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People Are Cracking Up At These 30 Things About Halloween That Confuse The Hell Out Of Non-Americans
Sometimes people understand the word ‘culture’ in a very narrow sense. They may think that culture only includes art and very old traditions, but actually it also has a wider definition. It also encompasses the behavioral norms, the way we dress, the way we speak in different contexts and other aspects of our lives.
We can say that the way we celebrate occasions also is a part of our culture. Festivities always attract the attention of people and it unites them even if they are from different cultures. However, we do not always understand why people in other places have certain traditions. For example, non-Americans have a lot of questions about Halloween because it is not that popular in places other than the USA and other people may view their dedication to the occasion as weird.
Image credits: City of Greeley
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#1
Lady of the Mountains 4 years ago (edited)
yes i appreciate that so many people on here like to rail on america and i know it's not that greatly run but usually its just the same thing over and over again. getting kinda depressing
Mishte Tine 4 years ago
I’m American, and I can’t stand Halloween - except for the candy and children going door to door in costumes. First: the color scheme. Black and orange. That’s a fail and gives me a headache. Second: all the death/gore/creepy as the main theme. Otherwise I’d love it.
Halloween is celebrated on the night of October 31 and it is believed that it has pagan roots. The customs may be influenced by folk folk customs and beliefs from the Celtic-speaking countries. The theory that is the most popular says that the celebration comes from ancient Celtic harvest festivals, particularly the Gaelic festival Samhain.
Like many other celebrations, it is believed that the Samhain festival was Christianized by the early Church but others claim that it may have been Christian from the start. It is difficult to say as it evolved through many centuries and nobody held records of these kinds of things.
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#2
MizAdeleM 4 years ago
That would be a yes. I have my Halloween tree set up in the front hallway, and my headstones out front. Halloween-...e600c3.jpg 
Bunzilla 4 years ago
Not everyone goes all out, and there are some who don't to anything at all. But I think most people try to do a little something, and nearly all kids go trick-or-treating in costumes. Why? It's good fun. You have no social obligations, there's tons of candy, you get to put out silly and fun decorations, and you've got an excuse to dress up in a costume. What's not to like? That's why people in the USA and Canada love Halloween so much!
Don't Look 4 years ago
Some people do. some don't. Some people pick the "holidays" they want to explode about and some people act like it's too much effort to just get through life.
Vivian Orr 4 years ago (edited)
It used to be a big deal. I can remember walking miles and stopping at every house for our treat. But now a days it’s not so good due to the idiots out there that spoil it for everyone. They give candy that’s been tampered with and apples with things stuck inside them like needles or razor blades. I love that people still decorate so much. It can be very exciting to drive around and see all the ideas people come up with.
BoopBoop 4 years ago
The needles and razor blades were almost entirely urban myths that got spread and caused a panic.
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#3
Stannous Flouride 4 years ago
I agree and I always wonder what the workers who make the stuff in those Chinese factories think of America and Americans.
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Daniel (ShadowDrakken) 4 years ago (edited)
Eh... not exactly... Spirit Halloween is Party City. They just rename themselves and focus their inventory for the holiday. There's a few popup locations, but if you watch it's often just that rebranding.
Anna Repp 4 years ago
Nope! Spirit Halloween is NOT Party City!!! I mean I just went to both locations in the same plaza. And SH is SOOO much better with their styles and selections! And they are owned by different people so - NO! Spirit Halloween really pops out once a year in random closed locations - that's why we love them. (and the costume and props selection!)
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Leslie Burleson 4 years ago
Yes ... some of them you can barely call a store. They just have a few racks of cheap costumes . Most though are full of racks and racks of costumes . They even have dressing rooms
Joy 4 years ago
Americans have more celebration days I think. 4th July - Brits have no Independence Day, and no Brexit doesn't count. Thanksgiving which I believe might be bigger than Christmas which is huge in Britain. Proms, Spring Break, the Superbowl which is like a holiday as well as the cultural days that make the US so rich. Brits, we...we have the weather and er, Christmas.
leo mont 4 years ago
from my section of america, christmas is actually bigger than thanksgiving. its one of the biggest holidays for those who celebrate it. and prom isn't really thought of as a holiday, but its more of milestone for students, like graduating. spring break is also only for students and educators. but at this point, the superbowl is nearly on the same level as christmas. i agree with you there
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#4
Raven DeathShade 4 years ago
*applause* Brilliant, sir. Bloody brilliant.
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Enby.Minecraft.Bee. 4 years ago
Honestly this is more logical than the real reason we have halloween in the first place.
The Samhain festival marked the end of the harvest season and it meant the beginning of winter, when more than half of the day was dark so it was also a mysterious time. It was believed that on the day of the transition the boundaries between this and the other world would be less defined.
People believed that at this time spirits could enter their world and among gods, fairies and demons, their lost relatives could come to their home too. That is where all the treats come from as people would make a big dinner out of the harvest to make the spirits feel welcomed.
#5
Terry Tobias 4 years ago
Fall is more casual to me, autumn is more poetic. I use them depending on the context. 😏
Jo Johannsen 4 years ago
It works better for daylight savings time, our other idiotic custom. Spring forward, Fall back.
Dan Ruffcorn 4 years ago (edited)
Spring - when things spring up from the earth. Fall - when they fall back to earth... makes sense to me
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Corgimations 4 years ago
I mostly say autumn but sometimes fall. I just use autumn since its a distinct word rather than a verb.
alwaysMispelled 4 years ago
I think most people say "fall," I like "autumn" better but I still usually say "fall" :-D
Susan De Nimes 4 years ago
The use of 'fall' was common in the UK before the USA was a country. Britain stopped using the expression later but they didn't.
#6
Vivian Orr 4 years ago
I would say the majority of people participate in some type of celebration. My kids and grandkids are too old for trick or treating but I still enjoy all the kids coming by. Especially the little ones. I still give out treats and really have fun doing it.
thatmagicgaychick 4 years ago
you are NEVER too old for trick-or-treating
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Skara Brae 4 years ago
In my neighborhood about half of the houses display Halloween decorations. Kids know that houses with displays likely give out candy/treats. The houses without displays but with lights on likely give out candy - these houses probably have no kids living there. If the lights are off it can mean the residents aren't giving anything, or they went to a party somewhere else. Occasionally I see notices at houses saying they refuse to participate in a "pagan" holiday. But nobody I ever spoke to thinks Halloween has any remaining connection to religion.
Shea Taylor 4 years ago
All of them. I live in England now and I’ve explained that my sister and our friends used pillow cases for trick or treating. You have to live there and experience Halloween candy collecting. But honestly I’m glad I live here now and it’s really just not a thing. In America Halloween is second only to Christmas in money spent on candy, costumes and decorations. I can back this up with all the years spent as a man for Party City U.S. I was shocked yearly in the fact that we’d make millions in just a couple of months (September thru October) it’s nuts. As my mom would say, “Go big or go home!”
#7
MizAdeleM 4 years ago
I will be celebrating my first British Christmas this year, when I travel to visit family in the UK.
WritingSatyr 4 years ago
Oh that sounds exciting. Do you usually visit them during the year, like in the summer holidays?
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Isidien Gudmundsdottir 4 years ago
This coming Christmas you may want to visit Germany and be blown away.
Don't Look 4 years ago
This is accurate. In fact, I would say that no place in China can compete with HK for Christmas... and I'm likely right. And HK used to be british....
Firefoxy3121 4 years ago
I prefer an Aussie Christmas, opening your presents on Christmas morning with your family before going for a swim if you're lucky, then having a big family party the next day. Cold Christmas just seems weird to me
Mishimoqua 4 years ago
Nothing beats a Puerto Rican Christmas! It starts on Thanksgiving and ends on the January 15th. There are gifts on Christmas day and 3 Kings day (January 6th). Delicious food, Coquitlam parties 🥳and lots of fun.
Mazer 4 years ago
I never have experienced a British Christmas. The fact that there are so many different regional specialities, Christmas in Vermont is different than in Texas, The Dakotas, Hawaii etc. Heck even California with its many ecological zones has different celebrations, from snow skiing during the day in the mountains and eating traditional Christmas food, to going into the desert festively decorated with dried red hot pepper garlands, to the valley where fresh Christmas Goose is less than two hours old, to the beach where people surf then eat salads to the North Coast where crab is on the menu
#8
Don't Look 4 years ago
This year would have failed you. The decorations everywhere are all gone, have been for a couple weeks. In fact, I would wager that black friday is going to be a s**t show considering that it's already been made public that merchandise is going to be short this year.
Cookie Panda 4 years ago
Well where I am, Halloween stuff is everywhere! So many pumpkins!!!
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tuzdayschild 4 years ago
Do yourself a favor and shop after Halloween. You'll get the best sales.
Vivian Orr 4 years ago
The array of Halloween decor still amazes me and I’ve lived here all my life…. 70 years.
Charmwashere 4 years ago
I grabbed whatever I needed EARLY af realizing they may not be able to restock the shelves. In fact, I bought a floofy Christmas kitty to put on my lawn the same time as I got my Halloween stuff. The kitty has yet to be restocked .
chrissy goodman 4 years ago
come to new york we got halloween stuff everywhere still in stock!
Luka Verheijen 4 years ago
America makes mistakes, but what they do have is more impressive stores
The Christian influence can be seen in the tradition that many Church festivities would start the day before, on the vigil as Halloween is the evening before the Christian holy days of All Hallows' Day on 1 November. That is where the name of Halloween actually comes from.
If the pagans believed that the October 31 night is when spirits come to Earth in Christian tradition it is explained that on that day people should spend time honoring the saints and praying for the recently departed souls who have yet to reach Heaven.
#9
AndThenICommented 4 years ago
There’s some irony that the OP used the term “y’all” while calling the culture strange haha 😂
~hUmMuS vIbEs~ 4 years ago
(southern hemisphere here) I feel like Halloween, April and autumn should be at the same time, they just give me similar vibes.
Don't Look 4 years ago
Mostly because the companies that grow those pumpkins want a pay day for it so commercial grade photo shoots are set up and once august is over those advertisements are EVERYWHERE.
Caro Caro 4 years ago
Hahaha, someone downvoted you. Yeah, business is business.
Load More Replies... Stannous Flouride 4 years ago
If you don't hug your pumpkins the Great Pumpkin won't bring you any treats. Screen-Sho...b74ebd.png 
#10
Julie Harden 4 years ago
It's quicker to say "the 4th", "Halloween", and "Christmas". For me, it's all about efficiency.
tuzdayschild 4 years ago
This is why I never refer to myself as African American. Black has 1 syllable.
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SAF saf 4 years ago
Well actually they don't but point taken. It's just phonetically more pleasant.
Load More Replies... Lady of the Mountains 4 years ago
number of syllables: "the 4th," 2 syllables; "independance day," 5; "christmas," 2; "twenty fith," 3; etc
Terry Tobias 4 years ago
Halloween and Christmas are celebrated in other countries and are known by those names as well so that's what they're called. Our Independence Day is on July 4th and I guess we just got into the habit of calling it that.
Katchen 4 years ago
The 4th of July is based on a dated document. Halloween and Christmas were already celebrated at the general time of year they are now, but before the specific dates of Oct 31st and Dec 25th were settled on. Also my Orthodox grandma celebrated Christmas on the Epiphany, Jan 6th.
Jaybird3939 4 years ago (edited)
I think it's because we are celebrating the date of the 4th. We aren't celebrating 10-31 or 12-25, if that makes any sense. Plus, we know not everyone celebrates our "Independence Day".
#11
Skara Brae 4 years ago
A few people rent costumes. Many purchase them, but they are such poor quality they may not last long. Some wear them again in subsequent years. People often make costumes from old, used clothing, or sometimes by sewing.
Random person 4 years ago
We were always the weird kids and made our costumes ourself. They were always the best imo
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Pheebs 4 years ago
I’ve been making my own since I was 10, and I generally keep pieces I can mix and match for other costumes. Anything I have one that’s specific I don’t plan to wear again, I either pass along to another family member, or donate so someone doesn’t have to spend a stupid amount of money the next year.
~hUmMuS vIbEs~ 4 years ago
Lol every year I just pulled together something random from stuff I had in the back of my wardrobe and no one questioned it.
Vivian Orr 4 years ago
The more unusual or excellent quality are rented. The ones you buy in Halloween stores aren’t made very well or from quality fabrics so they don’t last long. Although you can buy some top grade costumes or have them made special they tend towards the expensive side. My grandmother made all my costumes and my siblings for many years. I made my daughters costumes too. So if they’re good quality most kids will wear them for play over and over again.
Sylvanticx 4 years ago
this year im getting a costume that i can wear to conventions. last year i got stuff i can donate (happened to get it at a charity store too). also, they can be dress-up for small children.
Lady of the Mountains 4 years ago
rent, sew, buy.....keep them for future costume pieces, get crafty with them, give them away, lend them away, use them for cosplaying, give to a sibling...
Emmie Jensen 4 years ago
My mom and me would always make my costumes. We'd raid the local thrift shop and craft away to our hearts content.
Halloween didn’t become widely celebrated in North America until the 19th century when Irish and Scottish mass immigrated to the continent. Over time it evolved to this huge holiday that we see now and its influence can be felt all over the world.
Even though it was commercialized in modern times Halloween is not a superficial festivity without no meaning and created just for fun. It has some meaning to it and it has analogues in other countries too when the dead are honored and in some countries people will just light a candle, go to church or cemetery and in others they will celebrate this occasion with more bang and pizzazz.
#12
Lady of the Mountains 4 years ago
think...sweetened condensed milk? but in the texture of wax? meh, if you're european you probably wont like it
Cyndi Wrenn 4 years ago
It’s just flavored wax. Now, the Reese Pumpkins are the candy of the Gods!!!
Jon Clingenpeel 4 years ago
I’ll upvote the Reese pumpkins everyday. Every. Day.
Load More Replies... Don't Look 4 years ago
This is hilarious. On average, americans must love candy corn. It sells out every year. It's the cheapest candy, it's completely disgusting.
Don't Look 4 years ago
On a side note, I can eat approximately 3 pieces every year before I remember that I genuinely cannot stand them. Also, I always go for the chocolate looking ones completely expecting them to actually taste like chocolate and when they don't I immediately wish I could spit them out. Every. damn. time.
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Music Mania 4 years ago
like you made a caramel (the soft chew kind of toffee) but forgot the milk and butter so it is just sugar that gets a little chewy
Tigersquid Kittydoggy 4 years ago
Hey, I like candy corn! I mean it’s disgusting but also the best candy in the world
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Bobby 4 years ago
for texture imagine chewing on a pencil eraser. Then combine the flavors of chalk and sugar. thats pretty much it.
Sara Rosen 4 years ago
Tastes like stale washcloth flavored cardboard. We hate it, but we LOVE to hate it.
Skara Brae 4 years ago
It's very, very sugary, but with grease so that it's not very hard. The flavor is a little buttery and something more I could never figure out. I guess it's a poor attempt at a corn flavor. It's a little softer than a fresh piece of gum. I liked it as a small kid, but once ate too much and felt sick. I have no desire to eat any more.
Evil Little Thing 4 years ago
Pretty sure it's butter flavored corn syrup held together with corn starch and xanthan gum.
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Joy 4 years ago
Bit like sprouts. We Brits love to hate them yet every Christmas, out they come together with bags of raw nuts and walnuts that no-one eats.
Jo Johannsen 4 years ago
Now, sprouts I love! Roasted or panfried with bacon and garlic. I pop them like candy. 😋
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Thistle 4 years ago
one of my friends got a used one... luckily it was his older brother just playing a prank on him haha
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Rebecca 4 years ago
Because I didn't spend 100 hours on a costume for dead grapes. I did it for Kit Kat bars!
Emmie Jensen 4 years ago
I've never heard raisins be called dead grapes... 10/10 for creativity
Load More Replies... Sportsgal 4 years ago
Because they are shriveled up dry grapes! NOT a treat. It's like the brussel sprouts of fruit. Repeat after me-NOT A TREAT!! They're a trick-lol! 🤣
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Terilee Bruyere 4 years ago
Apparently my munchkins have failed the "American" part of this, they love getting raisins.
Daniel (ShadowDrakken) 4 years ago
Raisins are just fine IMO. But I think culturally they've fallen out of the mainstream palate
Vivian Orr 4 years ago
Lololol Well imagine your 3-12 years old and are expecting candy and someone gives you raisins. 😂 Or apples. Personally I loved the raisins and apples but kids will be kids.
Random person 4 years ago
Or when they give you MONEY. We only ever got 2 euros, but we still hoped xD
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There is actually more to Halloween than just a couple of paragraphs can contain so if you want to know more about its roots, researching it can actually reveal very interesting knowledge that you wouldn’t think to find.
But there are things that only Americans can answer about how they celebrate it, why they feel it became such a big holiday and do they really need all those decorations. If there are any Americans reading this list with all the questions, the rest of the world would really want to know the answers so please write them in the comments! Also, don’t forget to upvote the questions that you would like to be answered the most!
#14
Beck(formerly Becca/Gizmo sq) 4 years ago
Yes! We stretched out fake spider webs everywhere and put bones in the grass.
Grant Barke 4 years ago
How else will Satan's demons know which houses to haunt and which people to possess.
tuzdayschild 4 years ago
Yes we do. The scarier the better. My brother-in-law feels like a failure if his house doesn't make at least one kid cry.
Jeff K 4 years ago
You have no idea. They don't just decorate their houses, they often decorate the whole yard. We have a neighbor who has a dozen skeletons climbing up his walls and onto his roof. We have a neighbor who has a whole parade of ghosts and zombies following a haunted carriage. We have a neighbor who has several vampires who move when you get close to them. And on and on....
#15
sofacushionfort 4 years ago
No, one of the holiday rituals is “demonstrate a psychological theory.” Most people chose the Tragedy of the Commons. Me, I’d think the Milgram Experiment more in keeping with the spirit of the holiday, but my lawyer pointed to its complications.
Vivian Orr 4 years ago
Most people hand the candy out to the kids. That’s half the fun!! If they’ve left a bowl out for kids to take a piece it’s because they’re usually not home to hand it out. I would miss that, seriously it’s great fun. So you get kids who are really honest and just take one or two pieces and then you get the kids that will take a handful or two and then the really mean kids that just dump the whole bowl full in their sack. That’s usually caught on ring doorbells now that so many people have them. It’s too bad they have to ruin it for everyone else.
juice 4 years ago
one of my friends had the idea to put a bowl out and hide in the bushes with a water gun. then if some mean kid tried to take too much candy, he would spray them with water!
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Skara Brae 4 years ago
In my neighborhood, maybe 5 to 10 percent leave bowls. Most kids are good about it, but usually some older kid takes everything.
Perfumista Perfumista 4 years ago
I live in an apatment building. Pretty much everyone on my floor does this, including me.
~hUmMuS vIbEs~ 4 years ago
I'm pretty sure people in other countries do that too, but some jerk kids are always gonna ruin everything and take the whole thing.
Emmie Jensen 4 years ago
They always have the sign that say "take one" but they don't specify. One piece? One handful? One bowlful? I'm sorry to admit, me and my friends were the jerk kids who took most of the candy.
tuzdayschild 4 years ago
Most people don't, but a few do. Usually with a sign that says "take one please".
Lady of the Mountains 4 years ago
some do that, if they're leaving or don't want to be bothered. most kids know to just take one anyway, if they don't, the other kids won't know someone took theirs. what most people do is they stay inside and kids knock on their door
#16
Nikki Sevven 4 years ago
My family carves pumpkins every Halloween...and decorates cookies for Christmas, and dyes eggs for Easter...
SomePeopleCallMeMaurice 4 years ago
Couldn’t be a Jack-o’-lantern without the lantern! Now i’m thinking - the pumpkin must be jack?
Jessica Cifelli 4 years ago
Usually just a small tea light candle or even better a little battery operated light
Mary Jeffries 4 years ago
Yeah. There is a special smell the pumpkins make when they cook slightly from the candle flame.
Mad Dragon 4 years ago
It wouldn't be Halloween without the smell of charred pumpkin from the candle flame being too high.
Katy McMouse 4 years ago
The Celts put candles in hollowed out gourds, if I'm not mistaken. Have you ever tried that? Pumpkins are way more accommodating for this activity.
Storm Rise 4 years ago
I used to use battery run 'candles'. They flicker like the real thing, but don't tend to set your porch on fire! ;-)
#17
Music Mania 4 years ago
depends where you work, the halloween before COVID my office had a decorating contest and each section of cubes came up with a theme... I work with a bunch of engineers it was nuts. There was a full size pirate ship, a witches cabin, grave yard, haunted house...
Terilee Bruyere 4 years ago
It really depends on what kind of place you work. It's pretty common for teachers and staff, especially in grade school, to dress up. It puts a smile on the little ones' faces. Not so much if you work in an animal shelter or nursing home.
Vivian Orr 4 years ago
Animal shelter not so much. But I know of 4 nursing homes that do. It’s more like the care facilities then the hospital type homes.
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#18
Vivian Orr 4 years ago
We just have a lot of fun with it. Most do not take it seriously in the pagan/religious manner. Although some do but not most. It’s just a great time to get dressed up in some of the most amazing ways you can think of. It’s a good excuse to party and just let go of all the things in today’s world that can cause you stress. And then there’s the candy!! Yum!
Skara Brae 4 years ago
Halloween is mostly for kids who want to get free candy, and adults that want to have a party. Many people like wearing costumes. It's just for fun.
Isidien Gudmundsdottir 4 years ago
We take every Holiday very serious because we don't have that many days off as non-Americans so we grab any and all opportunity to celebrate as if it were our last celebration.
Nikki Sevven 4 years ago
Half my closet is filled with Halloween costumes, really detailed ones. Sometimes, I replicate a character I like (Tank Girl complete with comic book-style rocket launcher, Cenobyte from Hellraiser complete with handmade puzzle box). Other times, I "create" (Little Red Riding Hood: Werewolf Hunter, Alice Cooper in Wonderland). Oh, and I'm 56yo.
boredkoala 4 years ago
Same, though probably not quite as elaborate as yours, they sound awesome!! Rock on!
Load More Replies... Don't Look 4 years ago
Okay, name something that at least one large group of americas doesn't take way too seriously.
Rebecca 4 years ago
Life is way too serious. Halloween actually helps us take it down a notch by embracing fun and ridiculousness.
Grant Barke 4 years ago
Won’t be much fun when that huge medical bill arrives for that poisoned candy you trick or treated for from one of your evil neighbours.
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#19
Jo Johannsen 4 years ago
Mmm, pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin soup, roasted pumpkin seeds...
Jocelyn Dae 4 years ago
Yes. I have made "pumpkin pie" out of Hubbard squash. Very good and almost no strings unlike pumpkin.
Load More Replies... Vivian Orr 4 years ago (edited)
Starting in late Sept or the first week of Oct companies start making pumpkin flavor everything. Literally everything. From beer to flavored toothpicks. There are hundreds of edible pumpkin things out there. Including all the baked goods people make at home or buy it’s a huge amount of squashes used. And you should look up some of the unbelievable carved pumpkins people make. Some as big as 5ft tall and wide. There are shows this time of year as cooking shows and decorating shows including pumpkins on tv. Lots of fun.
Don't Look 4 years ago
It’s definitely right after Labor Day weekend. I don’t even question it anymore. I know it’s going to happen.
Load More Replies... Don't Look 4 years ago
This country is overrun with pumpkin everything on September .... something. Basically the day after labor day. On a personal note, I cannot stand pumpkin pie and according to my fellow americans this makes me unamerican.
Sam rice 4 years ago
This country is also overrun by Christmas pretty much as soon as July
Load More Replies... alwaysMispelled 4 years ago
Pumpkins are delicious!!! And Americans are obsessed with everything Pumpkin Spice!
BoopBoop 4 years ago
There are two kinds of pumpkin (many more, actually, but these are the most common ones) - a variety grown just for making jack o' lanterns that isn't great for eating, and a variety (sugar pumpkins) that you can bake with.
Don't Look 4 years ago
I saw a couple large containers of pie pumpkins at the grocery two days ago. Dammit if they are the cutest most symmetrical little buggers.
Load More Replies... Forrest McCanless 4 years ago
Eat it all year; roast the seeds from making jack-o-lanterns - yum!
Elizabeth Butler 4 years ago
There are several kinds of pumpkins. The Halloween ones are grown just for fun and are not really right for food although they are edible. The food pumpkins are commercially processed. I once really failed making a fun pumpkin into a pie.
#20
Vivian Orr 4 years ago
A lot of people really do it up for Halloween. You should see Hollywood. WOW But yes it’s pretty well celebrated most everywhere.
Jaybird3939 4 years ago
There are no axe murderers, stabbers, shooters or people carvers like in THOSE movies.
#21
Sara Rosen 4 years ago
Yes. Why is it ok to decorate for Christmas but not Halloween? You do your things but Imma get me some ghouls for MY garden.
tuzdayschild 4 years ago
and some pumpkins for the porch...skeletons in the windows
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Lady of the Mountains 4 years ago
yes it's more important you need to sort out your priorities
Brenda Pereira 4 years ago
Absolutely! More so than for Christmas. Hanging bats, ghosts, tombstones, jack-o-lanterns, smoke from dry ice, spiders, you name it! If it's spooky, most of us do it.
Jamy Kovolenus 4 years ago
Yeah, it's really cool. My neighbor across the street spends 2 weeks decorating.
#22
Lindsey Turner 4 years ago
I'm guessing they mean half term for school kids. Don't think it's specifically for Halloween, just happens to be a week around the 31st
Random person 4 years ago
Yes, so it can fit around Halloween. What cruel monster would have school the day after Halloween?
Load More Replies... Random person 4 years ago
Wait, wth? We get a WEEK off. I mean, Halloween on a SCHOOL DAY???
Load More Replies... tuzdayschild 4 years ago (edited)
Let's get real. We are talking about America. You ain't getting the day off.
Charmwashere 4 years ago
Tf?? According to this thread, we Americans are the best Halloweeners, yet we don't get a whole week off?? How is this not a thing??
Brian Crawford 4 years ago
All these Americans complaining about having school on Halloween should move to Nevada we get a day off for “Nevada day” which just happens to be on Halloween
Grant Barke 4 years ago
No, the bosses new holiday home is not going to pay for itself now is it.
#23
Lady of the Mountains 4 years ago
because it's creative and unique (two of the better things Americans are known for) and involves sugar, staying up late, parting, and is the only day it is socially acceptable to dress like a book character
Vivian Orr 4 years ago (edited)
Probably because from the time we are small we have loved the candy and dress up aspect of it. And it’s been celebrated for hundreds of years so it’s sorta ingrained. It’s like one of the few that adults can enjoy as much or even more then the kids. Lol. ITS JUST PLAIN FUN
Jessica Rabbit 4 years ago
For one reason, it is my wedding anniversary... For a second reason, because it's awesome and fun!
Lyone Fein 4 years ago
Dressing up as a way to express your inner self is a huge stress reliever, tons of fun, and it helps adults get social with those they don't know.
Don't Look 4 years ago
Simply put - marketing. Halloween is marketed in every single facet of our lives. Groceries, clothing, television.... absolutely every store has the opportunity to make more money if they can relate to the upcoming festivities so they do. (Chinese restaurants will put up decorations. "hey, you like our food! Come have it on Halloween!" actually works.)
Random person 4 years ago
In Ireland literally noone markets Halloween, but Christmas adds can be as early as september XD
Load More Replies... Mary Jeffries 4 years ago
If you grew up with all the fun of Halloween, he’d probably love it too.
Helen Haley 4 years ago
It is a pure fun holiday. It is a publicly sanctioned night where you can eat too much sugar, dress up, act stupid, drink, and just raise hell in general. The added bonus of spooky stuff, fantasy stuff, quasi history. In short, it is just fun.
#24
M O'Connell 4 years ago
My friend was once the Dolly-Llama, which is just as fun as it sounds.
Vivian Orr 4 years ago
It’s a respectful way to make fun of someone you really like or someone you don’t like much at all. No one can get mad at a Halloween costume that’s making fun of a celebrity or a politician or some one revered, like the queen.
Helen Haley 4 years ago
Visual puns are fun. They are goofy. And you can pry them from our cold dead Zom-bee bodies. yep, just pictured a Zombie/bee hybrid.
#25
Stephanie Rohweder 4 years ago
The best seasonal store ever. It's like Halloween Santa. Only shows up once a year and you never see it until spooky season
Lena Hill 4 years ago
I saw it in July this year but I live in SoCal so we might just be weird lmfao
Load More Replies... SomePeopleCallMeMaurice 4 years ago
A place my teenage daughter gets lost in every weekend in October, and after 2 hours of searching for her, begs us to spend a lot of our hard earned money!
Anna Repp 4 years ago
I spent over $200 in that store recently when my teen stocked on cool outfits. She proclaimed all that stuff would last her many years - but when I asked to repeat that line for me so I can get it recorded and play back to her next fall, she suddenly disappeared... I feel it would be very hard for me to prove to her next year that she's stocked for years and does not need anything else from Spirit Halloween!
Load More Replies... Charmwashere 4 years ago
I love that store. I am not flashy but prefer understated design for my home. That being said, it's the only store where I can find perfectly good pillows that have tiny skulls for stripes or glass jars that store things that have words like eye of newt on them.
MotherofGuineaPigs 4 years ago
it is the sugar high from eating the candy early and having to make six different trips to the store to get more. Makes you decorate like mad.
#26
NoneYa41 4 years ago
the big ones that are carved aren't eating pumpkins. Just like there is 'field' corn that's used for animal feed and corn products which is not the corn you buy at the market to eat.
Charmwashere 4 years ago
Really? I did not know that! Ty for the T. I. L!
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John Merline 4 years ago
The roasted and salted seeds are delicious. But you wouldn't want to eat the pumpkin after it's been carved and sitting with a candle burning in it for a week. Soot and mold are not flavor enhancers ;-). I *have* eaten the pumpkin varieties that are usually reserved for carving but as others have pointed out they're not the most delicious/easy to prepare.
Sparky Hughes 4 years ago (edited)
No, we leave them on the porch for the juvenile thugs in training to throw into our streets. And then the rabid rats come.
#28
Don't Look 4 years ago
I like this response better than what mine would have been.
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Susan Trevaskis-Owen 4 years ago
There are 31 days of Halloween, beginning on October 1. Then of course there's pre-Halloween, which starts November 1 and ends September 30.
Beck(formerly Becca/Gizmo sq) 4 years ago
It is all about the changing of the seasons. Halloween decorations get you in the sweater wearing mindset. Leaves falling, carved pumpkins on the porch, binge watching scary movies and the days getting shorter. It all means Halloween is near. Then November 1st starts christmas season. You can say it starts after thanksgiving but that just is not true. Walmart already has christmas trees for sale and cracker barrel puts theirs up late August
#29
Susan Rapacz 4 years ago
Where do you think we get our costumes and skeletons and witches and giant rubber rats and fake spider webs and coffins and monsters?
Elizabeth Butler 4 years ago
Owners of vacant shops get some rent money from these yearly specialty stores that could not afford rent for 12 months to offer space for so much specialty merch.
#30
NoneYa41 4 years ago
the same reason people think Christmas is 2 months...media and marketing.
Charmwashere 4 years ago
And it's fun 😸 why have only one party when there can be dozens!
Load More Replies... Grant Barke 4 years ago
Same reason World Series Baseball isn't played by the rest of the world.
SomePeopleCallMeMaurice 4 years ago (edited)
We’ve discovered a holiday law loophole by calling it Spooky Season instead
Jaybird3939 4 years ago
"The Holidays" in America consist of, but are not limited to, our Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa (12-26), New Year, and sometimes Valentine's Day. So when we say Happy Holidays, it consists of everything!
#31
#32
Luka Verheijen 4 years ago
I would want to see that. At least, some of tgem.
Load More Replies... Vivian Orr 4 years ago
There are a lot of parties that night. So some wear the costumes to parties they are attending.
#33
Susan Rapacz 4 years ago
Because Halloween decorations are in the stores right after Labor Day.
Raven DeathShade 4 years ago
We had Halloween decorations in Hobby Lobby back in August. By September, the Christmas decorations were up...
Load More Replies... Queserasera423 4 years ago
Ugh, I'm not going to haul out the decorations for a DAY. Gotta be up for a few weeks to make the effort worthwhile.
#34
NoneYa41 4 years ago
so...just like other holidays around the world that aren't religious you mean?
Yort 4 years ago
Yeah, is this guy gonna be snotty about Japanese people celebrating obon even though it isn’t a thing anywhere else?
Load More Replies... MizAdeleM 4 years ago
Because I live in downtown Salem, MA, I get loads of people "trick or treating". Couple of years ago, I was asking people where they were from, and I got: England, France, Jordan, Israel, Morocco, Brazil, Spain, Austrailia. Not to mention people from all over the US. Foreign visitors really enjoy celebrating their first Halloween here!
Nikki Sevven 4 years ago
We don't care. You do you. But I'll tell you what...if you tried it, you'd love it.
#35
malenchki 4 years ago (edited)
Same live in the UK but still same and so does everyone I know
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Terilee Bruyere 4 years ago
There are dozens of regional accents in the States. That would be like saying that every single person in the UK sounds the same.
#36
Rebecca Olds 4 years ago
Most of the time, it's because stores and some people like to get christmas started earlier and earlier so those who enjoy halloween tend to take time from the only avaliable source the month before.
Julie Harden 4 years ago
Stores start stocking Halloween stuff in late July. It's annoying. Leave my summer be!!!
Don't Look 4 years ago
Because of labor day. It's the start of the season. The marketing departments all get together and deploy pumpkin spice which really is what sets everyone off. Seriously, I'm not even kidding.
#37
Bobby 4 years ago
Is that the french translation of "this is Halloween" from nightmare before xmas?
malenchki 4 years ago
It is Halloween I think is the translation bc C'est means it is
Load More Replies... #38
Roadkill The Brave 4 years ago
The place I work at used to do that pre-covid. They build a massive slingshot for it.
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What do you think ?
Kristin Ingersoll 4 years ago
Gosh, it's been a minute since we bashed the US. Ironically, so many of those were the same stupid questions over and over. If you want to bash Americans for having a little fun, try to be original. Bashing that some people celebrate for a month, eat pumpkins, and have specialty shops is boring. Zzzzzzzzz
Peppy Piplup 4 years ago
Today I learned that Halloween is apparently American exclusive??? Halloween originated in Ireland, of course we celebrate it, pumpkins, costumes, decorations, movies, Trick or Treating and all.
Bunzilla 4 years ago
Canada celebrates it too. Everyone keeps forgetting that Canada exists, despite being the second largest country on the planet. We love Halloween just as much as Americans do!
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TrashPandaSociety 4 years ago
Another anti America article that hasn't been fact checked. Shocker.
Charmwashere 4 years ago
Why is it anti American? They just asked if what they have herd or seen on tv/net was true. They didn't put down America. It's just people being curious about another culture. Which is a good thing. Just like I'm curious about England, Jordan, India or Morocco, etc. Asking questions is a good thing lol
Load More Replies... SumoNinja 4 years ago
Halloween is awesome because: it isn't a religious holiday (anymore) - it is both kid and adult friendly - it involves good seasonal food, not just candy - it appeals to a wide spectrum of people for different reasons, from soccer moms to goths - Black and orange are great colors to decorate with.
René Studer 4 years ago
I‘m not an american but most of these questions are just dumb. Why do they celebrate and decorate during the whole of october? Maybe because its a seasonal thing? The same way the radio stations play „last christmas“ all over the world as soon as november arrives? The same way people put up christmas lights even if christmas is still a month away?
Bill Evs 4 years ago
You know what, big up to Americans for making Halloween an event to look forward to. We don't do it to the same extent in the UK as the US does but I'd love to be over there for Halloween as it looks awesome. And to be honest BP, give the US bashing a rest. People and cultures are different - shocking!
Christopher Bowers 4 years ago
Here is a question, why do europeans ask so many questions about us Americans? Seriously some of those were worded so rudely. Almost mocking us in a way. So what Halloween is a fun an entertaining holiday and we celebrate it in diffsrent ways. Some like to just watch Halloween or horror movies all day and night on Halloween/Hallows Eve.
Aliquid 4 years ago
One of America's biggest exports is... media. Movies, TV, music etc. People around the world watch what comes out of Hollywood. And they often wonder "is that really what life is like in America, or is this just exaggerated for the sake of entertainment?"
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Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
Halloween is a way to have a party, in the long stretch between summer and winter holidays, is what I figure.
Gelato Cat 4 years ago
Ummmm this looks more like a persons search engine, not a Twitter thread
Kristin Ingersoll 4 years ago
Gosh, it's been a minute since we bashed the US. Ironically, so many of those were the same stupid questions over and over. If you want to bash Americans for having a little fun, try to be original. Bashing that some people celebrate for a month, eat pumpkins, and have specialty shops is boring. Zzzzzzzzz
Peppy Piplup 4 years ago
Today I learned that Halloween is apparently American exclusive??? Halloween originated in Ireland, of course we celebrate it, pumpkins, costumes, decorations, movies, Trick or Treating and all.
Bunzilla 4 years ago
Canada celebrates it too. Everyone keeps forgetting that Canada exists, despite being the second largest country on the planet. We love Halloween just as much as Americans do!
Load More Replies... TrashPandaSociety 4 years ago
Another anti America article that hasn't been fact checked. Shocker.
Charmwashere 4 years ago
Why is it anti American? They just asked if what they have herd or seen on tv/net was true. They didn't put down America. It's just people being curious about another culture. Which is a good thing. Just like I'm curious about England, Jordan, India or Morocco, etc. Asking questions is a good thing lol
Load More Replies... SumoNinja 4 years ago
Halloween is awesome because: it isn't a religious holiday (anymore) - it is both kid and adult friendly - it involves good seasonal food, not just candy - it appeals to a wide spectrum of people for different reasons, from soccer moms to goths - Black and orange are great colors to decorate with.
René Studer 4 years ago
I‘m not an american but most of these questions are just dumb. Why do they celebrate and decorate during the whole of october? Maybe because its a seasonal thing? The same way the radio stations play „last christmas“ all over the world as soon as november arrives? The same way people put up christmas lights even if christmas is still a month away?
Bill Evs 4 years ago
You know what, big up to Americans for making Halloween an event to look forward to. We don't do it to the same extent in the UK as the US does but I'd love to be over there for Halloween as it looks awesome. And to be honest BP, give the US bashing a rest. People and cultures are different - shocking!
Christopher Bowers 4 years ago
Here is a question, why do europeans ask so many questions about us Americans? Seriously some of those were worded so rudely. Almost mocking us in a way. So what Halloween is a fun an entertaining holiday and we celebrate it in diffsrent ways. Some like to just watch Halloween or horror movies all day and night on Halloween/Hallows Eve.
Aliquid 4 years ago
One of America's biggest exports is... media. Movies, TV, music etc. People around the world watch what comes out of Hollywood. And they often wonder "is that really what life is like in America, or is this just exaggerated for the sake of entertainment?"
Load More Replies... Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
Halloween is a way to have a party, in the long stretch between summer and winter holidays, is what I figure.
Gelato Cat 4 years ago
Ummmm this looks more like a persons search engine, not a Twitter thread
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