Jack-o'-lanterns and more: five symbols in the history of Halloween

4. Candy corn

MELANIE STETSON FREEMAN

Candy companies will produce nearly 35 million pounds of candy corn this year, according to the National Confectioners Association. That equates to nearly 9 billion pieces – enough to circle the moon about 21 times if laid end to end.

When candy corn was invented in the 1880s, its tricolor design – meant to mimic the appearance of kernels of corn – was considered revolutionary. The sugary confection has inspired several seasonal variants available at other holidays, including “Indian corn” on Thanksgiving, “reindeer corn” on Christmas, “cupid corn” on Valentine’s Day, and “bunny corn” on Easter. But the traditional yellow-orange-white candy is most popular during Halloween.

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