Halloween Birthdays – Cursed or Not?

Halloween is creeping up on us, and for some, costumes and candy aren’t the only things celebrated. Several historical characters, and even Liberty Nation Executive Editor Leesa K. Donner, share their birthday with the spooky holiday. But is that a good thing? Some superstitions come with being born on October 31. Let’s take a look at those who will be celebrating and what it means to be born on the scariest day of the year.

Whose Birthday Is on Halloween?

Several celebrities will be turning a year older on October 31, like rapper Vanilla Ice, actress Willow Smith, and English soccer player Marcus Rashford. Aside from celebrities though, what historical figures share their birthdays with Halloween?

First up is Christopher Columbus. He was born in 1451 sometime between August 25 and October 31. While the details of his early life are a little uncertain, scholars believe the timeframe for his birth is relatively accurate. Most known for discovering America, Columbus was an Italian explorer. He completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, beginning at an early age. His work led to the colonization of the Americas.

Columbus died on May 20, 1506, at the age of 54, due to severe arthritis that formed after an infection.

Next up is John Keats (October 31, 1795 – February 23, 1821). Keats spent his short time on earth as an English poet. His work had only been published for four years when he died at the age of 25 of tuberculosis. His fame came after his death when his romantic poetry fell on more accepting ears. Keats was known by many fellow poets and even influenced their writings. Today, many of his poems remain popular, including: “Ode to a Nightingale,” “Sleep and Poetry,” and “Ode on Grecian Urn.” He is buried in Rome’s Protestant Cemetery, and his tombstone – as requested – reads: “Here lies One whose Name was writ in Water.”

The last Halloween birthday we will discuss is that of Michael “Mike” Collins. Born on October 31, 1930, Michael was the pilot of Columbia, the Apollo 11 spacecraft that landed Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon’s surface. He also spent time as a major general in the US Air Force Reserve and worked as a test pilot. He received several awards in his lifetime for both his military accomplishments as well as his work as an astronaut. Collins died at the age of 90 in Naples, Florida, from cancer.

Superstitions Surrounding Halloween Birthdays

One belief is that people born on the “haunted” holiday possess some sort of superpower, or even that they are shielded from the effects of evil spirits. Wicked or not, death, witches, ghosts, ghouls, and goblins do not give the holiday the bright birthday aura that many hope for. Due to the negativity surrounding the holiday, it is becoming less common for people to birth their babies on October 31. Women will try to hold off delivering their child until after the holiday has passed.

However, not all superstitions are bad. There are some perceived benefits to being born on Halloween, like the ability to communicate with spirits, or that you were born with a special destiny or purpose. Some even feel that those born on Halloween can access their sixth sense which would allow one to see into the future.

Cursed or not, Halloween birthdays will always carry with them the myths and superstitions simply because of the holiday’s reputation. Either way, Happy Birthday to all the Halloween babies, and a special shout-out to our very own Leesa K. Donner!