Here are some unique, fun facts you may have not known about Halloween, from Michigan’s favorite candy, to bizarre ordinances, to how much Americans spend on the holiday.
1. Candy Corn is the Favorite Treat of Michiganders
According to candystore.com, a website that ranks favorite halloween candy by state, this controversial candy is at the top of Michigan’s list. Starburst candy placed second for Michiganders.
2. Six States Produce the Majority of the Holiday’s Pumpkins
In 2019, the top producing pumpkin states were Illinois, Indiana, Texas, California, Virginia and Michigan. Our Mitten state alone produced about 80 million pounds of pumpkins last year.
3. This Year Will be the First Halloween in Almost 2 Decades to Have a Full Moon
The last time there was a full moon on October 31, it was 2001 — and before that it was 1955.
4. Original Jack- o’- Lanterns were Carved Turnips
The Irish used to carve scary faces into turnips and put them in windows to scare spirits away. When Irish immigrants came to America, they found that the pumpkin was a much better fit for the tradition.
5. Halloween in the Second-Largest U.S. holiday in Terms of Retail Sales
Americans spent $8.78 billion on Halloween last year which makes it the second-largest holiday industry after Christmas.
6. Trick-or-Treating Started in the U.K., Ireland and France
According to the History Channel, Halloween originated as a 2,000-year-old pre-Christian Celtic pagan festival, in which “villagers disguised themselves in costumes made of animal skins to drive away phantom visitors.”
7. Anoka, Minnesota, is where America Started its Halloween Celebration
Anoka started holding an annual parade and bonfire in 1920 after European immigrants first brought the spooky fun over to America around the 1800s.
8. There’s a $1,000 Fine for Using Silly String in Hollywood on Halloween
The city ordinance calls for a maximum $1,000 fine and/or six months in jail for “use, possession, sale or distribution of Silly String in Hollywood from 12:01 AM on October 31 to 12:00 PM on November 1.
9. Candy Corn was Originally Called “Chicken Feed”
In 1888 Goelitz Candy Company (which later became Jelly Belly) began producing the candy under the name “Chicken Feed,” according to a 2015 report published in National Geographic.
10. Harry Houdini Died on Halloween in 1926
The famous illusionist and entertainer known for escaping death, died from a ruptured appendix on Halloween in 1926. But multiple contradicting reports caused quite the mystery around his death.
About Michigan Mortgage Lender, Julie Krumholz
Julie Krumholz is has been helping homebuyers in Oakland County and throughout Michigan for over 35 years. On a personal level, you will find her to be friendly, straightforward, honest and extremely dedicated to helping her clients.
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