked its 48th year, featuring thousands of participants and attracting over 2 million spectators, making it a significant cultural event.
- Most Costumes Worn at Once: A record for the most people dressed in the same costume was set in 2019 when 2,200 students from the University of Texas at Arlington dressed as “The Wizard of Oz” characters to celebrate Halloween.
- Highest Sales on Costumes: The National Retail Federation (NRF) reported that in 2021, Americans spent an estimated $10.14 billion on Halloween costumes, decorations, and candy, highlighting the holiday’s economic impact.
- Largest Pumpkin Display: In 2007, a display of over 30,000 carved pumpkins was created in Keene, New Hampshire, setting the record for the largest pumpkin display. The event continues to draw thousands of visitors each year.
- Witch Symbolism: The image of a witch flying on a broomstick stems from medieval folklore and pagan rituals. “Flying ointments” made with psychoactive plants were said to help “witches” have hallucinatory experiences, and the broom became a symbol of female independence and rebellion.
- Animal Associations: Black cats are Halloween icons due to their association with witches in medieval Europe. Many believed black cats were witches’ familiars or even transformed witches themselves, a belief that led to centuries of superstition surrounding black cats.
- Haunted Attractions: The first haunted house was created by the American entrepreneur Walt Disney, with the 1969 opening of Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion. Today, haunted attractions are a Halloween staple, with some of the largest haunted houses attracting over 30,000 visitors each season.
- Popular Costumes: Halloween costumes have evolved dramatically. From simple ghost sheets to intricate pop culture-inspired outfits, the most popular costumes today often reflect trends in movies, video games, and social media. In 2023, some of the top choices include characters from Barbie, Spider-Man, and Wednesday.
- Bobbing for Apples: This game originates from a Roman harvest tradition honoring the goddess Pomona, who was associated with apples and orchards. It was once considered a form of divination for young people to predict their future romances.
- Fear of Halloween: The phobia Samhainophobia refers to the intense fear of Halloween and its associated traditions. Some individuals experience severe anxiety due to costumes, decorations, and horror elements associated with the holiday.