100 Fun Facts About Halloween

What date is Halloween celebrated each year?

Halloween is celebrated on October 31st every year, the eve of All Saints' Day (November 1).

What is the traditional Halloween activity where children go door-to-door asking for candy?

Trick-or-treating is the beloved Halloween tradition where children dress in costumes and go door-to-door collecting candy from neighbors.

What vegetable was originally carved into jack-o'lanterns before pumpkins became the standard?

In Ireland and Scotland, turnips (and sometimes potatoes) were originally carved into jack-o'lanterns. When Irish immigrants came to America, they found pumpkins were larger, easier to carve, and widely available.

What ancient Celtic festival is considered the origin of Halloween?

Samhain (pronounced SAH-win) was an ancient Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed the boundary between the living and dead became thin on this night.

What candy is most commonly associated with Halloween and features orange, yellow, and white layers?

Candy corn, originally called "Chicken Feed," was invented in the 1880s by the Wunderle Candy Company. Its tri-color design mimics a kernel of corn.

In the 1978 horror film "Halloween," what is the name of the masked killer?

Michael Myers is the iconic masked killer in John Carpenter's 1978 film "Halloween." He wears a modified Captain Kirk mask painted white.

What color cat is traditionally associated with Halloween superstitions?

Black cats have been associated with Halloween and superstition for centuries. In medieval Europe, they were believed to be witches' familiars or witches in disguise.

What classic TV special features Linus waiting in a pumpkin patch for a holiday visitor?

"It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" (1966) features Linus spending Halloween night in a pumpkin patch waiting for the Great Pumpkin, whom he believes brings toys to children.

What word is Halloween actually a contraction of?

Halloween is a contraction of "All Hallows' Eve," meaning the evening before All Hallows' Day (All Saints' Day) on November 1. The word evolved from "All Hallows' Even" to "Hallowe'en" to "Halloween."

What fruit is traditionally bobbed for at Halloween parties?

Bobbing for apples is a classic Halloween party game with roots in Roman harvest festivals. Players try to grab floating apples from a tub of water using only their teeth.

Which country is believed to be the birthplace of Halloween?

Halloween originated in Ireland as the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Irish and Scottish immigrants brought Halloween traditions to North America in the 19th century.

What type of creature is Count Dracula?

Count Dracula is the most famous vampire in fiction, created by Bram Stoker in his 1897 novel "Dracula." The character was partly inspired by Vlad the Impaler, a 15th-century Romanian prince.

What is the fear of Halloween called?

Samhainophobia is the intense, persistent fear of Halloween. The name derives from Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival that became Halloween.

In the movie "Hocus Pocus," how many Sanderson sisters are there?

There are three Sanderson sisters in Hocus Pocus: Winifred (Bette Midler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker), and Mary (Kathy Najimy). The 1993 film has become a Halloween classic.

What is the world's largest Halloween parade held annually?

The Village Halloween Parade in New York City's Greenwich Village is the largest Halloween parade in the world, attracting over 50,000 participants and two million spectators annually since 1974.

What Mexican holiday, celebrated on November 1-2, is closely associated with Halloween?

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated on November 1-2 in Mexico. While it shares the theme of honoring the dead, it has distinct indigenous Aztec roots separate from Halloween's Celtic origins.

What is the most popular Halloween costume for adults in the United States?

The witch consistently ranks as the most popular Halloween costume for adults in the United States, according to the National Retail Federation's annual surveys.

Which horror movie features a character named Ghostface?

Ghostface is the iconic masked killer in Wes Craven's "Scream" franchise (1996-present). The mask was inspired by Edvard Munch's painting "The Scream."

According to superstition, what does it mean if you see a spider on Halloween?

According to Halloween superstition, seeing a spider on Halloween means a deceased loved one is watching over you. Spiders have long been associated with the supernatural in folklore.

What is the top-selling Halloween candy in the United States?

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups consistently top the list as America's favorite Halloween candy, combining chocolate and peanut butter in an iconic package.

What U.S. city is known as the "Halloween Capital of the World"?

Anoka, Minnesota, has held the title of "Halloween Capital of the World" since 1920 when it organized one of the first Halloween celebrations in the country to divert children from pranks.

What is the name of the skeleton-like figure associated with Día de los Muertos?

La Catrina is an elegantly dressed female skeleton figure that has become an iconic symbol of Día de los Muertos. She was originally created by Mexican printmaker José Guadalupe Posada around 1910.

In which decade did trick-or-treating become widely popular in the United States?

While trick-or-treating existed in some form earlier, it became widely popular across the United States in the 1950s after sugar rationing from World War II ended and suburban neighborhoods expanded.

What is the name of the phobia that describes an intense fear of spiders?

Arachnophobia is the fear of spiders and other arachnids. It's one of the most common phobias worldwide and is often heightened around Halloween when spider decorations are everywhere.

What famous magician died on Halloween in 1926?

Harry Houdini, the legendary escape artist and magician, died on October 31, 1926, from peritonitis caused by a ruptured appendix. The timing of his death on Halloween has added to his mystique.

What material was the original Michael Myers mask in the 1978 "Halloween" movie made from?

The iconic Michael Myers mask was a modified Captain Kirk mask (based on William Shatner's face). Production designer Tommy Lee Wallace bought a $1.98 Captain Kirk mask, widened the eye holes, spray-painted it white, and teased the hair.

What is the name of the legendary headless horseman's town in Washington Irving's story?

"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving (1820) is set in the Dutch settlement of Sleepy Hollow, New York. The Headless Horseman pursues schoolteacher Ichabod Crane through the town.

Approximately how many pounds of candy corn are produced in the United States each year?

Approximately 35 million pounds (about 9 billion individual pieces) of candy corn are produced each year in the United States, with most being sold for Halloween.

What do people traditionally wear on Halloween?

Wearing costumes is one of the most recognizable Halloween traditions. The practice has Celtic roots where people wore disguises to hide from spirits during Samhain.

In the horror film "A Nightmare on Elm Street," what is Freddy Krueger's signature weapon?

Freddy Krueger wields a custom-made glove fitted with razor-sharp blades on each finger. Creator Wes Craven said he chose the weapon because it was the most primal fear — being clawed by an animal-like predator.

What is the name of the practice of lighting bonfires on Halloween, which originated with the Celts?

The Celts lit large Samhain fires (also called sacred bonfires) to ward off evil spirits as part of their end-of-harvest celebrations. Communities would gather around these communal fires and sometimes jump over them for good luck.

Which author wrote the gothic novel "Frankenstein"?

Mary Shelley wrote "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus" in 1818 when she was just 20 years old. The novel was inspired by a ghost story contest during a rainy summer at Lake Geneva.

What was the original name for candy corn when it was first produced in the 1880s?

Candy corn was originally marketed as "Chicken Feed" and came in a box with a rooster on it. At the time, corn was considered animal food, so the name was a playful nod to its shape.

What Halloween tradition involves looking into a mirror at midnight to see your future spouse?

Love divination was a popular Victorian-era Halloween tradition. Young women were told to sit in a dark room and gaze into a mirror by candlelight to see the face of their future husband appear behind them.

What is a group of witches called?

A group of witches is called a coven. Traditionally, a coven consists of 13 members, though this number varies in different traditions of witchcraft and Wicca.

Which U.S. state produces the most pumpkins?

Illinois is the top pumpkin-producing state in the U.S., growing roughly 40% of the nation's commercial pumpkin crop. The city of Morton, Illinois, calls itself the "Pumpkin Capital of the World."

In the TV show "The Simpsons," what is the name of their annual Halloween special episodes?

"Treehouse of Horror" is The Simpsons' annual Halloween special, airing since 1990. Each episode features three short horror/sci-fi parodies and is not considered canon to the main series.

According to legend, what can a werewolf only be killed by?

According to popular folklore and fiction, a silver bullet is the only thing that can kill a werewolf. This belief became widespread through horror movies, though its origins in actual folklore are debated.

What is the record weight for the world's heaviest pumpkin, as of 2023?

The world record for the heaviest pumpkin was set in 2023 at 2,749 pounds (1,247 kg), grown by Stefano Cutrupi of Italy at the Italian Championship in Peccioli.

What famous witch trial took place in Massachusetts in 1692?

The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 were a series of hearings and prosecutions in colonial Massachusetts. Over 200 people were accused of witchcraft, and 20 were executed, making it one of the most infamous episodes of mass hysteria in American history.

What organ did ancient Egyptians remove from the body during mummification through the nose?

Ancient Egyptians removed the brain through the nostrils using a hook-like instrument during mummification. They considered the brain unimportant, while the heart was left in the body as they believed it was the seat of the soul.

What horror movie franchise features a doll named Chucky?

Chucky is the murderous doll from the "Child's Play" franchise (1988-present). The doll is possessed by the soul of serial killer Charles Lee Ray, who used a voodoo spell to transfer his soul into a Good Guy doll.

What is the traditional flower of the dead placed on Día de los Muertos altars?

Cempasúchil (marigolds) are the traditional flower of the dead in Mexican culture. Their bright orange color and strong scent are believed to guide the spirits of the deceased back to the world of the living during Día de los Muertos.

What supernatural ability is a vampire traditionally believed to lack when looking in a mirror?

Vampires traditionally cast no reflection in mirrors. This belief originated from the idea that mirrors reflect the soul, and vampires — being undead — have no soul to reflect. Historically, mirrors were backed with silver, a "pure" metal.

Which Stephen King novel features a haunted hotel called the Overlook?

"The Shining" (1977) is set in the isolated Overlook Hotel in Colorado, where the Torrance family serves as winter caretakers. Stanley Kubrick's 1980 film adaptation became one of the most iconic horror movies ever made.

What common Halloween decoration was originally placed in windows to ward off evil spirits?

Jack-o'lanterns were originally placed in windows and doorways to ward off evil spirits, particularly the wandering soul of "Stingy Jack" from Irish folklore, who was doomed to roam the earth with only a carved turnip to light his way.

What is the UNICEF box that children sometimes carry while trick-or-treating used for?

Since 1950, UNICEF has distributed small orange collection boxes to children for trick-or-treating. Kids collect coins alongside candy, with proceeds going to UNICEF's programs helping children worldwide. The program has raised over $195 million.

What astronomical event must occur for a "Halloween Blue Moon" (a full moon on October 31)?

A Halloween Blue Moon occurs when there are two full moons in October, with the second falling on October 31. This is rare — it last happened in 2020 and won't occur again until 2039.

What classic monster is associated with the full moon?

The werewolf is the classic monster associated with the full moon. According to legend, a person cursed with lycanthropy transforms into a wolf or wolf-like creature under the light of a full moon.

Which Pope established All Saints' Day on November 1, which contributed to the creation of Halloween?

Pope Gregory III (731-741 AD) designated November 1 as a day to honor all saints and martyrs. This moved the celebration from May to November, directly placing it after the Celtic festival of Samhain and contributing to the merging of traditions that became Halloween.

From what phrase does the name 'Halloween' originate?

The word 'Halloween' is a contraction of 'All Hallows' Eve,' which is the evening before the Christian holy day of All Hallows' Day, also known as All Saints' Day, observed on November 1.

What ancient Celtic festival is considered one of the primary origins of Halloween traditions?

Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival, marked the end of summer and the harvest, and the beginning of winter. It was believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, allowing spirits to cross over.

Before pumpkins became widely used, what vegetable was traditionally carved to create jack-o'-lanterns in Ireland and Scotland?

The original jack-o'-lanterns were carved from root vegetables like turnips, mangelwurzels, or rutabagas in Ireland and Scotland, inspired by the legend of 'Stingy Jack.' When Irish immigrants arrived in America, they began using readily available pumpkins.

The medieval European practice of 'souling' is often cited as an early precursor to what modern Halloween tradition?

In 'souling,' poor people would go door-to-door on All Souls' Day, offering prayers for the dead in exchange for 'soul cakes,' a tradition that evolved into guising and eventually modern trick-or-treating.

Black cats are a common Halloween symbol, historically linked to what role in European folklore?

During the Middle Ages, black cats became associated with witchcraft, believed to be 'familiars'—supernatural entities or demonic assistants that aided witches in their magical practices.

Which ancient Celtic festival is considered a primary origin of Halloween?

Halloween's roots are widely traced back to Samhain, an ancient Gaelic festival that marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.

Before pumpkins became popular, what root vegetable was traditionally carved to make jack-o'-lanterns?

The original jack-o'-lanterns in Ireland were carved from turnips and other root vegetables to ward off evil spirits, before Irish immigrants introduced the tradition to America where pumpkins were more readily available.

Which historical practice is considered an early precursor to modern trick-or-treating?

The tradition of trick-or-treating evolved from earlier practices like 'souling,' where people would go door-to-door asking for food in exchange for prayers for the dead.

What two colors are most traditionally associated with Halloween?

Orange and black are the traditional colors of Halloween, with orange representing the autumn harvest and black symbolizing the darkness of winter and death.

What is the term for an irrational fear of Halloween?

Samhainophobia is the specific phobia characterized by an intense and irrational fear of Halloween.

Who directed the classic 1978 horror film 'Halloween'?

The iconic 1978 slasher film 'Halloween,' which helped define the genre, was directed by John Carpenter.

What was candy corn originally called when it was first created in the late 19th century?

When it was first introduced by the Wunderle Candy Company in the 1880s, candy corn was marketed under the name 'Chicken Feed.'

Which animal, often associated with darkness and frequently seen around bonfires, became a common symbol of Halloween?

Bats became associated with Halloween partly due to their nocturnal nature and their presence around ancient bonfires, attracting insects, and later through folklore linking them to darkness and witchcraft.

In what century did the Salem Witch Trials largely take place?

The infamous Salem Witch Trials, a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft, occurred primarily in 1692 and 1693.

Which country celebrates Día de Muertos, a holiday honoring deceased loved ones, around the same time as Halloween?

Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant holiday celebrated in Mexico where families honor and remember their deceased loved ones.

The name 'Samhain,' from which many Halloween traditions derive, means what in Old Irish?

The ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a precursor to Halloween, derives its name from an Old Irish word meaning 'summer's end,' marking the close of the harvest season.

The game of bobbing for apples is thought to have originated from a Roman festival honoring which goddess?

Bobbing for apples is believed to trace back to a Roman festival dedicated to Pomona, the goddess of fruit trees, whose symbol was the apple.

What was the original historical purpose of wearing costumes on Halloween?

Ancient Celts wore costumes and masks during Samhain to disguise themselves from spirits and otherworldly beings who were believed to roam the Earth.

Which country is credited with widely popularizing the modern Halloween customs, including trick-or-treating and costume parties?

While Halloween has ancient Celtic roots, many of its modern customs, such as widespread trick-or-treating and large-scale costume parties, became popularized in the United States, largely due to Irish and Scottish immigrants.

The word 'bonfire' is believed to have originated from a practice during ancient festivals where what was burned?

The word 'bonfire' is thought to come from 'bone fire,' referring to the practice during ancient festivals like Samhain of burning animal bones as offerings.

What is the name of the traditional Irish fruitcake often baked with charms inside and eaten at Halloween?

Barmbrack is a traditional Irish fruitcake, often associated with Halloween, where small charms or objects are baked inside to predict the eater's future.

What common Halloween symbol is associated with the legend of Stingy Jack?

The jack-o'-lantern is closely tied to the Irish legend of Stingy Jack, a man doomed to wander with only a carved turnip containing a burning coal to light his way.

In what year was the phrase 'trick or treat' first recorded in print in North America?

The phrase 'trick or treat' in connection with Halloween was first recorded in print in North America in a 1927 newspaper article from Alberta, Canada.

What is the significance of the thinning veil between worlds during Samhain?

During Samhain, the ancient Celts believed the boundary between the living world and the Otherworld thinned, allowing spirits and the souls of the dead to cross over more easily.

Which Roman festival, honoring the dead, shared thematic resonances with Samhain and influenced early Halloween traditions?

The Roman festival of Feralia, which honored the dead in late October, blended with Samhain traditions after the Roman conquest of Celtic lands.

What is the fear of witches or witchcraft called?

Wiccaphobia is an intense and irrational fear or aversion towards witches or witchcraft and related concepts.

In Scotland and Ireland, children who went house-to-house in costume for treats were traditionally known by what term?

In Scotland and Ireland, the tradition of children dressing in costumes and going door-to-door for food or treats was known as 'guising.'

Which famous author wrote 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,' featuring the headless horseman?

Washington Irving penned 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,' a timeless tale that introduced the iconic Headless Horseman, a popular Halloween figure.

What common Halloween decoration is often a symbol of transformation and the cycle of life and death?

The pumpkin, a symbol of the autumn harvest, also represents transformation and the cyclical nature of life and death, particularly when carved into a jack-o'-lantern.

The belief that black cats are associated with bad luck or witchcraft dates back to what historical period?

The superstition linking black cats to bad luck and witchcraft largely emerged during the Middle Ages in Europe.

What is the name of the traditional Halloween game involving apples floating in water?

Apple bobbing is a popular Halloween party game where participants try to retrieve apples floating in a tub of water using only their mouths.

What type of supernatural being is often depicted as a reanimated corpse, typically with a craving for human flesh?

Zombies are fictional undead creatures, typically portrayed as reanimated corpses, often featured in horror stories and films.

In some ancient traditions, why were bonfires lit during Samhain?

Bonfires during Samhain were believed to have protective and cleansing powers, used to ward off malevolent spirits and connect communities.

Which of these is a common Halloween treat that comes in small, tri-colored kernels?

Candy corn, with its distinctive yellow, orange, and white layers, is a classic and widely recognized Halloween confection.

What fictional Transylvanian count is one of the most famous vampire characters?

Count Dracula, the titular character from Bram Stoker's 1897 novel, is arguably the most famous vampire in literature and pop culture.

What is the traditional activity of telling scary stories around a campfire or in the dark often called during Halloween season?

Telling 'campfire tales' or 'ghost stories' is a popular and traditional activity during Halloween, evoking a sense of suspense and fright.

Which type of creature is often associated with witches and is said to be able to transform into human form?

Werewolves are mythical humanoids with the ability to shapeshift into a wolf or a theriomorphic hybrid creature, often associated with curses or supernatural forces.

What year did the animated Disney short 'Trick or Treat' featuring Donald Duck first release?

The popular Disney animated short 'Trick or Treat,' featuring Donald Duck and his nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie, was released in 1952.

In what U.S. state is the town of Salem, famous for its 17th-century witch trials?

The town of Salem, famously known for its witch trials, is located in the state of Massachusetts.

What does the traditional Halloween decoration of a spiderweb symbolize?

Spiderwebs are a common Halloween decoration that symbolize entrapment, decay, and the eerie aspects often associated with haunted places.

Which element is commonly used in horror stories and is said to be a weakness for vampires?

Garlic is a well-known element in folklore and horror fiction believed to repel or weaken vampires.

What type of house is often decorated with spooky elements and opened for public tours around Halloween?

Haunted houses, often elaborately decorated with frightening themes, are a popular attraction and tradition during the Halloween season.

What is the name for the fear of ghosts?

Phasmophobia is the specific term for an irrational and intense fear of ghosts.

Which of these is a common Halloween decoration often associated with death and the afterlife?

Skeletons are widely used as Halloween decorations, symbolizing death, mortality, and the macabre aspects of the holiday.

What type of mask was traditionally worn during Samhain to ward off spirits?

During Samhain, ancient Celts would wear masks made of animal heads and skins to disguise themselves from any malevolent spirits roaming on that night.

The phrase 'All Hallows' Eve' eventually contracted to form what modern holiday name?

The name 'Halloween' is a contraction of 'All Hallows' Eve,' which is the evening before the Christian holy day of All Hallows' Day (All Saints' Day).

Which author is famous for writing 'Frankenstein,' a classic horror novel often associated with Halloween?

Mary Shelley is the celebrated author of 'Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus,' a seminal work of gothic horror literature.

What is the name of the mythological creature, a monstrous humanoid, often depicted with green skin and associated with swamps or graveyards?

Ghouls are mythological creatures, often depicted as monstrous humanoids or undead beings, associated with consuming human flesh, especially from graves.

Which type of candy is typically wrapped in black and orange wax paper?

Saltwater taffy, particularly in traditional flavors, is often associated with Halloween and frequently comes in black and orange wax paper wrappers.

What is the traditional animal associated with witchcraft and often depicted as a witch's familiar?

The black cat is a classic familiar of witches in folklore and popular culture, often depicted as a companion aiding in magical practices.