Halloween in the USA is a big thing. It's one of the largest holidays of the year, with youngsters in every state looking forward to the flow of candy. While Halloween might have roots in Europe, the United States has its own distinct and enjoyable Halloween traditions.
Haunted Houses and Corn Mazes Are an American Tradition
Who doesn't appreciate a good haunted house? Walking around with your besties waiting for the horrors to happen has become an October tradition. Haunted houses aren't a new thing or even an American custom; the origins of the haunted house started in Europe. However, America has made Halloween haunted houses an October activity.
The author of Trick or Treat - A History of Halloween, Lisa Morton, recounts how Halloween haunted homes became popular in America to tame tricksters during the Depression. Decades later, Walt Disney made them an icon in 1969 when he developed Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. Now, people around the U.S. love to spend the month of October getting their wits scared out of them traipsing around haunted houses.
Candy Corn Craze
You can't go anyplace in America around Halloween without seeing a little candy corn. It's a uniquely Halloween candy. In fact, October 30th is National Candy Corn Day in the U.S.
The National Retail Federation points out that Halloween is a billion-dollar business. Part of the billion-dollar enterprise is the purchasing of candy corn.
Commercialized Costumes Are an American Halloween Tradition
One of the most exciting components of Halloween is becoming anything different for one night, from your favourite princess to a ghoul. Typically, countries around the globe that celebrate Halloween incorporate costumes. However, in the United States, costumes are more commercialised than in other countries. While you might see the occasional classic ghost or quirky witch, most typically, the U.S. opts for non-traditional costumes. You frequently see tiny kids running about as their favourite movie characters or superheroes.
You can also locate the "sexy" versions of costumes available in retailers. According to History.com, "sexy" versions of costumes gained an official version in the 1990s. Rather than marketed get-ups, Europeans might stick with more traditional costumes like ghouls or goblins, reports Insider.
Home and Business Halloween Decorations
When it comes to Halloween, go big or go home. During the month of October you can see lots of houses decorated with zombies, vampires, and witches, oh my. Some people even establish unique graveyards within their front lawns. The Halloween decorations are spooktacular.
However, this form of show isn't as big over the world. According to Insider, the UK doesn't have a lot of ostentatious Halloween decorations. Most individuals just keep things simple on this frightening night. Additionally, many other places of the world that celebrate Halloween aren't as spectacular.
The Tradition of TP-ing
When it comes to Halloween, lots of people think of the sweets but not the tricks. But tricks are still a huge element of the celebration. Toilet papering (TP-ing) houses is a common Halloween practise, generally done by naughty youths. More common on October 30th than on October 31st, it's still a distinct U.S. Halloween phenomenon. Since toilet paper used isn't in a lot of other nations, it seems logical that TP-ing is typically a U.S. habit.
Dressing Pets Up for Halloween
Who doesn't love to watch a dachshund in a hotdog costume or a schnauzer running around as a spider?
Dressing up your pets has become a fun pastime in the U.S. According to Statista, in 2021, over 20% of Americans were dressing up their pets for Halloween. Additionally, Canine Journal states that over half a billion dollars are spent on canine Halloween costumes each year. Much like their human partners, pets are making statements in entertaining superhero and witch costumes.
Pumpkin Spice Anything During the Halloween Season
Halloween is a magical time of year. Beyond the decorations and the costumes, you know what else fills the month of October? Pumpkin spice. While pumpkin spice has been present since the 1700s, according to Smithsonian Magazine, it wasn't until Starbucks got into the pumpkin spice action in 2004 that it exploded out. Now come autumn and Halloween, you can get pumpkin spice anything - from lattes to Oreos to dog biscuits. It's a sign of the spooktacular season of Halloween.
Is Halloween an American Holiday?
Americans go all out on Halloween; it's one of the largest celebrations of the year. But Halloween isn't strictly an American festival. It is celebrated all over the world and has origins that go back to the Pagan holiday of Samhain. However, the U.S. does have a few customs that are unique to them.
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