Why Do We Celebrate Halloween? 13 Spooky Facts

While being known for haunted houses and trick-or-treating, Halloween teems with legends and traditions from its 2,000-year history. Here are 13 facts that you may not know about this ghoulish holiday:

1. The first jack-o-lanterns were made from turnips.

2. Afraid of Halloween? You might have Samhainophobia.

3. In Alabama, it's illegal to dress up like a priest or bishop.

4. If you see a spider on Halloween, it may be a loved one watching over you, according to legends.

5. Ireland is the possible birthplace of Halloween.

6. Carving pumpkins was believed to ward off evil spirits.

7. Cities such as Belville, Illinois; Meridian, Mississippi; Bishopville, South Carolina and Boonsboro, Maryland have banned teenagers from trick-or-treating – capping the tolerated age limit to 12-years-old.

8. Bobbing for apples was originally a British courting ritual.

9. Halloween's iconic orange and black colors are symbolic for the beginning of harvest and "death" of summer.

10. The term "Jack-o-Lantern" originated from the legend of a spirit known as Jack, who was condemned to earth after being denied entry to both heaven and hell. His mission is to distract those from their path with his lantern.

11. It is believed that if you wear your clothes inside out and walk backward on Halloween, you'll be able to see a witch at midnight.

12. Barmbrack, a traditional Irish bread, was once considered the food-of-choice on Halloween.

13. It was once believed that black cats were in partnership with witches, and protected their dark powers.