The History of Halloween

At what time of year did the festival of Samhain take place?

• end of November or beginning of December

• early October

• late September

• end of October or beginning of November

Name two traditions the Celts used to celebrate Samhain?

• bonfires and costumes
• fasting and storytelling

• dancing and walking

• prayer and meditation

What do the words 'All-hallows' mean?

• All Spirits' Day

• Helloween

• All Hallows' Eve
• All Saints or All Saints' Day

Who first decided to make jack-o'-lanterns from pumpkins?

• England
• Scotland
• France
• Ireland

What did people do to stop spirits from entering their homes at Halloween?

• Burn sage throughout their homes
• Hang garlic cloves on their doors
• Sprinkle salt around their windows and doors
• Carve scary faces into turnips or potatoes and place them in their windows

What did the tradition turn into? (Hint: People love doing this nowadays at Halloween.)

• trick-or-treating
• haunted houses
• street parties

• bobbing for pears

Why did people begin wearing masks at Halloween?

• To scare children and adults.
• To celebrate the harvest season.
• To honor the dead and ancestors.
• To disguise themselves and ward off evil spirits.

According to legend who was 'Jack of the Lantern' and what was he like?

• Jack of the Lantern was a character who carried a lantern made from a carved turnip or pumpkin.
• Jack of the Lantern was a nickname for a skilled lantern maker.
• Jack of the Lantern was a famous painter who used lanterns in his artwork.
• Jack of the Lantern was a mythical creature who lived in the woods.

Why did people prefer carving their jack-o'-lanterns from pumpkins rather than turnips?

• Turnips do not have a hollow interior for placing a candle or light source.
• Turnips are more expensive and harder to find.
• Pumpkins have a more vibrant and appealing color for carving.
• Pumpkins are larger and easier to carve, and they have a hollow interior that is perfect for placing a candle or light source.

What is the traditional color associated with Halloween?

• green

• purple

• orange

• black