1

Choose a villain

Image: Paige Cody

If reason were to govern our thoughts on the matter, no one could deny that seeing people of all ages dressed up as their favorite villains is a weird thing. We’ll discuss the treating part later, but let’s get into the costumes first.

This tradition has deep roots, and it goes all the way back to the Middle Ages and the ancient festival of Samhain. Now what was the purpose of the costumes? People used to believe that spirits roamed the earth on this particular night so, dressing up in costumes was the way to ward off these phantoms. Quite original, don’t you think?

2

Apple bobbing

Image: Nathan Dumlao

Among the spooky traditions, there is also one that relates to romance and love: bobbing for apples, and we’ve got Great Britain to thank for it.

In this game, an apple represented a potential husband, and, faith for young women who wished to marry was settled by how many attempts it took her to retrieve an apple. One bite meant jolly matrimony. Two bites, a not-so-long-lasting courtship. And three… Well, that relationship was doomed altogether.

Samhain was celebrated at the end of the harvest, and when Irish immigrants brought their costumes to America, this game fit fall festivities to perfection becoming a beloved Halloween game.

3

Jack-o’-lanterns

Image: Szabó János

Who is Jack, and why was he immortalized in a Halloween lantern? Well, it is all, of course, part of a curious legend. As the story goes, Jack tricked the devil twice. The first time, he tricked the Devil into becoming a coin and then, by making him promise not to claim his soul. However, all these tricks only brought nasty consequences—neither hell nor heaven wanted him.

So what happened? He was left to wander the earth with only a burning coal inspiring a carved-out turnip to light his way.

Turnips were just the start for the Scottish and Irish, soon they turned to beets and potatoes, and the tradition took the shape of pumpkins for Americans.

4

Trick or treat yourself!

Image: Nick Fewings

We’ve discussed the costumes, so let’s dive into the sweets. What’s the origin of knocking on doors and asking for candy?

When the Catholic Church established All Souls’ Day, in the Middle Ages, the costume tradition remained and a new one was added: knocking on doors and offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food. This was a practice called "souling."

But souling also suffered some changes and, in modern times, it evolved into what we know as "trick-or-treating," an activity in which children go door-to-door promising mischief if they don’t receive candy. Now you know this, we bet you’ll always give treats away!

5

Black cats, good or bad?

Image: Adél Grőber

In some cultures, spotting a black cat is a one-way ticket to destruction. In others, a black cat is a good luck omen, a sign that you’ll even find love. However, in America, black cats are part of the first group and have become a key symbol in Halloween celebrations and decorations.

Why is that? Because, in the Middle Ages, these poor animals were associated with witches and witchcraft. They were believed to have powers and to be connected to the evil spirits roaming the earth. True or not, they certainly add to the eerie atmosphere of Halloween, don’t you think?

6

Black and orange

Image: Bee Felten-Leidel

Have you ever wondered why we use these particular colors during the Halloween season? Well, the choice was not random at all, it has to do with the meaning behind orange and black.

For one, orange is related to the autumn season, and the end of the harvest (the original time of the Celtic celebration).

Black, on the other hand, brings in the spookiness and the mystery that we all love about Halloween night. It represents the color of the night sky, the shadows, and all things that add to the eerie atmosphere of the evening.

7

Haunted houses

Image: Bee Felten-Leidel

This tradition reveals the true essence of the Halloween spirit: to get as many scares as one can in a single night. All across America, on October 31st, families get their houses ready to invite people over for a thrilling experience.

Haunted houses aim to evoke tension and fear through ghostly figures, spooky decorations, dimmed lights, and chilling sounds with special effects. Have you ever visited one?

8

Bonfires

Image: henry perks

Bonfires, another tradition inherited from the Celtic celebration, are less common but they are still a Halloween tradition. As you can imagine, the original intention of the bonfires was to ward off evil spirits and to honor the Gods.

In the more modern Irish and Scottish traditions, the bonfires were part of a protective and communal custom that later made its way to America. In turn, this tradition has only remained to add warmth and a sense of togetherness to the holiday.

9

Candy Frenzy

Image: Mary Jane Duford

If you ask any child, candy is the best reason to celebrate Halloween. And we can’t blame them— they get to dress up, knock on doors, and get dozens of candies they will later exchange and eat in the company of their loved ones.

In our country, it’s not just the children or the houses who get ready for Halloween—the Marketing industry does too! Every year, countless candy brands (any brand really) adapt their products to make them Halloween-themed. The season kicks off when your local supermarket hangs those spiderwebs up and you start spotting black and orange packaging all over!

10

Scary stories

Image: Nika Benedictova

After collecting all the candies that were rightfully theirs for dressing up, children and young adults all over the country get together to end the night devouring their treats and immersing themselves one last time in the eerie atmosphere: It’s time for the spine-tingling tales.

No Halloween celebration is complete without a good dose of scary stories, fables of ancient times with mysterious characters and details that send shivers down the listeners’ spines. Why? For the sake of fear, after all, Halloween night is all about the supernatural!

1

The Boston Tea Party (1773)

The political unrest that eventually led to the American Revolutionary War was brewing well before the Boston Tea Party of 1773, but things might have gone a different way had this event not happened. The destruction of the East India Company’s tea by the Sons of Liberty as a protest against taxation was seen as a direct act of defiance by the British Parliament , who retaliated by closing the Boston Port, intervening in the Massachusetts colonial government, and stationing troops in private residences. This was seen as an act of war by the colonists, and it accelerated the gathering of the First Continental Congress and the start of the American Revolution.

2

The Crossing of the Delaware (1776)

By December 1776, the Continental Army was on the brink of defeat after a series of losses. The soldiers’ morale was low, and most enlistments were set to expire by the new year. The British had decided to hunker down for the winter season, instead of chasing the colonists, and General George Washington knew he had to act fast. On the night of December 25th, he led 2,400 across the icy Delaware River in the midst of a blizzard, hoping to catch the British forces garrisoned at Trenton by surprise. The attack was successful, and it was the first of a series of victories that uplifted the revolutionaries’ morale and changed the course of the war.

3

The Whiskey Rebellion (1791)

In 1791, the newly formed American government levied its first federal tax on whiskey, with the intention of using the revenue to pay war debts. However, this was met with strong resistance, protests, and even armed insurrection in the state of Pennsylvania. The peaceful suppression of the rebellion not only prevented further conflicts but also cemented the authority of the federal government over the states in matters of taxation. The role of the army led by Washington himself was crucial in the creation of a standing army—strongly opposed by many founding fathers—and it was the origin of the American military as one of the world's strongest.

4

The Bill of Rights (1791)

The original U.S. Constitution was met with strong opposition by many states, who saw it as infringing on individual rights and liberties, and as a possible source of government tyranny. A Bill of Rights, establishing and securing fundamental freedoms, was drafted and added as a condition for the ratification of the document. While this compromise was crucial for establishing the bases of the American nation, it also put into practice the mechanism for amending the Constitution, codified in Article V, and set the precedent that the supreme law of the land could evolve with the nation.

5

The Louisiana Purchase (1803)

Thomas Jefferson’s purchase of Louisiana from the French in 1803 was much more than a simple territorial acquisition. The 828,000 square miles territory, purchased for roughly 15 million dollars, doubled the size of America, now expanding its initial borders from the Mississippi to the Rocky Mountains. By securing the Mississippi River and the port of New Orleans, the U.S. expanded its agricultural economy and gained access to vast natural resources , while the control over a former French territory diminished the influence of European powers—mainly, the rising Napoleon Bonaparte— in North America. The soon-to-follow Westward expansion would add 13 new states to the Union.

6

The Battle of San Jacinto (1836)

Given its significance in Texan and American history, it is easy to forget that the 1836 Battle of San Jacinto lasted a mere 18 minutes. After the victory of the Mexican army at the Alamo and the massacre of war prisoners in Goliad, Texan morale was low, and the quest for Texas’ independence was nearly ended. Pursuing the remnants of the army led by Sam Houston, Mexican scouts incorrectly reported the route taken by the Texans, which allowed Houston to evade the enemy. After blocking the escape route and while the Mexican soldiers were taking a nap, 900 Texan soldiers attacked by surprise, killing more than half of the Mexican forces (around 1,300 men) and capturing the rest.

7

The Battle of Antietam (1862)

Widely considered to be the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War, with a tally of 22,726 casualties between dead, wounded, and missing people, the 1862 Battle of Antietam ultimately tipped the balance in the Union’s favor. But did you know that the casualties could have been far less? As the Union Army of the Potomac was moving to intercept the Confederate forces of General Lee, two Union soldiers came across a copy of Lee’s battle plans, detailing his intention of dividing the troops , which would allow the Union forces to isolate and defeat the Confederate army. However, Union General McClellan waited 18 hours before deciding to attack, which gave Lee the time to mount a strong defense in Antietam.

8

The New Deal (1932)

Burdened by the consequences of the Great Depression, Americans overwhelmingly supported the election of Franklin D. Roosevelt as president in 1932. Roosevelt’s main campaign promise, the New Deal, involved a series of economic, social, and political reforms to combat America’s economic crisis and restore the country’s trust in the government. The reforms weren’t entirely successful in ending the Great Depression —it only fully ended with the industrial mobilization for World War II— but they were key to ensuring that America would not suffer such a crisis again by establishing structural changes, relief programs, social security, and safety nets, regulating financial institutions, and ultimately showing American citizens that the government was working to help them.

9

The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)

There were several moments during the Cold War Era (1947-1991) when the world thought a nuclear war was imminent, but none as close to it as the Cuban Missile Crisis. In October 1962, the Soviet government deployed nuclear missiles in Cuba as a response to similar deployments made by the U.S. in the UK, Italy, and Turkey. A 13-day crisis ensued, with President Kennedy ordering a naval blockade in Cuba, while his advisors pushed for an air strike and an all-out invasion. While the conflict ended peacefully, the nuclear war had been closer than most imagined: a U.S. Navy ship in the blockade had dropped signaling charges to deter a Soviet submarine, not knowing the submarine carried a nuclear torpedo. The Soviet captain assumed war had started and prepared to attack the ship, but he had to wait for confirmation. Luckily, the attack never happened, and a nuclear war was avoided.

10

The March on Washington (1963)

In 1963, at the height of the civil rights movement, social tensions were at an all-time high. Violent confrontations had happened in marches across the country, usually as a result of attacks on peaceful protesters. Still, these incidents had fueled the narrative of Civil Rights activists as violent and dangerous. As President Kennedy announced his intention to push for civil rights legislation, several organizations and leaders came together to organize the ‘March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom’. The march took place on August 28, 1963, and it's considered to have been one of the largest human rights rallies in American history, with an attendance of around 250,000 people. Besides landmark moments—such as MLK’s "I have a dream" speech— the march was crucial in showing peaceful protest and in pressuring the government to advance in what would later become the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965.

1

NYC

Image: Pedro Durigan

Buying a hot dog in New York City is as easy as breathing. Just get out on the street, and you will find a hot dog cart. The key components are simple, but tried and true. A beef frankfurter (usually boiled) on a hot dog bun, onions, and sauerkraut. For the condiments, mustard does the trick. Decades of New Yorkers repeating the recipe tell us that it works.

2

Chicago

Image: SuckerPunch Gourmet

Chicagoans do not share the New Yorkers' simple approach to hot dogs. They are all about the accoutrements. On a poppy-seed bun, a beef frankfurter is loaded with seven specific toppings: yellow mustard, white onions, sweet pickle relish, dill pickle, tomatoes, pickled peppers, and celery salt. Not for the faint of heart.

3

Cincinnati Coney

Image: Anju Ravindranath

One of the most famous coneys —or hot dogs topped with meat sauce—a Cincinnati-style hot dog takes toppings in a totally different direction. The usual frankfurter and bun (toasted, obviously) are now the vehicle for a spread of mustard, a generous scoop of Cincinnati chili —much more spiced than your regular chili con carne, with cinnamon, allspice, cumin, and cloves—, and a helping of finely-diced yellow onions. If you are in the mood for a cheese coney, you can add shredded cheddar cheese to your heart's desire.

4

Sonoran

Image: Jenna E.

Popular in Arizona but with roots in the Mexican state of Sonora, this hot dog proudly displays its ancestry. The typical bun is replaced by a Mexican-style bolillo bun, with a crunchy crust but a soft interior. The sausage is wrapped in bacon, grilled, and topped with onions, tomatoes, and pinto beans. Popular condiments include mustard, mayonnaise, and jalapeño salsa.

5

Kansas City

Image: Kelsey Todd

Kansas City deviates from the usual all-beef frankfurter. Instead, a pork sausage(grilled or steamed) is served on a sesame bun and topped with mustard, sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese. Another popular variant replaces these toppings with brisket burnt ends and barbecue sauce.

6

Michigan Coney

Image: U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Riley Johnson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Allegedly born among Greek immigrants, the Michigan coney is much more straightforward than its Cincinnati counterpart. While the key elements are the same —an all-beef frankfurter on a steamed bun, topped with chili, mustard, and onions— they are set apart by the meat sauce. Where Cincinnati’s flavors rely on a multitude of spices, Michigan’s chili is beanless, meat-forward, and savory. Different, but not less comforting.

7

Italian Dog

Image: Sergio Contreras

A New Jersey delicacy, the Italian dog has multiple versions. The og recipe features a deep-fried sausage on an Italian roll, mustard, and a combination of fried peppers, onions, and potatoes. Variations include swapping the traditional hot dog for a different protein or replacing the potatoes with French fries. The addition of ketchup is a point of contention for locals.

8

Seattle

Image: Megumi Nachev

Seattle-style hot dogs feature an unlikely choice as their star ingredient: cream cheese. Created by a former bagel vendor, the original buns were also bagel-style; however, standard hot dog buns or hogies are now the norm. The buns are toasted and slathered with cream cheese, topped with a grilled sausage and caramelized onions. Jalapeños are also a common addition, and vendors might offer different types of cream cheese.

9

Cleveland Polish Boy

Image: Allen Rad

The star element of a Polish boy is, no doubt, the sausage. In this case, the choice is kielbasa, a smoked meat sausage, either grilled or fried. The typical toppings are barbecue sauce, French fries, and coleslaw. Fun fact: the Polish boy is the center of an ongoing discussion. While it has all the components of a hot dog, many consider it a sandwich.

10

Texas Tommy

Image: Wright Brand Bacon

Don’t be fooled by the name; this hot dog comes from Philadelphia. Some say that ‘Texan’ was a common way to refer to all hot dogs, and it caught on. What makes a Texas Tommy different? The sausage is opened lengthwise, stuffed with cheese, wrapped with bacon, and then grilled or fried until the bacon is crispy. Considering all that’s going on with the sausage, toppings are left to the consumer’s discretion, although mustard, onions, chili, or extra cheese are popular choices.