When did Halloween start? Where?
It started more than 2,000 years ago in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
What is Samhain? Why did the Celts celebrate it?
Samhain was a Celtic festival celebrated on October 31st. The Celts believed that on this night, dead people could visit the living world.
Why did the Celts wear costumes?
The Celts wore costumes made from animal skins so that ghosts could not recognize them. They wanted to confuse the spirits.
How did Halloween get its name?
The name comes from "All Hallows' Eve" (the night before All Hallows' Day/All Saints' Day). People said the name faster: All Hallows' Eve → Halloween.
Who brought Halloween to America?
Irish immigrants brought Halloween to America in the 1840s.
What is the legend of Stingy Jack?
Stingy Jack was a bad man who tricked the Devil. When Jack died, Heaven didn't want him (he was bad) and Hell didn't want him (the Devil was angry)...
What do children say when they go trick-or-treating?
Children say "Trick or treat!".
Name three popular Halloween costumes.
Ghosts, vampires, zombies, witches, skeletons, superheroes, princesses, animals, movie characters.
What game do people play with apples?
Apple bobbing. Players put apples in water and try to catch them with their mouth (no hands allowed).
What is the difference between Halloween and Día de Muertos?
Halloween is about scaring away evil spirits. Día de Muertos is about remembering and honoring dead family members.
What does "bonfire" mean? Where does this word come from?
A bonfire is a big fire outside. The word comes from "bone fire" because the Celtic people burned animal bones in their big fires.
When was the last full moon on Halloween?
The last full moon on Halloween was in 2020. The next one will be in 2039.
Name two famous Halloween movies.
Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Halloween, Ghostbusters, Casper.
Why did Irish people carve turnips? What did they carve in America?
Irish people carved turnips to make lanterns and to scare away Stingy Jack and other evil spirits. In America, they carved pumpking because are bigger.
Why are black cats symbols of Halloween?
In the past, people believed that witches could transform into black cats. So black cats became a symbol of bad luck and magic.
What is "souling"? How is it connected to trick-or-treating?
"Souling" was an old Irish custom where poor people visited houses and received food. They promised to pray for the dead family members.
