The 7 most bizarre facts about Halloween that you still want to know

It's only just October, but we can't wait for Halloween. The holiday is becoming more popular in the Netherlands and we are fans! To help you prepare a bit, we are sharing the most bizarre facts. It's secretly fun to know.

Halloween used to be a quest for love

Where everything now has to be as scary as possible, Halloween used to actually be a quest for love. Women would throw apple peels over their shoulders that day in the hope that the peels would form the initials of their true love. Some even took it a step further. They would stand in a dark room with a candle in front of the mirror, waiting for the face of their future partner to appear. Terrifying!

There is a full moon on Halloween only once every 19 years

What fits better with Halloween than a full moon? Because yes, that's when the werewolves come out. However, we don't have to hope for that anytime soon. There is only a full moon on October 31 once every 19 years. The last time was in 2020, so we still have a while to go.

One in four Americans pretends they are not home during trick-or-treat

It might be one of the most well-known Halloween traditions: trick-or-treat. Dressed up, going door to door hoping to collect as much candy as possible. In America, it's one big event. However, children don't get treats everywhere. One in four Americans pretends they are not home when the doorbell rings during the celebration. A bit rude, but it's true. I kind of get it, you wouldn't want to be opening the door all evening.

Fear of Halloween really exists

Well, all that horror, you love it or you hate it. But there are also people who are seriously afraid of everything related to Halloween. And that fear is real, it's called Samhainophobia; For them, October is definitely not their favorite month. We are lucky we don't live in the US.

Seeing a spider on October 31 brings good luck

I am really terrified of spiders. Still, I have to hope to see one on the 31st. Finding a spider during Halloween would bring good luck. It's a sign that a deceased loved one is watching over you and keeping an eye on you. Suddenly, they are a lot less scary.

Trick-or-Treat does not come from the US at all

When we think of Halloween, we immediately think of the US, but trick-or-treating does not originate there at all. The tradition began in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and northern France. Over 2000 years ago, people would dress up during a Celtic pagan festival to ward off evil spirits. That changed during the Middle Ages into going door to door for food. And that still happens today, but now for candy.

The record for pumpkin carving is 17 seconds

This might be my favorite Halloween tradition: carving a pumpkin. Making a face in it and then putting a candle inside. It looks super cute in your garden or by your front door. It's also very fun to do with friends. There are people who can do this very quickly. The record is held by American Stephen Clarke. In 2013, he carved a pumpkin in 16.47 seconds, complete with a face. I still need to practice a bit for that.

Image: Instagram Kylie Jenner