10 Unbelievable Halloween Facts You Definitely Didn't Know
From terrifying carved turnips and medieval soul cakes to wartime candy rationing and chicken feed, the bizarre history of Halloween is far darker than you think.
1 hour agoVerified Editorial
⏱4 Min Read
◫11 Verified Slides
◫Slideshow Mode
10 Unbelievable Halloween Facts You Definitely Didn't Know
10. Full Moons On Halloween Are Shockingly RareThe cinematic full moon on Halloween only occurs every 19 years.
9. American Towns Banned Teens From Trick Or-TreatingThe municipal laws threaten teenagers with fines for seeking candy.
8. World War II Rationing Canceled Halloween CandyThe nationwide wartime sugar shortages stopped trick-or-treating for five years.
7. Black Cats Were Feared As Shapeshifting WitchesThe medieval superstition claimed witches transformed into black felines.
6. Bobbing For Apples Was An Ancient Marriage RitualThe party game originated as a Roman matchmaking divination ritual.
5. Giant Pumpkins Can Weigh More Than A CarThe competitive Atlantic Giant pumpkins routinely exceed 2,500 pounds.
4. Candy Corn Was Originally Sold As 'Chicken Feed'The tricolored autumn candy was created for rural nineteenth-century farmers.
3. Trick Or-Treating Evolved From Medieval 'Souling'The poor went door-to-door offering prayers for baked soul cakes.
2. Ancient Celts Wore Masks To Confuse Roaming SpiritsThe Samhain bonfires protected ancient villagers from evil otherworldly entities.
1. Turnips Were The Original Terrifying Jack O'-LanternsThe Irish carved terrifying faces into turnips to ward off spirits.
