Halloween is the one time of year we actively seek out a good scare.
But while most of us are happy to brave haunted houses, horror movies, or terrifying scare mazes, some people spend October navigating far more unusual anxieties.
Beyond the classic fear of spiders or heights, psychologists and trivia lovers have documented an array of bizarre phobias.
Whether triggered by traditional spooky folklore or unexpected everyday objects, here are 13 weird phobias to get you in the spirit of the season - ending with the ultimate Halloween fear at number 13.
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7. Alliumphobia (Fear of Garlic)
The ultimate nightmare for vampire hunters, alliumphobia triggers an irrational terror of garlic bulbs, whether by sight, taste, or smell. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Phyllophobia (Fear of Leaves)
Derived from the Greek phyllon (leaf), this is the irrational fear of leaves or plant foliage. Sufferers often experience heightened anxiety during autumn when falling leaves, decaying leaf piles, or the dry crunching texture underfoot become unavoidable. | Supplied
9. Cucurbitophobia (Fear of Pumpkins and Gourds)
Named after Cucurbitaceae - the botanical family that includes pumpkins, squashes, gourds, and cucumbers - this is the specific fear of pumpkins and related plants. It spikes every October during pumpkin-picking season and when carved jack-o'-lanterns line doorsteps. | National World Resell
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10. Pogonophobia (Fear of Beards)
A surprisingly common entry in weird phobia lists that spikes every October when people don fake facial hair for Halloween fancy dress. | Canva/Getty Images
11. Mortuusequusphobia (Fear of Condiments and Sauces)
A genuine fear of condiments where the sight, smell, or texture of ketchup, mayo, or sauces triggers extreme disgust and flight-or-fight panic. | William - stock.adobe.com
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12. Eboracophobia (Fear of Yorkshire)
Derived from Eboracum (the Roman name for York), this cheeky entry is popular in internet trivia circles - though an outsider might genuinely panic when faced with an uncompromising opinion on how tea or Yorkshire puddings should be made! | Canva