31 Fun and Spooky Facts About Halloween You Never Knew!

Boo! Halloween is creeping up, and what better way to get into the spooky spirit than by learning some fun, eerie, and downright fascinating facts about this haunting holiday? Whether you’re a Halloween superfan or just here for the candy, I’ve rounded up 31 facts—one for each day of October!

So, grab your favorite fall treat, put on your coziest sweater, and let’s explore the haunted history, traditions, and surprising tidbits that make Halloween so delightfully eerie.

31 Spooky Fun Facts About Halloween

Halloween has ancient origins. It traces back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, a time associated with death.
Jack-o’-lanterns were originally carved from turnips, not pumpkins. The tradition began in Ireland and Scotland, where people carved creepy faces to ward off spirits.
The largest pumpkin ever grown weighed a whopping 2,702 pounds! It was grown in Italy in 2021.
Candy corn was originally called “chicken feed.” It was invented in the 1880s by George Renninger, and the three-color design has remained the same ever since.
In the early 20th century, Halloween pranks were so out of control that people started throwing parties to distract tricksters. This is how Halloween became a more community-focused holiday.
The word “witch” comes from the Old English word “wicce,” meaning “wise woman.” In ancient times, witches were often considered healers.
The tradition of dressing up in costumes dates back to the Celts, who believed disguises would help them avoid being recognized by evil spirits.
Trick-or-treating likely evolved from the medieval custom of “souling,” where people would go door-to-door offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food.
Black cats have been associated with witches since the Middle Ages. Some cultures believed they were witches in disguise.
The fear of Halloween is called “Samhainophobia.“ It’s a real phobia for some people, making the holiday a little too spooky!
Halloween is the second-largest commercial holiday in the U.S. Only Christmas tops it in terms of spending, with Americans shelling out around $9 billion annually on Halloween.
Harry Houdini, the famous magician, died on Halloween in 1926. His death has added an extra layer of mystery to the holiday.
In Mexico, Halloween overlaps with “Día de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead), a two-day holiday honoring deceased loved ones with beautiful altars, offerings, and vibrant parades.
Candy wasn’t a big part of Halloween until the 1950s. Before that, kids received fruits, nuts, or small toys when they went trick-or-treating.
The color orange represents strength and endurance, while black symbolizes death and darkness, making them perfect for Halloween’s spooky vibe.
Bobbing for apples originated from a Roman festival honoring Pomona, the goddess of fruit and trees. It later became a popular Halloween party game.
The term “Jack-o’-lantern” comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack, who tricked the devil and was doomed to wander the earth with only a carved turnip to light his way.
The most popular Halloween candy in the U.S. is Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, followed closely by M&M’s and Snickers.
The world record for the fastest pumpkin carving is held by Stephen Clarke, who carved a complete face in just 16.47 seconds in 2013!
In some parts of the world, Halloween is considered bad luck. In countries like Germany, people hide their knives on Halloween night to avoid attracting spirits.
In 2022, Americans spent about $600 million on pet costumes for Halloween! Dressing up pets in spooky (or cute) costumes has become a popular trend.
In the Middle Ages, people believed that witches could turn themselves into black cats to avoid detection. This belief likely fueled the superstition surrounding black cats.
The famous “Monster Mash” song was banned in the U.K. for being “too morbid.” It wasn’t allowed on the airwaves until the early 1970s.
The first citywide Halloween celebration in the U.S. was held in Anoka, Minnesota, in 1920. To this day, Anoka calls itself the “Halloween Capital of the World.”
Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”) is still celebrated today by some neo-pagan communities. It’s considered a time to honor the dead and welcome the darker half of the year.
Dressing up as ghosts, vampires, and other supernatural creatures originated from an old belief that during Halloween, the boundary between the living and the dead was thinnest.
In Alabama, it’s illegal to dress up as a priest or nun on Halloween. Breaking this law could land you with a hefty fine!
The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland has 999 happy haunts—but there’s always room for one more! Visitors can even join the “ghostly family” by making a reservation in advance.
Halloween wasn’t widely celebrated in the U.S. until Irish and Scottish immigrants brought their traditions in the 19th century.
In medieval Europe, people believed that witches gathered on Halloween night to feast, cast spells, and perform rituals under the moonlight.
In Hollywood, you can find a giant Halloween pumpkin at the Magic Castle that weighs over 3,000 pounds. It’s displayed every year as part of their Halloween decorations.

In Closing:

And there you have it—31 fun facts to keep you entertained all October long! Whether you’re a Halloween fanatic or just here for the candy, there’s always something new and spooky to learn about this eerie holiday. So, the next time you’re carving a pumpkin or putting on your favorite costume, you can impress your friends with some frightfully fun Halloween trivia. Happy haunting, and remember—keep an eye out for those black cats!

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Until next time, shine amongst the stars!

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