Ancient Halloween Traditions Quiz

What is Samhain?

• The Celtic New Year's Eve

• The Roman holiday Pomona Day

• The Mexican Day of the Dead

• The celebration of All Saints Day

Which ancient group of people celebrated Samhain?

• The Celts

• The Druids

• The Romans

• The Egyptians

What did the Celts believe about Samhain? (Choose 2)

• It marked the beginning of darkness

• It was a time for harvest celebrations

• It was the day when the dead could walk with the living

• It was a time to honor saints and the dead

What did bonfires symbolize during Samhain?

• Welcoming evil spirits and witches

• Celebrating the return of lightness

• Providing food and comfort to the dead

• Predicting the future

What were early jack-o'-lanterns made of?

• Turnips, potatoes or beets

• Pumpkins

• Apples and nuts

• Animal skins

What was the purpose of apple bobbing during Samhain?

• To predict the future

• To honor the dead

• To celebrate the harvest

• To scare away evil spirits

Why did the Roman Catholic Church turn November 1 into a holiday?

• To honor saints

• To celebrate the harvest

• To scare away evil spirits

• To predict the future

What holiday did Samhain traditions mix with to create modern-day Halloween? (Choose 2)

• Pomona Day

• All Saints Day

• All Souls Day

• Day of the Dead

What important part of the celebration has been lost in the American version of Halloween?

• Reflecting on loved ones who have passed away

• Carving jack-o'-lanterns

• Wearing costumes

• Trick-or-treating

What is a traditional Samhain practice to welcome back dead loved ones?

• Leaving a loaf of bread on the kitchen table

• Carving pumpkins

• Bobbing for apples

• Lighting bonfires