Facts about Halloween

Samhainophobia is the fear of Halloween. Halloween Facts

Halloween has also been called All Hallows Eve, Witches Night, Lamswool, Snap-Apple Night, Samhain and Summer's End. Halloween Facts

During medieval times in Ireland and Scotland, the Samhain festival was held at sunset on October 31st and lasted through daylight on November 1st. It marked the ending of the harvest season and the beginning of winter or the 'dark season'. Halloween Facts

Halloween was brought to the US by Irish and Scottish immigrants during the late 18th century to the early 19th century. Halloween Facts

The first Jack O’ Lanterns were made out of turnips. Halloween Facts

Pumpkins are not just orange, but can also grow to be blue, white or green. Halloween Facts

Pumpkins originated in Mexico. Halloween Facts

It is believed that if you see a spider on Halloween, it is the spirit of a loved one watching over you. Halloween Facts

The word witch comes from the old English word 'wicce' meaning 'wise woman'. According to popular belief, witches held one of their eight meetings, or sabbats, on Halloween night. Halloween Facts

Original trick-or-treaters received mostly fruits and nuts not candy. Halloween Facts

Trick-or treating became popular in the US in the 1930’s. Halloween Facts

Chocolate makes up about three-quarters of a trick-or-treater’s loot, according to the National Confectioners Association. Halloween Facts

52% of trick-or-treaters prefer chocolate candy such as candy bars over hard candy such as lollipops. Fifty percent of kids prefer to receive chocolate candy for Halloween, compared with 24% who prefer non-chocolate candy and 10% who preferred gum. Halloween Facts

Over 90% of parents steal some of their children’s Halloween candy. Halloween Facts

Halloween is the second highest grossing commercial holiday after Christmas. Halloween Facts

More than twice as much chocolate is sold for Halloween as for Valentine's Day Halloween Facts

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spend an average of $74.34 per (adult) person on candy, costumes, and decor. Halloween Facts

About 99% of all pumpkins sold are used as Jack 'O Lanterns for Halloween. Halloween Facts

86% of Americans decorate their homes in celebration of Halloween Halloween Facts

According to Hallmark, Halloween is the sixth most popular card-giving holiday with 20 million cards sent each year. Halloween Facts

The famous magician Harry Houdini (1847-1926) died on Halloween night. Halloween Facts

With 2 million annual visitors, 50,000 of which are in costume, the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade is the largest Halloween celebration in the world. Halloween Facts