7 Ways the Living Tried to Keep the Dead in Their GravesHistorical graves reveal corpses with iron rods through their chests, sickles across their necks and padlocks on their feet.Read more
Why Do Witches Wear Pointy Hats? The History Behind the CostumeExplore the origins behind witch costume features—the hat, the black dress, prominent nose and green skin.Read more
Exorcisms: The Centuries-Long History of Expelling EvilFrom biblical depictions of Christ casting out demons, to charismatic Christians in the ’60s, to the story behind the 1973 movie, people have been attempting to expel evil for centuries.Read more
How a Hoax by Two Sisters Helped Spark the Spiritualism CrazeWhen two young sisters claimed to communicate with ghosts in the mid-1800s, they soon became celebrity mediums and unwittingly spurred a trend.Read more
How the 1982 Tylenol Poisonings Nearly Canceled HalloweenThe shocking deaths of seven people in the Chicago area from tampered bottles led to a massive recall—and generated fears around candy poisonings.Read more
‘Arsenic and Old Lace’: The Real Murders Behind the Halloween Classic FilmThe writer behind the play, which was made into a Cary Grant film, had studied the records of convicted murderer Amy Archer-Gilligan.Read more
Halloween Timeline: How the Holiday Has Changed Over the CenturiesFrom pagan rituals to costumes and candy corn, discover how Halloween—and its associated traditions—has evolved through the ages.Read more
Why Black Cats Are Associated With Halloween and Bad LuckAs early as the 13th century, the Catholic Church linked cats to Satan.Read more
Day of the Dead: How Ancient Traditions Grew Into a Global HolidayWhat began as ceremonies practiced by the ancient Aztecs evolved into a holiday recognized far beyond the borders of Mexico.Read more
How the Early Catholic Church Christianized HalloweenAfter the Romans conquered ancient Celtic realms, pagan traditions were adopted into a holiday honoring Catholic saints.Read more
Why Do Witches Ride Brooms? The History Behind the LegendFrom pagan fertility rituals to hallucinogenic herbs, the story of witches and brooms is a wild ride.Read more
6 Things You May Not Know About PumpkinsWhich famous French explorer is credited with naming them?Read more