Halloween Trivia

Halloween, one of the world’s oldest holiday, is a most intriguing celebration of modern day. It is often observed by both young and old alike. Below are trivia questions along with facts for this age old tradition. See how you do…then hit the candy! (one piece only) (Answers below)

 
 
1. What is the original birthplace of Halloween?
o Ireland
o England
o Germany

2. What country first used pumpkins as Jack-o-Lanterns?
o Germany
o Ireland
o United States

3. Name of the Celtic harvest festival that is considered the source of today’s Halloween celebration?
o Samhain
o Feralia
o Carnelevarium

4. Apples became associated with Halloween because of harvest festivals celebrating what Roman goddess?
o Diana
o Pamona
o Juno

5. When did Halloween celebrations become popular in the United States?
o 1700’s
o 1800’s
o 1900’s

6. What group of people first wore costumes during harvest festivals?
o Celtics
o Romans
o Germans

7. What Christian holy day, established in the 800’s, adopted pagan harvest festival customs into its celebration?
o Halloween
o All Saints’ Day
o All Souls’ Day

8. Trick-or-Treating is the original tradition of the:
o Irish
o Scottish
o English

9. What was the first Jack o’ lanterns carved from?
o Pumpkin
o Turnip
o Cabbage

10. Which holiday is number one commercially?
o Halloween
o Easter
o Christmas

11. What was the first wrapped penny candy?
o Tootsie Rolls
o Snickers
o Lollipops

12. Candy sales in the United States for Halloween average?
o 2 billion
o 5 billion
o 3 billion

13. Which holiday spends the most on candy sales?
o Halloween
o Easter
o Valentines

Fun Facts

Orange and black are Halloween colors because orange is associated with the Fall harvest and black is associated with darkness and death.

Pumpkins also come in white, blue and green.

Halloween was brought to North America by immigrants from Europe who would celebrate the harvest around a bonfire, share ghost stories, sing, dance and tell fortunes.

The ancient Celts thought that spirits and ghosts roamed the countryside on Halloween night. They began wearing masks and costumes to avoid being recognized as human.

Black cats were once believed to be witch’s familiars who protected their powers.

References:
www.InspirationLine.com/Brainteaser/halloween.htm
www.WorldBook.com/wb/Quiz?Halloween