National Haunted House Day

Young adults screaming in fright, holding onto each other, wearing Halloween costumes, spooky haunted house setting.. — National haunted house day illustration

Welcome to National Haunted House Day! Get ready to be scared and spooked as we take a tour through the history of this bone-chilling celebration. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there's no denying the thrill of a haunted house experience. So grab your friends, hold onto your hats, and let's dive into the eerie world of National Haunted House Day!

When is Haunted House Day?

It's national haunted house day on the 9th October.

The Origins of National Haunted House Day

Did you know that the haunted house phenomenon dates back centuries? People have always been fascinated by the supernatural and the thrill of being scared out of their wits. But when did we decide to dedicate a whole day to haunted houses?

Well, National Haunted House Day first appeared on the internet radar on October 9th, 2015. It quickly gained popularity, with 116 online mentions, making it a force to be reckoned with in the realm of creepy celebrations.

Haunted Houses in the Digital Age

Thanks to the internet, the haunting experience has evolved in ways unimaginable. Now, you have the luxury of exploring haunted houses from the comfort of your own home. Virtual reality, 360-degree videos, and online tours allow you to get spooked without even leaving your couch!

But let's not forget the OG haunted houses – the ones you can physically visit. These spine-tingling attractions have become increasingly popular, with innovative themes, cutting-edge special effects, and terrifying surprises around every corner.

Grab Your Friends and Get Spooked!

National Haunted House Day is the perfect excuse to gather your loved ones and embark on a ghostly adventure. Whether you're giggling nervously with friends or holding your partner's hand tightly, the shared experience of being scared silly brings people closer together. It's an unexpected bonding moment that is sure to create lasting memories.

Did You Know?

History behind the term 'Haunted House'

1802

Origin of the phrase

The term 'haunted house' first emerged in 1802. It refers to a building or property that is believed to be inhabited by spirits, ghosts, or other supernatural entities. The concept of haunted houses dates back centuries and is rooted in various cultural and folkloric beliefs about the afterlife and the spirit world. Over time, these beliefs have shaped the perception and understanding of haunted houses.

1839

The gothic fiction influence

In the 19th century, the popularity of gothic fiction played a significant role in popularizing the idea of haunted houses. Works of literature such as Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Fall of the House of Usher' and Charlotte Brontë's 'Jane Eyre' introduced readers to the eerie and mysterious atmospheres of dilapidated mansions and castles, giving rise to the haunted house archetype.

1920s

Rise of supernatural and horror cinema

The advent of cinema in the early 20th century brought the concept of haunted houses to a wider audience. Silent horror films like 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' (1920) and 'Nosferatu' (1922) showcased eerie settings and spooky encounters within haunted houses, laying the foundation for the future popularity of the genre.

1969

Haunted house attractions

The term 'haunted house' expanded beyond its original meaning to encompass attractions designed to evoke fright and excitement. In 1969, Disneyland introduced the 'Haunted Mansion,' an immersive haunted house experience. This marked the beginning of the modern haunted house attraction industry, which has since gained immense popularity worldwide.

1984

Haunting in popular culture

During the 1980s, haunted houses experienced a surge in popularity in pop culture. Movies like 'Poltergeist' (1982) and 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (1984) captured audiences' fascination with the supernatural, further cementing the haunted house as a staple element in horror storytelling across various media.

Present

Diversity in haunted house narratives

Today, haunted houses continue to capture our imagination, and their representation has diversified. They can be found in literature, films, TV shows, video games, and even virtual reality experiences. These narratives explore different cultural beliefs, psychological themes, and supernatural phenomenon, creating a rich and varied tapestry of haunted house stories for audiences to enjoy.

Did you know?

Did you know that the world's longest haunted house record is held by the Cutting Edge Haunted House in Fort Worth, Texas? This spine-chilling attraction stretches over 2,261 feet, making it a truly thrilling experience for daredevils!