Halloween Trivia | Set 02

From which region in the world do pumpkins originate?

• North America

•  Central America

• South Carolina

• Africa

Answer explanation

Pumpkins are believed to have originated in Central America over 7,500 years ago. The first pumpkins held very little resemblance to the sweet, bright orange variety we are familiar with. The original pumpkins were small and hard with a bitter flavor. They were among the first crops grown for human consumption in North America. Thanks to their solid, thick flesh, pumpkins proved ideal for storing during cold weather and in times of scarcity.

Who wrote the novel "Frankenstein"?

• Mary Shelley

• Virginia Woolf

• Jane Austen

• Leo Tolstoy

Answer explanation

In 1816, Mary, Percy and Lord Byron had a competition to see who could write the best horror story. After thinking for days, Shelley was inspired to write Frankenstein after imagining a scientist who created life and was horrified by what he had made.

Transylvania is a region in which country?

• Albania

• Switzerland

• Peru

• Romania

Answer explanation

Transylvania is a historical region that is located in central Romania. Bound on the east and south by its natural borders, the Carpathian mountain range, Transylvania proper extended westward to the Apuseni Mountains.

Halloween has its origin in which ancient Celtic Festival?

• Lughnasadh

• Samhain

• Mabon

• Yule

Answer explanation

Samhain (meaning literally, in modern Irish, “summer’s end”) marked the end of summer and kicked off the Celtic new year. Ushering in a new year signaled a time of both death and rebirth, something that was doubly symbolic because it coincided with the end of a bountiful harvest season and the beginning of a cold and dark winter season that would present plenty of challenges.

You already know that Halloween takes place on the last day of October, but here's something you might not know: The word itself literally means "hallowed evening," and was previously known to early European celebrators as All Hallows' Eve. All Hallows' Eve (October 31) and All Saints' Day (November 1) both paid homage to saints ("hallows" = saints). The name was eventually shortened to "Halloween," which we know and love to this day.

Is a pumpkin a fruit or a vegetable?

• Fruit

• Vegetable

Answer explanation

A pumpkin, from a botanist's perspective, is a fruit because it's a product of the seed-bearing structure of flowering plants. Vegetables, on the other hand, are the edible portion of plants such as leaves, stems, roots, bullbs, flowers, and tubers.

What is the significance of seeing a spider on Halloween?

• Decorations

• Spirit

• Tradition

• Effect

Answer explanation

It is thought to be the spirit of a loved one watching over the person who finds the spider.

Which country celebrates the Day of the Dead starting at midnight on Oct. 31?

• Mexico

• Philippines

• USA

• Romania

Answer explanation

Day of the Dead (known as Día de Muertos in Spanish) is celebrated in Mexico between October 31st and November 2nd. On this holiday, Mexicans remember and honor their deceased loved ones.

According to superstition, a person born on Halloween has what particular ability?

• The ability to see the future

• The ability to talk to spiders

• The ability to fly

• The ability to see and talk to spirits

Answer explanation

Since Halloween is a celebration between after life and the living, it is said that persons who are born during the season are blessed to see and talk to both living and the dead.

In what century did the tradition of trick or treating begin?

• 16th Century

• 10th Century

• 13th Century

• 9th Century

Answer explanation

The American tradition of trick or treating dates back to the 1920s but in Europe, as early as the 16th century people were known to go from door to door on Halloween night asking for food, reciting verses, wearing costumes, and warning of curses if they didn't get a warm welcome.

According to superstition, if you stare into a mirror at midnight on Halloween, what will you see?

• Ghost

• Vampire

• Your future husband or wife

• Your Future Self

Answer explanation

Legend has it that if you stare into a mirror on Halloween at the stroke of midnight, you will envision your future spouse. As you stare into the mirror you find them lurking in a familiar room. Turns out they are stalking you.