Halloween History
This ancient Celtic festival, celebrated on October 31st, is believed to be the origin of Halloween.
What is Samhain?
In Japan, Halloween celebrations focus less on trick-or-treating and more on these types of public gatherings, especially in Tokyo’s Shibuya district.
What are costume parades or street parties?
This candy is the most popular Halloween candy.
What is Reese's Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups?
All Saints Day is celebrated on this date each yea
What is November 1st?
Irish immigrants brought the tradition of carving vegetable to North America, though they originally used these.
What are turnips?
In Mexico, families celebrate a multi-day event that includes November 1st and 2nd to honor loved ones.
What is Día de los Muertos?
In this year, "trick or treat" first used in the US.
What is 1997?
All Saints Day is also commonly referred to by this name in many English-speaking countries.
What is All Hallows' Day?
This Roman festival, honoring the goddess of the harvest, was later blended with Samhain traditions to form Halloween.
What is the festival of Pomona?
In Romania, people celebrate Halloween with vampire-themed parties and tours, especially in this famous historical figure’s castle.
Who is Vlad the Impaler (or Dracula)?
This costume item is one of the most popular and has been worn by both children and adults for decades.
What is a witch hat?
This Catholic prayer is often said in memory of saints on All Saints Day.
What is the Litany of the Saints?
In the Middle Ages, this practice involved dressing up to scare away evil spirits on Halloween.
What is “mumming” or “guising”?
In Germany, it is common to hide knives on Halloween night. This is done for this purpose.
What is to prevent returning spirits from getting hurt?
With Halloween spending in the U.S. often reaching billions, these two items rank as the top-selling decorations.
What are pumpkins and skeletons?
In the Philippines, the All Souls Day celebration, known locally as this, involves family gatherings, prayers, and lighting candles at gravesites.
What is Undas?
This practice, originating in medieval England, involved the poor going door-to-door to receive food in exchange for prayers
What is “souling”?
This Chinese celebration, where people light lanterns to guide the spirits of ancestors, is becoming less popular than Halloween.
What is the Hungry Ghost Festival?
According to the National Retail Federation, this item ranks as the most popular pet costume for Halloween.
What is a pumpkin?
In Italy, this pastry is traditionally made to honor All Souls Day, resembling the bones of the dead.
What are “Ossi dei Morti” (Bones of the Dead)?