Barnhart

M&M, Mars, and Hershey are all huge brands that have cornered the candy market and make a mint during Halloween. Companies that owe their very existence (or at least the majority of their annual profits) to a single holiday aren’t new; think Lehrer’s on Valentine’s Day and Honey-Baked Ham on Easter. But to what do the nation’s sweets makers owe their massive haul on Halloween? What was the holiday’s original purpose and how has it evolved?

This week we decided to have some fun and focus on the history of one of our favorite holidays – and provide you with a scary lesson on the origin of Halloween. Check out the videos below, and feel free to post your frightening thoughts about one of the oldest and most popular holidays celebrated today – and how some major brands reap the benefits. Or come by on Friday and we’ll knock back some hot cider and talk about that time you dressed up as Alex P. Keaton.