Fun and Freaky Halloween Facts

Free candy, creative costumes, carving pumpkins -- everybody loves Halloween! Here are some of the devilish details about the scariest and sweetest night of the year.

By Jenny Saltiel

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Horrifying Holiday TraditionsWhy are pumpkins a Halloween tradition?

Using pumpkins as lanterns at Halloween is based on an ancient Celtic custom brought to America by Irish immigrants. All Hallows' Eve on October 31 marked the end of the old Celtic calendar year. On that night, hollowed-out gourds with candles inside were placed on windowsills to welcome home spirits of deceased ancestors and to ward off evil spirits, including a restless soul named "Stingy Jack."

Why do we don masks and silly costumes for Halloween?

Believing that spirits and ghosts roamed the land on All Hallows' Eve, the ancients Celts wore costumes and masks to avoid detection by these ghosts.

What's with the door-to-door begging for candy?

Have you ever wondered how trick-or-treating began? On All Hallows' Eve, the Celts would leave food on their doorsteps to keep the hungry ghosts from entering their homes.

Did you know...

Black cats were once believed to be witch's assistants who protected their powers.
Orange and black are Halloween colors because orange represents the fall harvest, and black is associated with darkness and death.

Continued on page 2: Frightening Food Facts

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