Fascinating History of Halloween: 7 Fun Facts & Global Traditions

Halloween dates back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest and the start of winter.

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2. The Rise of Jack-o'-Lanterns

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3. All Hallows’ Eve y

4. Mexico’s Día de los Muertos

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5. Japan’s Kawasaki Halloween Parade

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6. Germany’s Halloween Ban

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7. The American Trick-or-Treat Tradition

By Mary Apartment June 29, 2020 By Mary Apartment June 29, 2020 By Fern Greenthumb January 31, 2020

Halloween Festival

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Fascinating History of Halloween: 7 Fun Facts & Global Traditions

Halloween dates back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest and the start of winter.

1. Ancient Celtic Origins text

2. The Rise of Jack-o'-Lanterns

Originally, the Irish carved turnips instead of pumpkins. The switch to pumpkins happened in America due to the abundance of the vegetable

3. All Hallows’ Eve y

Halloween was once called "All Hallows' Eve," the night before the Christian celebration of All Saints' Day on November

4. Mexico’s Día de los Muertos

In Mexico, Halloween coincides with Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, where families honor deceased loved ones with altars and offerings.

5. Japan’s Kawasaki Halloween Parade

Japan’s largest Halloween celebration, held in Kawasaki, features elaborate costumes and attracts over 100,000 spectators each year.

6. Germany’s Halloween Ban

Some regions in Germany discourage Halloween, claiming it’s a commercial invasion that conflicts with their traditional All Saints' Day customs.

7. The American Trick-or-Treat Tradition

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The trick-or-treating custom in America became popular in the 1930s and 1940s, influenced by Scottish and Irish immigrant traditions.

Halloween Festival