Wilstar's Spooky Halloween Quiz
Test your knowledge of Halloween. Take the quiz! Just fill in your name or nickname in the box below and then click on Start Quiz to begin.
Be sure to read all about the Customs and Traditions of Halloween either before or after you take the quiz. Good luck!
- 1.
How did the word Halloween originate?
- A.
From pumpkins, because they are hollow
- B.
From a contracted corruption of All Hallows Eve
- C.
From a misinterpretation of the Druids
- D.
From the Irish tradition of wearing halos on Oct. 31
Correct Answer
B. From a contracted corruption of All Hallows EveExplanation
The word Halloween originated from a contracted corruption of All Hallows Eve. This refers to the evening before All Hallows' Day or All Saints' Day, which is a Christian holiday celebrated on November 1st. Over time, the term All Hallows Eve was shortened to Halloween.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Halloween, though originally observed as the eve of a Catholic holy day, coincided with what event?
- A.
The Celtic New Year
- B.
Druid's Christmas
- C.
Irish Harvest
- D.
An ancient pumpkin growing contest
Correct Answer
A. The Celtic New YearExplanation
Halloween, originally observed as the eve of a Catholic holy day, coincided with the Celtic New Year. The Celtic people celebrated their new year on November 1st, marking the end of summer and the beginning of winter. Halloween, also known as All Hallows' Eve, was believed to be a time when the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred, and the Celts would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming spirits. Over time, Halloween merged with Christian traditions and became the holiday we know today.Rate this question:
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- 3.
One myth says the ancient Celts burned at the stake those who were thought to be possessed in order to ...
- A.
Release their souls.
- B.
Cleans them of the evil spirits.
- C.
Warn evil spirits not to possess the living.
- D.
Cure citizens who had become ill.
Correct Answer
C. Warn evil spirits not to possess the living.Explanation
The ancient Celts believed that burning individuals who were thought to be possessed would serve as a warning to evil spirits, preventing them from possessing the living. This practice was seen as a way to protect their community from spiritual harm and ensure the safety of their people. By burning those who were believed to be possessed, the Celts aimed to deter evil spirits from taking control of others and maintain the well-being of their society.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The Romans assimilated the Celtic's new year celebrations during which century?
- A.
Second century BCE
- B.
First century CE
- C.
Third century CE
- D.
Fifth century CE
Correct Answer
B. First century CEExplanation
During the first century CE, the Romans assimilated the Celtic's new year celebrations. This suggests that the Romans adopted or incorporated the Celtic's traditions and customs related to the new year festivities into their own culture during this time period.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Halloween was first brought to the U.S. by Irish immigrants. When?
- A.
1776
- B.
About 1800
- C.
In the 1840s
- D.
About 1900
Correct Answer
C. In the 1840sExplanation
In the 1840s, Halloween was first brought to the U.S. by Irish immigrants. This suggests that the tradition of celebrating Halloween originated in Ireland and was then introduced to the United States by Irish immigrants during the 1840s.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The ninth-century European tradition of asking neighbors for soul cakes in exchange for praying for the souls of dead relatives was probably the inspiration for what modern Halloween custom?
- A.
Playing pranks
- B.
Dressing up in costumes
- C.
Bobbing for apples
- D.
Trick-or-treating
Correct Answer
D. Trick-or-treatingExplanation
The correct answer is trick-or-treating. The tradition of asking neighbors for soul cakes in exchange for praying for the souls of dead relatives in the ninth century is likely the inspiration for modern-day trick-or-treating. The practice of going from house to house and receiving treats on Halloween can be traced back to this European tradition, where people would go door-to-door asking for soul cakes. Over time, this evolved into the modern practice of children dressing up in costumes and going door-to-door asking for candy.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which one of the following is NOT a modern Halloween practice?
- A.
Playing tricks or pranks
- B.
Going trick-or-treating
- C.
Decorating trees with witch hazel
- D.
Dressing up in costumes
Correct Answer
C. Decorating trees with witch hazelExplanation
Decorating trees with witch hazel is not a modern Halloween practice. Halloween is typically associated with activities such as playing tricks or pranks, going trick-or-treating, and dressing up in costumes. However, decorating trees with witch hazel is not a common or traditional Halloween practice. Witch hazel is a plant known for its medicinal properties and is not typically used for decorative purposes during Halloween.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What hollowed-out fruit, containing a glowing ember, was used by the Irish as a symbol of "Jack's lantern"?
- A.
Turnip
- B.
Parsnip
- C.
Pumpkin
- D.
Watermelon
Correct Answer
A. TurnipExplanation
The Irish used a hollowed-out turnip containing a glowing ember as a symbol of "Jack's lantern". This tradition originated from the legend of Stingy Jack, who was said to have tricked the devil and was condemned to roam the earth with only a carved-out turnip with a glowing coal inside to light his way. Over time, this tradition evolved into the use of pumpkins in North America, where they were more readily available.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following was a favorite Halloween prank of early Americans?
- A.
Soaping windows
- B.
Stealing chickens
- C.
Tipping over outhouses
- D.
Burning sheds
Correct Answer
C. Tipping over outhousesExplanation
Tipping over outhouses was a favorite Halloween prank of early Americans. This prank involved physically tipping over outdoor toilets, causing inconvenience and embarrassment for the owners. It was a mischievous act that was often done under the cover of darkness, adding to the thrill and secrecy of the prank.Rate this question:
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Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Jan 27, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Aug 31, 2008Quiz Created by
Wilstar
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