• Using pumpkins as lanterns for Halloween is based on an
ancient Celtic custom brought to America by Irish immigrants. All
Hallows’ Eve on Oct. 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.”
• 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.
• How did 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.
• 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.
• $2 billion a year is spent on Halloween candy. Snickers is the
most popular candy with trick-or-treaters.
• The movie “Halloween” was made in just 21 days in 1978, on a very
limited budget.
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