1. Halloween, referred to as All Hallows Eve, was originally a pagan holiday in which they honored the dead. It was celebrated on October 31 since this was the last day of the Celtic calendar. The celebration dates back some 2,000 years.
2. The next full moon on Halloween night will be October 31, 2020.
3. The Salem Witch trials of 1692 are known for burning “witches” at the stake. Actually, not one witch died by burning. The majority were put to death by hanging. One poor witch was “pressed” to death and several died in prison of natural causes.4. The first “Jack-O-Lanterns” were not pumpkins – they were hollowed-out turnips and originated in Ireland.
5. Orange and black are Halloween colors because orange is associated with the Fall harvest and black is associated with darkness and death.
6. Tootsie Rolls were the first wrapped penny candy in America.
7. Halloween candy sales average about 2 billion dollars annually in the United States.
8. Halloween is the 2nd most commercially successful holiday, beat out by Christmas.
9. 86% of Americans decorate their homes at Halloween.
10. The number one candy of choice for Halloween is Snickers.
11. There are no words in the dictionary that rhyme with “orange”.
12. Magician, Harry Houdini died on Halloween, 1926 in Detroit, MI.
13. Over 10% of pet owners dress their pets in Halloween costumes.
14. 90% of parents admit to sneaking goodies from their kids’ Halloween trick-or-treat bags.
I hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween!