Halloween

October 31, 2008

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Profile America — Friday, October 31st. Beware — it’s Halloween, or, more properly, All Hallows Eve, the day before the feast of all saints. According to Celtic tradition, it’s a time when witches and ghosts walk the earth for a day. For years, Halloween was eagerly awaited by costumed youngsters, who would make the rounds of the neighborhood, begging for candy with the empty threat “trick or treat!” Now, more formal parties are being held, and grown-ups are just as apt to wear a costume as children. Fads come and go, but the jack-o’-lantern, made from a real pumpkin, is increasing in popularity. U.S. farmers grow just over a billion pounds of pumpkins a year, worth almost $120 million. Illinois is the leading producer, followed by California, New York, and Ohio. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.

Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 534
U.S. Census Bureau, Facts for Features CB08-FF17
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/012600.html