Halloween, the annual celebration of all things spooky, mysterious, and, at times, laughably odd, has a long and storied history. Over the years, a number of peculiar facts and legends have emerged. Here are seven of the funniest Halloween facts that'll give you more than just a ghostly grin.
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Jack O’ MisunderstandingThe Jack-o’-lantern, a staple of Halloween decor, gets its name from an old Irish legend about a man named Stingy Jack. Jack tricked the devil multiple times, and when he died, he was too mischievous for Heaven and even Hell didn’t want him. He was sent off into the night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack placed the coal inside a carved-out turnip, and the legend of “Jack of the Lantern” was born. Pumpkins eventually replaced turnips in America because, well, they’re just a lot easier to carve! |
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Fear of Halloween? That's a Thing!Believe it or not, there's a term for people who have a fear of Halloween: Samhainophobia. It's derived from 'Samhain,' an ancient Celtic festival that's considered a precursor to our modern Halloween. |
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Candy Corn ControversyLove it or hate it, candy corn is a Halloween staple. But did you know it used to be called "chicken feed"? The tri-color design was meant to resemble a kernel of corn, and it was marketed as a treat “fit for the birds.” |
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World’s Largest Pumpkin PieIn 2005, the town of New Bremen, Ohio, baked the world’s largest pumpkin pie, weighing in at 2,020 pounds! Now that’s a lot of pie... and potentially a lot of stomachaches. |
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Witchy Wardrobe MalfunctionsThe word "witch" comes from the Old English "wicce," meaning "wise woman." Historically, witches were respected. The stereotypical representation of witches with pointy hats and broomsticks is actually a bit of a fashion faux pas when you look into the origins! |
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Halloween Pet Costumes are BIG BusinessWhile dressing up is fun for humans, pets are not left out. Americans spend an estimated $490 million on Halloween costumes for their pets. From hot dogs to superheroes, our furry friends truly get into the Halloween spirit. |
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The Fastest Pumpkin Carving EverThe world record for the fastest pumpkin carving is held by Stephen Clarke, who carved a pumpkin in just 16.47 seconds! But before you try beating that, remember, he's a professional pumpkin carver, so maybe stick to the traditional pace. |
Halloween is a time of fun, scares, and sometimes, hilariously odd trivia. As you prepare for this year's celebrations, share these fun facts with your friends and family for a good chuckle. Whether you’re out trick-or-treating, attending a costume party, or just staying in to watch scary movies, have a safe and happy Halloween!
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