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Halloween is a beloved holiday in the United States for both kids and adults alike. Decorations, costumes, candy, and parties abound. But, what is the origin of Halloween and some of the traditions associated with it? Read on to find out. 

1. Halloween came from the Celtic holiday of Samhain. Over the centuries, Halloween evolved into a day of parties, costumes, jack-o-lanterns and trick-or-treating for kids and adults.
2. What is Samhain? Samhain marked the Celtic New Year, the end of summer, and the end of the harvest season. During this festival, the Celts believe that the souls of the dead returned to visit their homes, and those who had died during the year were believed to continue to the otherworld. People set bonfires and wore masks or costumes to avoid being recognized by the ghosts. 
3. Halloween came to the United States in the 19th century with Irish immigrants who were fleeing the potato famine. 
4. Today, Halloween is one of the biggest holidays for candy sales in the U.S. 
5. Americans spend an estimated $6 billion annually on Halloween, making it the country’s second largest commercial holiday after Christmas. 
6. Why do black cats have such a bad rap? This idea has its roots in the Middle Ages, when many people believed that witches avoided detection by turning themselves into black cats.
7. The state of Illinois produces roughly 90 to 95% of the USA’s pumpkins – around 500 million pounds.
8. It's probably no surprise that some of the most common Halloween costumes include witch, ghost, zombie, and vampire. 
9. Candy corn was originally called "Chicken Feed." Do you love it or hate it?
10. The fear of Halloween is called Samhainophobia. 

Want to learn more Halloween facts or research a costume? Yahoo Search is here for you.