Origins & Ancient History
Halloween traditions primarily evolved from which ancient Celtic festival?
Samhain
Which colors are traditionally associated with Halloween?
Orange (harvest), Black (death/darkness), and Purple (magic/mysticism) are the core traditional trio
Why are black cats considered unlucky (especially on Halloween) in some cultures?
They were associated with witches as familiars
In the Friends episode ‘The One with the Halloween Party’, the characters dress in memorable – but not particularly spooky – costumes. What did Phoebe dress as?
Supergirl
Candy Corn was originally marketed in the 1880s under what name?
Chicken Feed
What did the Celts believe happened on Samhain (October 31st)?
The veil between worlds thinned, allowing spirits to cross
What common Halloween decoration represents a mythical creature that can turn people to stone with its gaze?
Gorgon (Medusa)
What does a spider seen on Halloween supposedly signify?
A loved one's spirit is watching
What is the surname of Sabrina the teenage witch?
Spellman
What is the world record for the heaviest pumpkin ever grown (as of 2023)?
Over 2,700 pounds (2,749 lbs by Travis Gienger in 2023!)
Why did people wear costumes during early Samhain celebrations?
To disguise themselves from harmful spirits
Why do people traditionally say "Trick or Treat"?
It evolved from the threat of mischief if no treat was given
What spooky phenomenon is associated with crossing paths with an owl?
Impending death or bad news
What is the name of the disembodied hand that lives with The Addams Family?
Thing
What is consistently ranked the #1 most popular Halloween candy in the US?
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
The Christian church incorporated Samhain traditions into which two holidays?
All Saints' Day (Nov 1) and All Souls' Day (Nov 2)
What does the game "Bobbing for Apples" traditionally symbolize?
Fortune-telling, especially about future romance
A dog howling late at night is traditionally thought to signal...
an upcoming death in the community.
Which snow globe did Coraline find her parents in?
Detroit Zoo
Which chocolate bar was originally packaged to include pieces of real walnut?
Butterfinger
The legend behind the name "Jack-o'-Lantern" involves a man tricking which being?
The Devil
What is the fear of Halloween called?
Samhainophobia
Old British folklore links the number of birds you see together to your future. Which specific bird?
Magpies "One for sorrow, two for mirth, three for a wedding, four for a birth."
Which author of scary books holds the record for the most book-to-movie adaptations in the horror genre?
Stephen King
Carrie - 1976
The Shining - 1980
Creepshow - 1982
Cujo - 1983
Christine - 1983
Children of the Corn - 1984
Fire starter - 1984
Cat´s Eye - 1985
Silver Bullet - 1985
Maximum Overdrive - 1986
1922- 2017
It - 2017
What chemical compound gives pumpkin its distinctive smell?
Methoxypyrazine