Halloween in 2021 | History, Date, Meaning & Activities

What are you going to do on Halloween 2021? If you haven’t had any idea, keep reading as we’ll give you some wonderful recommendations!

Halloween is a great opportunity for us to enjoy time with our family, relax, and share joyous laughter at cheeky costumes. To have a meaningful celebration, the following are some activities that can effectively connect people and leave good memories.

In this article, you’ll get interesting information about Halloween day as well as something you can do on this holiday. If you’re ready, let’s get started!

History Of Halloween

You’ve probably heard of or spent Halloween with friends and family at least once. But do you understand the origin, the meaning, and the Halloween timeline?

Timeline Of Halloween

This fact may strike you: Halloween has been around for more than 2000 years! Yes! It has been around even longer than Christmas Eve. The origin of Halloween is the Celtic festival of Samhain. Currently, this area belongs to Ireland and is part of the United Kingdom.

The Celtic people celebrated their New Year at the beginning of November after the summer harvest period ends, and winter starts. They believe that winter is a time of darkness, gloom, and death.

People have believed that, on the night of 31st October, the spirits would return. They would bring bad luck or cause crop failure and celebrating Samhain could partly prevent this. It was also the celebration they used to supplicate the Celtic Gods. They lit large sacred bonfires, surrounded them then prayed for protection and blessings from the gods.

After being introduced to the US, Halloween no longer carries meaning as before. People have adjusted to it and have been using this day as an opportunity to spend time with family and friends.

Early American Halloween celebrations included activities called “play parties.” Together they sang, danced, and told each other stories of the dead.

Meaning Of Halloween

Although originating in Ireland, Halloween quickly spread to many countries and became popular. Irish people who fled to avoid hunger in this country contributed to the popularity of this day.

Today, the holiday is no longer as religious and spiritual as it used to be because this Halloween meaning isn’t suitable for many countries and regions.

People will use this time to relax and enjoy themselves instead. Halloween is also a great time for children to participate in Halloween activities with friends and indulge in candies after trick-or-treating.

When Is Halloween In 2021? 

Halloween All Around The World In 2021

Each country will have different customs and activities to celebrate this holiday, and their Holiday timeline is not the same. There will be traditional customs that may startle you, but that’s the beauty of cultural diversity.

• Mexico: Mexicans believe that the Gate of Heaven will open on the night of 31st October. From there, on the 31st night, the children’s spirits will return to reunite with their families; on the 1st and 2nd, the adult souls will also return. Hence, in Mexico, the 1st and 2nd November are Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

• Romania: On Halloween, Romanian will flock to celebrate this holiday at Vlad “The Impaler” Tepes’s purported home. It’s said that this is Dracula’s castle. However, there is no evidence to prove this.

• Austria: On Halloween night, Austrians will put water, bread, and a candle on the table before bed. They believe that the deceased will return to visit their families on Halloween night, and this ritual will welcome their loved ones back home.

• Germany: Germans have a habit of putting away knives on Halloween. They believe that this practice helps reduce the risks that may occur when the spirits return.

Halloween Date

Do you know when is Halloween in 2021? It’s certainly on 31st October, but this Halloween 2021 date is also on Sunday! It means you’ll have more time to prepare for a merry and joyous Halloween night.

Halloween By Numbers That Make You Surprised 

Not every country in the world celebrates Halloween. However, it’s still a big and important holiday for many countries. With a long existence, there are many interesting numbers about Halloween that will leave you in awe.

Source: Mommy to Mom

• $9 billion: is the total money that Americans spend on Halloween costumes each year. Despite the severe damage from the Covid-19 pandemic, people still spent about $8 billion on Halloween 2020.

• 30,581: is the highest number of jack o’lanterns were lit and displayed in the world. This figure was recorded in New Hampshire in 2013 by Guinness World Records.

• 16: If you’re 16 years old and still participate in trick-or-treating, you will have to pay a fine of up to $200 in Canada. And the government of this country also set a rule that children under 16 need to go home before 8 pm to limit pranks that often take place.

• 3.5 pounds: is the average weight of candy the average American can eat on Halloween. You may not know it, but this amount of candy can contain up to 7,000 calories!

• 35 million pounds: Candy corns are manufactured each year, even though it’s the most hated candy on Halloween.

• 600 million pounds: is the total amount of candy that Americans buy each year for the Halloween holiday. It’s enough to fill 6 Titanics.

• 68%: In a normal year, up to 68% of Americans celebrate Halloween. They will prepare costumes, decorate their house, and enjoy candies.

Interesting Fact About Halloween 

In addition to the numbers mentioned above, there are many interesting Halloween facts that you definitely can’t ignore. Let’s find out what they are!

Fact 1: Jack-o’-lanterns Were First Made of Potatoes

No, you didn’t read it wrong! In Ireland - the home of Halloween, the Irish made the first jack-o’-lanterns out of potatoes. After that, this holiday was introduced to the US, and pumpkins replaced potatoes.

Fact 2: Full Moon only Appears on Halloween about 3 to 4 Times a Century

The image of a full and bright moon is always associated with Halloween. It makes this holiday even more special and spooky. However, there remains the fact that the moon is not always full on 31st October. According to statistics, the full moon only appears on Halloween once every 19 years, which equals 3 to 4 times in a century.

Fact 3: Many People Don’t Adopt a Black Cat in October: 

Due to superstitious reasons, many people believe that adopting a black cat during October - the month of Halloween - will bring bad luck.

Fact 4: The Pumpkins You Use May Come from Illinois

This is the largest pumpkin-producing state in the USA, with 3 to 5 times more than other states. On Halloween, traders will flock here to pick the biggest and freshest pumpkins.

Halloween Activities 

What are you going to do this Halloween? There are many interesting activities for you, your family, and your friends to participate in. Our recommendations below are both kids- and adult-friendly.

1. Baking Monster Cookies

What can be a better bonding activity on Halloween than baking easy-to-do and eye-catching monster cookies? We don’t think there is.

Prepare

• Caster sugar: 1 cup

• Unsalted butter softened: 1 cup

• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp

• Self-raising flour sifted 1.5 cups

• Carnation condensed milk: 2/3 cup

• Food coloring

• Icing 'eyes' (available at larger supermarkets): 60 eyes 

Recipe

• Preheat your oven to 356°F.

• Mix all the ingredients well (except the icing “eyes”).

• Divide the mixture evenly into equal parts according to the number of food coloring you have.

• Roll the dough into small and even balls, bake them for about 15 minutes in the oven.

• After taking them out, you can add the “eyes.” And enjoy!
  

> Here are 40 Halloween party ideas for you!

2. Carving Pumpkin

Jack-o’-lantern is an indispensable icon of Halloween. And you also can do it by yourself to decorate your house and spend some quality time with your family:

• Prepare a large pumpkin, a marker pen, and a sharp knife.

• Use a knife to cut the bottom of it. Pay attention and cut it flat so the pumpkin can stand stably.

• Scrape the pumpkin intestines. In this step, you can use the ice cream scoop.

• Use a marker pen and draw a small face on the pumpkin peel.

• Cut along the drawn lines of the eyes, nose, and mouth. Do it slowly to ensure safety.
  

> What is the best Halloween decoration for an unforgettable?

3. Enjoying “Truth Or Dare”

Truth or Dare is one of the most popular games that is played at parties or celebrations. This game is known to make everyone laugh to tears when players take on difficult challenges. Therefore it’s extremely entertaining and enjoyable.

Moreover, this one is also a chance for you to understand more about others. Listening to their story or the truth will help you understand your friends or family members.

The game rule is also simple and easy for everyone: 

• Each player prepares their list of “Truths” and “Dares.” Remember that no matter if it’s a Truth or Dare, there is a certain limit, and don’t be carried away.

• Sit together in a circle and prepare an empty bottle to start the game.

• One will start by rotating the bottle and picking out the first player.

• Ask that player “Truth or Dare.” If they choose a Truth, they have to answer one question, and if they choose a Dare, they will face a challenge.

• Once completed, that player will rotate the bottle to select the next one.

> Want to discover more Halloween game ideas to enjoy this spooky holiday? Read this article now!

4. Making Slime

Monster slime for Halloween will be the highlight of any kid’s Halloween. This one is also simple to prepare with an easy process.

Prepare

• Vampire fangs

• Googly eyes 

• Clear school glue

• Baking soda

• Contact solution

• Food coloring

• Oil 

• Bowl and spoon

Process

• Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of clear school glue with a little bit of food coloring.

• Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of contact solution gradually until the mixture is pliable and no longer sticky. (You can add some drops of oil if your mixture is too sticky).

• Unleash your creativity by adding vampire fangs and googly eyes to complete your monster.

5. Giving Halloween Gifts

Halloween is also a great opportunity for you to express your love to family members or friends. Sending personalized Halloween gifts can fill everyone with surprise and happiness. It’s also very special to be able to capture these memories and unforgettable times.

Below are some interesting gift ideas along with funny Halloween quotes:

Halloween Witches T-shirt

Do you not want to dress up too fancy but still want a suitable costume for Halloween? Do you seek an item that suits the entire family? A personalized t-shirt (Halloween witch theme) is the ideal choice!

With a lovely but equally spooky witch pattern, this design is suitable for many different audiences. You can also customize the T-shirt as you like with various complexions, hair colors, and quotes.

Halloween Mug With Cat Image

For those who love coffee, or those who have cats, or those who resonate with both factors, this Halloween-influenced mug with a black cat image will delight them.

In addition to the suggested quote, you can also send your messages to your loved ones. Take a note of the message you want to deliver and print it on the mug. Finally, you’ve got a meaningful gift.

Halloween Mug For Couple

If you are looking for a meaningful gift for your other half, don’t miss this cup. With the Halloween couple image, it will keep your memories together.

Words of love will be sent through the cup. It will remind them of your love every morning they sip on coffee or tea.

• Anything else? Check this list of top 10+ Halloween gift ideas for all ages.

Final Thought

Overall, you’ve got all the helpful and interesting information about Halloween, as well as some activities that you and your family members or friends can enjoy on Halloween 2021.

Hopefully, you’ll find this post informative and helpful. Take a look once again at what you can do to have a meaningful Halloween:

• Making Monster Cookies

• Carving Pumpkin

• Enjoying “Truth Or Dare”

• Making Slime

• Giving Halloween Gifts.