India, Nov. 27 -- Black Friday has become an important part of the shopping calendar, with shops, supermarkets, and companies trying to entice customers with huge discounts. While the phenomenon started in the United States, it has now been picked up elsewhere and is making a mark around the globe. But what, exactly, is 'Black Friday' all about? What is its origin story, and how did it turn into a day of discounts for buyers?

As per The Word Magazine, the whole concept started with a massive scam in the 19th-century USA. The story begins with a massive crash in the US economy, which happened on September 24, 1869. This was due to the illegal acts by two investors who decided to use nefarious means to make profits.

The US economy at the ...