Origins
What was the previous English name for Halloween?
All Hallows’ Eve
What type of vegetable is carved each year for Halloween?
A pumpkin
Samhain and All Hallow’s Eve originated from which continent?
Europe
What is the earliest known date that Samhain was practiced?
750 B.C.
What is the name of the holiday celebrated on October 31st in the United States?
Halloween
Which Celtic holiday is Halloween based on?
Samhain
What type of clothing do people wear on Halloween?
Costumes of any kind (but usually of mythical/fictional beings).
Which modern country is well-known for celebrating Halloween?
The United States
During what century did All Hallows’ Eve traditions spread to the United States?
The 1800s (19th century).
What is the name of the activity in the US when children go from house to house asking for candy?
Trick-or-Treating
What type of creatures were believed to roam the Earth during Samhain?
Ghosts/spirits
What type of food do people give out to children on Halloween?
Candy
Which ethnic group was known to celebrate Samhain?
The Celts
In which year was the holiday All Saint‘s Day (All Hallowmas) created?
735 A.D.
What is the word for a pumpkin that has a face carved into it?
A jack-o-lantern
What practice did Ancient Celts use to protect themselves from spirits on Samhain?
They lit bonfires to ward off evil spirits.
Which two colors are commonly associated with Halloween?
Orange and Black
Which group of people invaded Celtic lands and combined their holidays together?
The Romans
During the end of which century did the US try to “sanitize” Halloween traditions into a holiday of community gathering?
The late 1800s (late 19th century)
What is the name of the activity when people pull apples out of a bucket of water, using only their teeth?
Bobbing for apples
Which two Roman holidays are a possible origin of the activity ”Bobbing for Apples”?
Feralia and Pomona
What did ancient Celts wear during Samhain?
Costumes made of animal skins
Which country is believed to be the first to celebrate Halloween?
England
When did Halloween costume parties become popular in the US?
The early 1900s (early 20th century)
What specific name refers to Celtic priests?
Druids