History is important
- Halloween traces back to the Celtics’ New Years Day called “Samhain”. It’s also a preparation for the coming winter; hence, harvests were collected during this period.
- In “Samhain”, it’s said that the world of the dead and the living collide, giving the spirits the opportunity to roam the free world.
- Celtic priests called Druids are said to worship their death god also named as Samhain, and they do so during Halloween when the realms of the living and the dead come in contact. Some say they still continue to this day on the famous Stonehenge.
Did someone say free candy?
- In 2012, candy companies produced 35 million pounds worth of candy corn, giving each American a share of 27 candy corns. So, no need to be stingy.
- Trick-or-treating as influenced by the Celtics was depicted with people in costumes go door-to-door and ask for food in mimic of the spirits. Some even ask for supplies for their festival bonfires. Talk about generous neighbours!
It’s business, too, you know!
- Halloween is just below Christmas as the biggest commercial holiday.
- Halloween-related merchandise can run from mid-September through the end of October. Walgreens start selling Halloween goods as early as August.
- USA spends most on costumes ($28.65 per person), followed by candies and decorations.
Everybody’s included — Including Mr. Munchkins!
- Black cats are associated with witches because they walk like they stalk, creep around at night, and sometimes act funny, not to mention quite unsociable in general. Also with their colour being regarded “evil”, black cats were thought of as evil spirits disguising themselves. It wasn’t really safe to own one during the pagan versus puritan era of England, lest you be hanged as a witch.
- Reports by the National Retail Federation shows that the number 1 costume for pets is being dressed as a pumpkin.
Give your pumpkin a facial
- It’s a common misconception, but pumpkin is a fruit, not a vegetable.
- Pumpkins larger and lighter in colour tend to be softer and easier to carve. It also makes it more prone to rotting.
- Turnips were originally used as lanterns, not pumpkins. The use of pumpkins came around when Irish settlers couldn’t find turnips in the new world and opted for a pumpkin. If you want to make your Jack-o-Lantern original, do it with a turnip.
Be on your best attire
- We now wear costumes tailored to our cravings, but Celtics used to wear animal skins to dress as ghostly as they possibly can. Blackening their faces or wearing masks also disguises them as the undead. Remember, they were trying to keep evil spirits from harming them!
- Part of the Celtics’ costume changes involve men dressing up as women. Who would’ve guessed?