Names/Language
The very first name for Halloween was “Samhain,” pronounced (saw-when) which is what language/from what country?
Ireland (Celtic)
During Samhain the Celtic people would celebrate the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the “dead” winter…which vegetable was carved into “lanterns“ instead of pumpkins?
Turnips! Pumpkins weren’t brought to Europe until the ‘Western Age of Exploration’ (late 1500s!)
According to last year’s (2023) national poll/survey, what is American’s favorite Halloween candy?
Reese‘s
followed by Snickers, M&M’s and KitKats
What DECADE did Halloween come to/start in the United States?
1840s…when Irish peoples immigrated to the US to escape the great potato famine!
During which war did sugar become rationed, therefore, trick-or-treating had to be modified to not include candy….?
World War 2 (for 5 years!)
When the Roman Empire conquered the Celtic territory, they combined Samhain with WHICH (Christian/Catholic) HOLIDAY, bringing forth the name “Halloween” ?
All Saint’s Day
Setting out sweet treats (before candy was invented) was practiced for this reason… (the same tradition still in place in Mexico)
As an offering to deceased relatives/family
The largest Halloween parade in the US takes place in which city?
NYC
In which US State is it customary to give out full-sized candy bars?
Oregon
The game of ‘bobbing for apples’ was originally used to predict what….
Who a woman was to marry from her community!!!
The traditional celebration that takes place in Mexico the 48 hours following Halloween is called…(IN SPANISH)
Dia de Los Muertos
Costumes were started to disguise the Celtic people from the evil spirits/to ward off back luck… what did they use to make the first masks…?
Potato sacks!
What is the only mammal that can fly?
BATS!
Candy corn candies were invented in what year?
1898!
On Halloween night, the average kid is estimated to consume this many calories of candy/chocolate
~2,000-2,500
Hallow = ________?
e’en = _________?
Holy + Eve (The night before the holy/hallowed day)
Trick or treating also dates back to old Celtic harvest festival days, when the poor/outcast in the communities would go door-to-door asking for money or cakes (treats) to honor their ancestors. But, before the treats were set out, the community would kick-off the celebration and all gather for a huge _____________ at nightfall.
Bonfire!
In 2021, this country broke the world record for growing the largest pumpkin ever recorded! (2,702lb)
ITALY!
Which First Lady was the first to host trick-or-treating from the White House and decorate it for Halloween?
Mamie Eisenhower (Dwight Eisenhower) in 1958
How many pounds of candy corn is produced every year?
35 MILLION!
The name ‘vampire’ originated from the word, “WAMPYR” which is what language?
GERMAN!
The tradition of making individually wrapped candy to sell in the corner stores started in Brooklyn, NY…this was called “penny candy” (because it would only cost you 1 penny a piece!)
What do you think the very first ‘penny candy’ was? And what year did this start? (Hint: trick-or-treating did not start in the US until 1921)
Tootsie Rolls
1907
Which US state consistently produces the most pumpkins year after year?
Illinois
Which candy was air-dropped to US troops during the Korean War to keep them nourished, and even worked to patch bullet-holes in their vehicles & equipment?
Tootsie Rolls!
The largest pumpkin ever grown in the world‘s DIAMETER was:
_____Ft ______In
11 Ft 8 In