In the 1850s, families began commissioning portraits of their deceased loved ones in a trend that came to be known as "memento mori" photography.

FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, contact us!

RELATED CONTENT

Everything you ever wanted to know about the pumpkin, but were afraid to ask.

Vlad Dracula earned his nickname "The Impaler" for a gruesome sight he left at his abandoned palace.

Primal Fear suggsts why people like to be scared.

Pumpkin carver Steve Clarke shows us how to carve Mount Rushmore.

Halloween was originally called Samhain and marked the end of the harvest season for Celtic farmers.

Halloween's commercialization in the United States began in the early 20th century.