Interesting Facts About Halloween Part 2

As we continue to uncover the facts and trivia concerning one of the most popular holidays in the United States, explore this article, which takes a look at the significance of the pumpkin and its connection to Halloween, alternate names for the celebration, as well as an introduction to the Mexican equivalent of Halloween.

8) Pumpkins are not generally thought of as a fresh food to eat at the dinner table, as around 99% of pumpkins sold at the local grocery store have the honor of becoming a Jack O Lantern during the Halloween season. Speaking of Jack O Lanterns, the first of its kind is a tradition that dates back to the Irish practice of carving turnips for spaces to place coals and small candles inside. The turnips were then placed outside of homes on All Hallow’s Eve, as an attempt to keep evil spirits away. Other vegetables used in this process were rutabagas and potatoes. When the Irish immigrated to America, they discovered the ease of carving the pumpkin , thus a popular tradition was born.

9) Once again, it seems that the Irish played a role in the tradition of trick or treating. While preparing for the All Hallow’s Eve celebration, Irish residents would pay a visit to their neighbors and ask for contributions of food so that they could hold a feast in town.

10) As far as celebrations go, Halloween is known as one of the oldest.

11) While Halloween and All Hallows Eve are popular names for the holiday, the celebration is also known as Samhain, All Hallowtide, The Day of the Dead, and the Feast of the Dead. As for the correct spelling of the holiday, it is actually Hallowe’en.

12) In the Welsh language, Halloween translates into ‘Nos Calan Gaeaf’.

13) Starting on the evening of October 31st  for some and November 1st and 2nd for others, Mexico and those connected to the culture have their own celebration that they call El Dia de los Muertos (or the Day of the Dead). On this day, family and friends gather to pray for the souls of friends and relatives, as well as to share stories of their loved ones.

An assortment of traditions are associated with this holiday, which includes constructing private alters to honor the dead, creating skulls made out of sugar, decorating households with marigolds, and visiting the graves of loved ones bearing gifts (usually with the favorite foods and drinks of the deceased). For additional facts concerning this holiday, read ” Day of the Dead Facts , the Holiday.”

14) It is believed that if you ring a bell, you can scare evil spirits away.

15) Some believe that if you catch sight of a spider on the night of Halloween, it could possible be the spirit of a deceased loved one that is watching over you.