History of Halloween

What was the holiday celebrated by the Celts called?

• Halloween

• Samhain

• All Hallow Tide

• All Saints' Day

Answer explanation

The holiday celebrated by the Celts is called Samhain. It marks the end of the harvest season and the start of winter. People believe it is a time when the line between the living and the dead is thin.

What did the Celts put out to please the spirits?

• Food and drink

• Candles

• Costumes

• Flowers

Answer explanation

The Celts believed in keeping spirits happy, and they often offered food and drink to honor them. This was an important part of their rituals and celebrations, so "food and drink" is the correct answer.

What was the tradition of leaving an empty chair for?

• To welcome spirits

• To celebrate Halloween

• To honor the dead

• To invite friends

Answer explanation

The tradition of leaving an empty chair is meant to welcome spirits, particularly during events like Dia de los Muertos, where it symbolizes inviting deceased loved ones to join the living in celebration.

In the 9th century, the Roman Catholic Church replaced Samhain with which three-day festival?

• Halloween

• All Hallow Tide

• All Souls' Day

• All Saints' Day

Answer explanation

In the 9th century, the Roman Catholic Church replaced Samhain with All Hallow Tide, a three-day festival that includes All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, focusing on honoring the deceased and saints.

What was the tradition of souling?

• Going door to door for food

• Dressing in costumes

• Lighting candles

• Making soul cakes

Answer explanation

The tradition of souling involved going door to door for food, where people would ask for soul cakes in exchange for prayers for the dead. This practice was common during All Souls' Day and similar celebrations.

What was the significance of October 31 for the Celts?

• It marked the end of the year

• It was a day of feasting

• It was a day of mourning

• It was a day of celebration

Answer explanation

October 31 was significant for the Celts as it marked the end of the year, transitioning into winter. This time was associated with the festival of Samhain, which celebrated the end of the harvest and the onset of the darker months.

What was the purpose of “guising” in 16th-century Scotland and Ireland?

•  To celebrate the end of summer

•  To collect money for charity

•  To ask for food while wearing costumes

• To protect against spirits

Answer explanation

In the 16th century, there was a tradition that started in Scotland and was also practiced in parts of Ireland known as guising...people would dress up in costumes and go door to door asking for food and money

What did the Victorians bring back during Halloween?

• Old traditions

• New customs

• Modern games

• Religious practices

Answer explanation

During the Victorian era, Halloween saw a revival of ancient customs and traditions, particularly from Celtic origins, which were reintroduced and popularized, making 'Old traditions' the correct choice.

What was the custom of trick-or-treating initially seen as?

• A fun activity

• A mysterious aspect

• A children's game

• A community event

Answer explanation

At first, people thought trick-or-treating was a mysterious part of Halloween, connected to old customs and beliefs about spirits. This shows that it started as more than just a fun activity or game.

What are the two consistent aspects of Halloween?

• Supernatural recognition and sharing food

• Costumes and trick-or-treating

• Celebration and mourning

• Feasting and rituals

Answer explanation

Halloween consistently involves supernatural recognition, celebrating the spirit world, and sharing food, which reflects community and tradition. Costumes and trick-or-treating are popular but not as universally consistent.