21 Halloween Fun Facts You Never Knew

Ever wonder why we say “trick or treat” or carve pumpkins on October 31? Halloween is packed with surprises that most people never learn about.

This spooky holiday has roots that stretch back over 2,000 years. From ancient Celtic festivals to modern candy traditions, Halloween has quite a story to tell.

Get ready to become the Halloween trivia master at your next party.

These fun facts will change how you see this beloved holiday. Some will surprise you, others might even spook you a little.

Let’s find out the fascinating world of Halloween, one fun fact at a time.

Mind-Blowing Halloween Fun Facts

Fun Fact #1: Halloween Has Ancient Origins

The tradition started with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The Celts celebrated their new year on November 1, marking the end of harvest season and the beginning of winter.

Halloween originated in Ireland over 2,000 years ago. The Celts lived in what is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France.

Fun Fact #2: The Celts Believed Ghosts Walked Among Them

The Celts believed that on October 31, the boundary between the living and the dead became very thin. Spirits could pass through and visit our world.

This belief led to many Halloween traditions we still practice today. People wanted to protect themselves from wandering spirits.

Fun Fact #3: Costumes Were Originally Meant to Confuse Spirits

People wore costumes and masks to disguise themselves as harmful spirits to avoid harm during Samhain.

The Celts thought that if they looked like ghosts, real ghosts would leave them alone. These costumes were typically made of animal heads and skins.

Fun Fact #4: Jack-o’-Lanterns Started with Turnips, Not Pumpkins

The tradition of carving vegetables started in Ireland. People originally carved turnips to ward off evil spirits, not pumpkins.

When Irish immigrants arrived in America, they found that pumpkins were larger and much easier to carve than turnips.

Fun Fact #5: “Trick or Treat” Came From Canada

The phrase “trick or treat” first appeared in Canada. A newspaper in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, reported gangs of youngsters celebrating with this saying in the early 20th century.

The phrase then spread to the United States in the following decades.

Fun Fact #6: Trick-or-Treating Has Medieval Roots

In the 16th century, poor people in England would go begging on All Souls’ Day. Children eventually took over this custom. People gave them “soul cakes” in exchange for prayers.

Trick-or-treating originated from “mumming.” Groups of people would go house to house, perform or sing, and receive food in return.

Fun Fact #7: Haunted Attractions Are a Half-Billion Dollar Industry

The United States is home to about 1,200 seasonal haunted attractions. These spooky businesses pull in up to half a billion dollars each year.

Haunted houses have become a major part of the Halloween economy

Fun Fact #8: Candy Corn Was Called “Chicken Feed”

Candy corn was originally called “Chicken Feed” when created by George Renninger of the Wunderle Candy Company. The Goelitz Confectionery Company has produced it since the late 1800s.

It was designed to look like corn kernels because many Americans worked on farms at that time.

Fun Fact #9: (Alternative) Bobbing for Apples Has Romantic Origins

The game of bobbing for apples has been a Halloween party staple for many years, but its origins are rooted in love and romance. The game traces back to a Roman festival honoring Pomona, the goddess of agriculture.

Young men and women could predict their future relationships based on the game.

Fun Fact #10: Reese’s Cups Are America’s Favorite Halloween Candy

Reese’s Cups topped the list of favorite Halloween candies in recent years, followed by M&Ms and Hot Tamales.

Chocolate candy remains king during the Halloween season.

Fun Fact #11: The Colors Orange and Black Have Deep Meaning

According to the Library of Congress, black and orange are Halloween colors because ancient Celts believed black symbolized the “death” of summer and orange symbolized the autumn harvest.

These colors represent the transition from life to death and summer to winter.

Fun Fact #12: Full Moons on Halloween Are Super Rare

A full moon on Halloween happens only every 18 or 19 years. The last full moon occurred in 2020. The next one won’t happen until 2039.

When Halloween and a full moon align, it creates an extra spooky atmosphere.

Fun Fact #13: United States Produces Billions of Pounds of Pumpkins

The United States produces massive quantities of pumpkins each year. Illinois is considered the Pumpkin Capital of the World.

Fun Fact #14: Americans Spend Billions on Halloween

Americans spend billions of dollars on Halloween each year, with a significant portion of that going toward candy alone.

Halloween is the second-largest commercial holiday in America after Christmas.

Fun Fact #15: Most Adults Celebrate Halloween Now

The majority of adults now celebrate Halloween. Today, adults spend just as much money on candy and costumes as they do on children.

Halloween isn’t just for kids anymore.

Fun Fact #16: The Halloween Movie Was Made on a Tiny Budget

The movie “Halloween” was made in just a few weeks on a very limited budget. That original film became a massive box office success and launched an incredibly successful franchise.

This low-budget horror film became a cultural phenomenon.

Fun Fact #17: Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” Was Almost Called “Starlight”

Writer Rod Temperton originally wrote “Thriller” as “Starlight.” The song has been a fan favorite since its release in the early 1980s.

Imagine dancing to “Starlight” instead of “Thriller” every Halloween.

Fun Fact #18: Black Cats Were Thought to Be Witches in Disguise

In folklore, black cats were thought to be witches’ companions or even witches in disguise.

If you see a spider on Halloween, this is believed to be the spirit of a deceased loved one watching over you.

Fun Fact #19: Some States Have Bizarre Halloween Laws

In Alabama, it’s illegal to wear a nun or priest costume for Halloween. In Hollywood, the use of silly string is prohibited on Halloween.

In Bellville, Missouri, teenagers above a certain age cannot ask for Halloween candy.

Fun Fact #20: Most Parents Sneak Their Kids’ Halloween Candy

According to a YouGov poll, the vast majority of parents with young children confess that they usually eat at least a few pieces of their children’s Halloween candy.

If you’re a parent reading this, you know it’s true.

Fun Fact #21: The Halloween Candy Poisoning Fear Is Mostly a Myth

No child has ever been randomly poisoned by a stranger on Halloween, at least in recorded history.

The Halloween candy scare likely began with a newspaper article in the early 1970s suggesting strangers could use trick-or-treating to poison children.

The fear of tampered candy is largely a myth, though parents should always check wrappers.

Conclusion

Halloween is so much more than costumes and candy. This ancient holiday carries traditions from Celtic festivals to modern American customs.

These fun facts show just how rich and complex Halloween history really is. The next time you carve a pumpkin or hand out candy, you’ll know the fascinating stories behind these traditions.

What Halloween fact surprised you most?

Share this list with friends and family to spread the spooky knowledge. And remember, the best part of Halloween isn’t just the candy – it’s the incredible history that makes this holiday special.

Happy Halloween! May your October 31st be filled with treats, not tricks, and plenty of fascinating conversations about the holiday you now know so well.