Halloween History Trivia Trivia Quiz - Trivia Quiz

1 Which ancient festival is widely considered the precursor to Halloween?

A. Holi

B. Samhain

C. Saturnalia

2 In Ireland and Scotland, what were traditional jack-o'-lanterns carved from before pumpkins became popular?

A. Turnips and other root vegetables

B. Pumpkins

C. Apples

3 All Hallows' Eve—the night before All Saints' Day—falls on which date?

A. November 2

B. October 31

C. October 30

4 Which older custom most directly influenced modern trick-or-treating in the British Isles?

A. Maypole dancing

B. Souling (begging for soul cakes)

C. Caroling

5 Why are black cats commonly linked with Halloween?

A. They were associated with witches in medieval European folklore

B. Their eyes glow green only on October 31

C. They are native to North America

6 Bobbing for apples is often traced to festivities honoring which Roman goddess?

A. Pomona

B. Minerva

C. Venus

7 Where did the earliest known printed use of the phrase “trick or treat” appear in 1927?

A. Canada

B. United States

C. Ireland

8 What do the traditional Halloween colors of orange and black symbolize?

A. Sunlight and wealth

B. Fire and royalty

C. The autumn harvest and the darkness of winter

9 Which U.S. city bills itself as the “Halloween Capital of the World” for organizing one of the first large Halloween parades in 1920?

A. Anoka, Minnesota

B. Salem, Massachusetts

C. Sleepy Hollow, New York

10 Which author’s short story helped popularize the Headless Horseman as a Halloween icon?

A. Nathaniel Hawthorne

B. Washington Irving

C. Edgar Allan Poe

11 The English word “bonfire” traces to “bone fire.” In popular accounts, this is often linked to which seasonal rites associated with Halloween’s origins?

A. Norse Yule celebrations

B. Celtic Samhain observances

C. Roman Saturnalia festivities

12 In what decade did Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF begin in the United States?

A. 1930s

B. 1950s

C. 1970s

13 Why did pumpkins become the standard for American jack-o'-lanterns?

A. They are native to North America and are larger and easier to carve

B. They ripen in spring when festivities occur

C. They were sacred to the ancient Celts

14 Which immigrant groups most helped popularize Halloween traditions in the United States during the 19th century?

A. Italian immigrants

B. Irish and Scottish immigrants

C. German immigrants

15 During the 1930s, many U.S. towns promoted organized Halloween parties and parades primarily to:

A. Curb vandalism and pranks

B. Recruit firefighters

C. Honor war veterans