"Halloween Factoids" — Fall 1999

1. Where does Halloween come from?
The Halloween we know today has its roots in several ancient autumn celebrations. The traditions we practice today such as Trick-or-Treating and carving Jack-O-Lanterns are derived from customs practiced during these ancient celebrations.

2. How did the custom of Trick-or-Treating come to America?
The custom of Trick-or-Treating was brought to America by the Irish, many of whom immigrated to America during the potato famine.

3. Where does the custom of carving Jack-O-Lanterns come from?
The Jack-o-lantern custom originated in Irish folklore. The legend goes that a man named Jack tricked the devil into climbing a tree. When Jack died he was not allowed entrance into Heaven because of his evil ways, but the Devil remembering Jack's trick didn't want him staying with him either. Jack was stuck on Earth, but the devil gave Jack a piece of lighted coal to light his way on Earth. Jack put it in a hollowed out turnip and carried it as a lantern.

4. How did the custom of carving pumpkins come about?
Originally, the Irish used turnips as their "Jack's lanterns." But when the Irish immigrants came to America, they found that pumpkins were far more plentiful than turnips. So the Jack-O-Lantern of choice in America became a hollowed-out pumpkin.

5. What are pumpkins good for besides carving?
Besides being good for making yummy pumpkin pie for humans, pumpkins are also used to feed livestock.

6. Is a pumpkin a vegetable or a fruit?
A pumpkin is a fruit.

7. Is Halloween celebrated differently in other countries?
Yes, in Mexico it is called the "Day of the Dead." In Scotland children are required to work for their candy by performing a joke, song or story first.

8. Why are black cats associated with Halloween?
Black cats are associated with Halloween because it was once believed that souls could return to the living world in the body of a black cat.

9. What is a male witch called?
A male witch is a warlock.