1. The first Jack O’Lanterns were actually made from turnips.
2. The word “witch” comes from the Old English wicce, meaning “wise woman.”
3. Trick-or-treating evolved from the ancient Celtic tradition of putting out treats and food to placate spirits who roamed the streets at Samhain, a sacred festival.
READ MORE: In Pictures: Look out for Glasgow's best decorated houses for Halloween
4. Samhainophobia is the fear of Halloween
5. The largest pumpkin ever measured was 836 lb, recorded in 1993.
6. Halloween” is short for “Hallows’ Eve” or “Hallows’ Evening,” the evening before All Hallows’ (sanctified or holy) Day on November 1.
7. Scarecrows, a popular Halloween fixture, symbolize the ancient agricultural roots of the holiday.
8. According to tradition, if a person wears his or her clothes inside out and then walks backwards on Halloween, he or she will see a witch at midnight.
9. Both Salem, Massachusetts, and Anoka, Minnesota, are the self-proclaimed Halloween capitals of the world.
READ MORE: In Pictures: Look out for Glasgow's best decorated houses for Halloween
10. Cats have a permanent place in Halloween folklore. During the ancient celebration of Samhain, Druids were said to throw cats into a fire, often in wicker cages, as part of divination proceedings.
Source: FactRetriever
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