Halloween Origins Trivia Quiz

Answer: School boards

Younger people were using Halloween as an excuse to commit pranks in the neighborhoods. As time went by, the pranks began to escalate into expensive vandalism, and in some cases violence. The school boards, urged to "do something" by the parents, got together with the town councils to come up with a safe activity for their children.

The town council, in turn, got the businesses and locals to all co-operate in giving the children candy, to keep them out of mischief.

Answer: turnips

Jack O'Lanterns were put out to frighten away evil spirits. When pumpkins were discovered, they were found to be much easier to carve, thus the transition.

Answer: Celtic: sow-en

Samhain marks the end of summer and beginning of winter in the Celtic tradition. The Celts only marked two seasons, summer and winter. Samhain means 'summer's end'. This day is used to communicate with and remember those who have passed on, as this is the time when the veil between the spirit world and the mundane world is at its thinnest. Samhain is celebrated October 31st, and is the holiday that Halloween derived from.

Answer: New Year's Eve

Modern day pagans still celebrate Samhain. This is the time when they reflect over what has happened in the past year, and look forward to the growth they will have in the coming year. Those resolutions you make every December 31st to lose ten pounds next year come from these origins.

Answer: Evolved from All Hallow's Eve

Christianity took the majority of its holidays from Pagan traditions, and renamed them. The Christians renamed this day "All Saint's Day." Since the Celts started their new day at sunset of the previous night, this became known as the evening of All Hallows (hallowed is a synonym for saint). From there it went to All Hallow's Eve, and then on to Halloween.