History of Halloween social studies

What was the original purpose of the Samhain festival?

• To celebrate the new year

• To mark the end of the harvest season

• To celebrate the spirits of the dead

• To welcome the start of winter

Why did the Celts believe the spirits returned on October 31?

• To help protect their crops

• To celebrate the new year with the living

• To destroy the crops they had harvested

• To guide them through the winter

How did people protect themselves from spirits during the Samhain festival?

• By building walls around their homes

• By offering food to the spirits

• By building bonfires and wearing costumes

• By staying indoors all night

Which of the following has become a symbol of Halloween due to the festival of Samhain?

• Pumpkins

• Ghosts and witches

• Candy

• Fireworks

Why might bats have become associated with Halloween?

• Because they are active during the winter months

• Because bonfires during the festival attracted insects and bats

• Because bats were considered to be spirits

What does the word 'Halloween' mean?

• Evening of the harvest

• All Hallows’ Evening

• Spirits’ night

• Night of masks

Which of the following best describes the reason people wore costumes during Samhain?

• To blend in with the spirits

• To celebrate a successful harvest

• To scare away animals

• To hide from neighbors

What is one of the main reasons Halloween is celebrated differently today than in the past?

• The crops are no longer in danger from spirits

• People have forgotten the true meaning of Halloween

• Modern Halloween focuses more on fun and costumes rather than fear

• People don’t believe in spirits anymore

How is Halloween similar across the world today?

• People everywhere celebrate by wearing masks to ward off spirits

• People build bonfires in every country

• Ghosts, witches, and skeletons are common symbols

• Every country celebrates by focusing on harvest traditions

What does the word 'ward' in the phrase “ward off evil spirits” most likely mean?

• Invite

• Protect

• Welcome

• Ignore