Halloween History
The name "Halloween" comes from the combination of these three words.
What is "all-hallow's evening"?
This activity involves asking one's neighbors for free handouts (but not without the right words).
What is trick-or-treating?
Traditionally in the Americas, this gourd is hollowed out and sliced up to create a festive decoration.
Double pts: What plant was originally used?
What is a pumpkin?
A radish.
The Malleus Maleficarum, The Wizard of Oz and Wicked have shaped modern ideas of this classic costume.
What is a witch?
This story featuring the character of Ichabod Crane is about a decapitated cavalryman.
What is "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow?"
Now known for its frightening festivities, Halloween was originally a feast honouring this.
Bonus 50 pts: Where does it come from?
What is the souls of the saintly dead?
Christianity/ The Catholic Church
This Hispanic holiday is often compared to Halloween, but in fact is not related.
Double pts: When is it celebrated?
What is Día de Muertos ("Day of the Dead")?
It is celebrated November 1st and 2nd.
This tall, yellow plant which ripens around October originates from the Americas and is technically a fruit!
What is maize or corn?
Aren't you chilly? These spooky, scary entities can be seen every year at Halloween.
What is a skeleton?
This scientist and his infamous creation are written about in this 1816 novel by an 18-year old Mary Shelley.
What is "Frankenstein"?
Although they have become more and more elaborate, costumes were originally worn for this reason.
What is "to deceive souls"?
The night before Halloween (October 30th) is known as this due to the tendency for youths to cause mayhem.
What is "Mischief Night" or "Devil's Night"?
This pentespermous fall food can be made into a variety of snacks and beverages or eaten right off the tree.
What are apples?
Charlie Brown may have gotten over-zealous with the scissors when he attempted to make this traditional Halloween costume.
What is a ghost/ sheet-ghost?
Bram Stoker drew on centuries of historical superstition when he compiled Jonathan Harker's Transylvanian tale in this novel.
What is "Dracula"?
Trick or treat! The practice of giving sweets to vistors comes from this medieval tradition.
If you have a good sense of direction, you would be a great asset when it comes to this way-finding fall activity.
What is a corn maze?
While many folks in New England enjoy pumpkin pie in the fall, many southerners and Black communities prefer a pie made of this root vegetable.
What is a sweet potato?
Voudo and other African traditions inspired this reanimated monster, which is a staple in Halloween costumes and decorations.
What is a zombie?
What is "Over the Garden Wall"?
The tale of this man explains why folks began placing hot coals and candles in vegetables.
Who is Jack-of-the-Lantern?
Just like many modern holidays, Halloween draws much of its inspiration from an ancient Celtic festival, specifically this one.
What is Samhain? (must be pronounced correctly for full pts.)
Due to decreased sunlight in autumn, chloroplasts in plants start to die, causing this poly-chromatic phenomenon.
Double pts: It only happens to this kind of plant.
What is leaves changing colours?
What is deciduous?
Silver bullets, crucifixes and holy water are said to weaken these undead, hematophagous creatures.
What is a vampire?
In this classic novel, a man makes a bargain with the Devil in which he exchanges his soul for all the knowledge and pleasures of the world.