With only a week-and-a-half left to go before ghosts, goblins, and witches wander the streets looking for handouts of sugary treats, it might be useful to review a few of the things we know (and don't really know) about Halloween:
- A Quick Guide to the Origin & History of Halloween - You've probably heard it said that Halloween and its customs are based on an ancient Celtic celebration known as Samhain, but this commonplace claim has been challenged by historians in recent years.
- Why Do We Carve Pumpkins? - Because they're bigger, brighter, and more plentiful than turnips (which is what jack-o'-lanterns were originally made from).
- Why Do We Bob for Apples? - Apparently this custom arose as a young people's divination game during which one's "true love" would be revealed.
- Why Do We Wear Costumes and Trick-or-Treat? - Believe it or not, trick-or-treating may be a relatively recent innovation cooked up by adults to curtail youthful Halloween pranksterism!
- Is Halloween Candy Tampering a Myth? - The fact is, not one instance of a child being seriously injured or killed by adulterated Halloween treats has ever been confirmed.
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