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When is Halloween thought to have originated?
Around 2,000 years ago
What did the "soin" festival celebrate?
The divide of the two halves of the year, summer and winter
What happened with the veil between summer and winter during soin?
The veil was at its thinnest, allowing spirits to pass through
Why did people wear costumes and masks?
In order to avoid harm from evil spirits
Where did the tradition of wearing costumes originate?
It originated from the Celts who dressed up as evil spirits to avoid harm from other evil spirits
When were the traditions of "asking for food" and "giving something in return" revived?
In the 19th century
Why do we carve pumpkins?
To scare stingy Jack and other evil spirits away
How has the "bobbing for apples" game used in Ireland and Scotland?
It was used to tell one´s fortune as part of a divination game
TRUE OR FALSE: Halloween was originally the celebration of the New Year.
TRUE-Celtic New Year or Samhain which means "summer's end" was celebrated on November 1st. So on October 31st they would celebrate the new year
TRUE OR FALSE- Trick-or-Treating is a strictly modern custom on Halloween.
FALSE-Historical accounts show that a tradition called "house begging" was performed by children and adults in the Celtic regions.
TRUE OR FALSE: The Irish originally used turnips to make Jack-o-Lanterns on Halloween
TRUE-Before using pumpkins the Irish who created Halloween used turnips. Turnips were affordable and plentiful.
TRUE OR FALSE: It is believed that Norway is the birthplace of Halloween
FALSE- Ireland is believed to be the birthplace of Halloween
TRUE OR FALSE: In the United States, more candy is sold on October 28 than on any other day of the year.
TRUE- Over 10% of annual candy sales occur in the days leading up to Halloween
TRUE OR FALSE- Black and orange are typically associated with Halloween
TRUE- Orange is a symbol of strength and endurance and black is typically a symbol of death and darkness
TRUE OR FALSE- Halloween is the 3rd most commercially successful holiday right after Valentine's Day.
FALSE- Actually Halloween is the second most marketed holiday right after Christmas. Even Valentine's Day cannot compete with Halloween.
