Fact 1: It's Not Just Halloween
While October 31 is internationally recognized as Halloween, there are many other events celebrated on this day around the world. These include Nevada Day in the U.S, Brasilian Savings Day in Brazil, and Day of Cities in Russia.
Fact 2: All Hallows’ Eve
October 31 was initially recognized as All Hallows’ Eve, the night before All Saints’ Day. This historical term is where we get the name ‘Halloween'. The day was initially a solemn remembrance of all saints and martyrs, showing how dramatically it has evolved over the centuries.
Fact 3: It's a Rare Full Moon Night
October 31 is a unique night for stargazers. According to NASA, a Halloween full moon is a rare event, and a full moon on Halloween only occurs about once every 19 years - a phenomenon referred to as a 'metonic cycle.'
Fact 4: A Day of Love in Austria
In Austria, October 31, is considered 'Liebellei Tag' or 'courting day'. Individuals traditionally express their romantic interest or enact proposals on this day.
Fact 5: Julius Caesar’s Influence
Originally, October had only 30 days. However, when Julius Caesar created the Julian Calendar, he added an extra day making October an official 31-day month.
Fact 6: A Big Birthday for Seven Billionth Baby
On October 31, 2011, the United Nations symbolically marked this to be the day when the global population reached seven billion. A baby girl born in the Philippines was chosen to represent this milestone.
Fact 7: The Shift from Harvest Festivals
Many of the traditions we associate with Halloween have origins in ancient harvest festivals, particularly the Celtic celebration of Samhain. This day marked the end of the harvest season and was thought to be a time when the boundary between the living and the spiritual world blurred.
Fact 8: UNICEF’s Fundraising Endeavor
Since 1950, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has been using October 31 as a fundraising day. Children partake in 'Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF', by collecting money in little orange boxes to aid needy children worldwide.
Fact 9: The War of the Worlds Broadcast
October 31, 1938, was an unforgettable day in radio history. Orson Welles aired his infamous War of the Worlds broadcast, which reputedly caused mass panic due to the realistic rendition of a fictitious Martian invasion.
Fact 10: Reformation Day
In many Protestant Christian churches, especially in Germany, October 31 is commemorated as Reformation Day. This marks Martin Luther's 1517 posting of his Ninety-five Theses, initiating a major religious shift in history.
Fact 11: The Day When Magic Johnson Announced His HIV Status
October 31, 1991, was when basketball legend Magic Johnson announced that he had tested positive for HIV, leading to a dramatic increase in awareness and understanding of the disease.
Fact 12: Harry Houdini's Death
Famed illusionist and escape artist Harry Houdini died on October 31, 1926. His death on Halloween developed his enigmatic persona, leading to numerous legends and seances to contact his spirit.
Fact 13: Day of The Seven Billion
October 31, 2011, was declared the 'Day of the Seven Billion' by the United Nations Population Fund as it marked the global human population's unprecedented rise.
Fact 14: Nevada’s Statehood Day
The Battle Born State, Nevada, attained statehood on October 31, 1864, during the American Civil War. Since then, Nevada Day has been celebrated annually on the last Friday of October.
Fact 15: An Eventful Day in Space Exploration
On October 31, 2000, an American astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts became the first residents of the International Space Station (ISS), marking a new era in international space cooperation.
Fact 16: Peculiar Traditions in Germany
On Halloween, the Germans hide their kitchen knives. According to an old tradition, they do this to make sure the returning spirits won't accidentally get harmed by the everyday human objects.
Fact 17: An Important Date for Internet
October 31, 1969, marks an important date in modern communication. It's the day the first ever computer-to-computer link was established, making it a landmark day in the development of the internet.
Fact 18: A Special Date for Microsoft
October 31, 1983, is a significant date for Microsoft. On this day, the company unveiled Windows 1.0, the very first version of the Windows operating system.
Fact 19: The Great Disappointment
For the followers of William Miller, a Baptist preacher who predicted the second coming of Christ on October 22, 1844, October 31 came to be known as the 'Great Disappointment' when his prophecies didn't come true.
Fact 20: Mount Rushmore's Completion
Finally, October 31 also marks the day on which Mount Rushmore was completed in 1941. The iconic monument features the faces of four US presidents and attracts over 2 million visitors annually.