Halloween Roots

Which of the following details is MOST important to the development of the central idea?

• The bonfires of Samhain were also said to welcome the spirits that could travel to Earth during this special time.

• In fall, the summer sun is becoming a distant memory, the days are growing shorter and cooler, and the land is ripe for harvest.

• It served as the original Halloween before the church and the candy companies got their hands on it.

• The Celts were an ancient group of people who lived more than 2,000 years ago in what is now Ireland, Wales, Scotland, England and much of Europe.

Which of these statements would be MOST important to include in an objective summary of the article?

• Samhain is the root of many silly superstitions people associate with Halloween today, such as witches and cats.

• Samhain developed in the first century B.C. as a way to honor the season of the harvest and spirits of the dead.

• One of the most enduring and enjoyable aspects of Samhain is the practice of carrying treats to give away.

• One of the consequences of Stingy Jack's selling his soul was his punishment to wander the Earth on Samhain.

How does the author communicate that Samhain celebrations were similar to Halloween celebrations today?

• by describing early traditions and games of Samhain such as jack-o'-lanterns and bobbing for apples

• by categorizing Samhain's priests and ritual practices under the same religious tradition as Halloween

• by comparing the specific activities of Pomona Day and the Day of the Dead with those of Samhain

• by illustrating that the practice of leaving a loaf of bread on the table comes from early Samhain

Which of the following BEST describes the Catholic Church's reaction to Samhain celebrations?

• The church attempted to take over Samhain by creating Catholic celebrations at the same time and helping to suppress the Gaelic language.

• The church created a competing holiday to urge people in Europe to honor the summer and the sun by celebrating Beltane or May Day.

• The church created a more modern version of Samhain by encouraging Wiccans to become a part of Catholic celebrations honoring the dead.

• The church attempted to blend the celebration of Catholic saints with the holiday of Samhain so that both could be a part of Celtic culture.

In paragraph 4, what evidence supports the assertion that Samhain influenced the creation of modern-day Halloween?

"Mixed with the Roman holiday Pomona Day and the Mexican Day of the Dead..."

"When immigrants brought their traditional practices across the Atlantic Ocean..."
"Samhain has enjoyed a lasting influence on mainstream culture."
"The opening of the barrier between worlds used to allow people to reflect more on loved ones who have passed away."

Based on the selection, what can be inferred about the role of bonfires during Samhain celebrations?

• They served as a means to welcome spirits from the spirit world.

• They were primarily used for cooking food.

• They were a way to celebrate the return of daylight.

• They were used to scare away evil spirits and fairies.

What central idea is introduced in this text?

• The influence of Samhain on modern-day Halloween

• The origins of the Celtic New Year's Eve

• The significance of bonfires during Samhain

• The role of the Roman Catholic Church in changing Samhain traditions