halloween fun facts

by Charlie Masterson

Halloween originated in Ireland around 6000 years ago

• The fastest pumpkin carving was only 16.47 seconds

• Before the 1950s, it was typical to hand out things like toys, cookies and money, not just candy

• The heaviest Jack o’ lantern weighed 2,684 pounds

• Pumpkins are a fruit, not a vegetable

• Trick or treating had used to be called “mumming,” where people dressed up as monsters and performed tricks, songs, and performances in exchange for food and drink

• Kids eat around 7000 calories on Halloween

• Samhainophobia is the fear of Halloween

• The first Jack o’ Lanterns were made from turnips, not pumpkins

• Trick or treating became popular in the 1930s

• Dressing as a priest or nun on Halloween is illegal in Alabama

• The first city-wide Halloween celebration was in Anoka, Minnesota in 1921

• Reese’s cups are the most popular candy in the US