The Origins of Halloween

What ancient festival is considered the origin of Halloween?

• Beltane

• Samhain

• Yule

• Imbolc

Which two countries were primarily involved in the early celebrations of Samhain?

• England and France

• Ireland and Scotland

• Germany and Spain

• Italy and Greece

What did the Celts believe happened on the night of October 31?

• The sun would not rise

• The boundary between the living and the dead was blurred

• Animals could talk

• The world would end

What did the Celts do to honor the spirits during Samhain?

• They sang songs

• They lit bonfires and wore costumes made of animal skins

• They planted trees

• They fasted

Which group of settlers did not believe in Halloween due to its pagan roots?

• The Vikings

• The Puritans

• The Romans

• The Native Americans

What was the primary focus of the Puritans instead of celebrating Halloween?

• Scientific research

• Religious observances

• Military training

• Agricultural development

What type of costumes did the Celts wear during Samhain?

• Costumes made of leaves

• Costumes made of animal skins

• Costumes made of metal

• Costumes made of paper

Which settlers brought Halloween traditions to America?

• Spanish and Portuguese

• English and Irish

• French and Dutch

• Italian and Greek

What is one reason Halloween wasn't widely celebrated in early colonial America?

• Lack of interest in costumes

• The Puritans' disapproval of pagan traditions

• Shortage of pumpkins

• Fear of ghosts

What is a common modern-day activity associated with Halloween?

• Planting trees

• Giving gifts

• Dressing up in costumes

• Singing carols