Today is October 1st
To help celebrate our favorite month, here’s some fun facts:
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Halloween’s Celtic Roots – Halloween began as the ancient festival of Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”), when people believed the veil between the living and the dead was thinnest.
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Jack-o’-Lantern Origins – Pumpkins weren’t always used! The Irish carved turnips and beets to ward off evil spirits before pumpkins became the American favorite.
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Witches’ New Year – For many practicing pagans and Wiccans, October 31st (Samhain) is considered the start of the new year.
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Bats & Spirits – Bats are linked to Halloween because bonfires from Samhain celebrations attracted insects, which in turn attracted bats!
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Black Cats – In the Middle Ages, black cats were believed to be witches’ familiars or even witches in disguise.
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The Haunted Month – More ghost stories are set in October than any other month because of its long nights and harvest-time superstitions.
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Candy Craze – Americans spend over $3 billion on Halloween candy each October, making it the biggest candy-buying holiday.
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Orange & Black Colors – Orange represents harvest and autumn, while black symbolizes death and the unknown—hence their dominance in Halloween décor.
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Owls as Omens – In folklore, owls were believed to be witches in disguise, and their hoots signaled imminent death.
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Haunted Houses – Duh.
Get ready and most attractions open their doors this Friday!
#HauntedHouseChicago #HHC #October