Halloween quiz questions for a spooky trivia night

Halloween brings costumes, sweets, and the perfect excuse for a themed quiz night. Here are five questions covering the history and traditions of All Hallows' Eve, from ancient Celtic roots to modern-day jack-o'-lanterns.

The questions

Q1: Halloween has roots in which ancient Celtic festival, celebrated around 1st November to mark the end of harvest and beginning of winter?

Ans: Samhain (pronounced "sow-in" or "sah-win")

The Celts believed the boundary between the living and dead became thin on this night. Many Halloween traditions trace back to Samhain rituals.

Q2: Before pumpkins became the standard, what vegetable did Irish and Scottish people originally carve for Halloween lanterns?

Ans: Turnips (also accept swedes/rutabagas)

Irish immigrants to America found pumpkins larger and easier to carve, so they switched. If you've ever tried to carve a turnip, you'll understand why.

Q3: The name "jack-o'-lantern" comes from an Irish legend about a man named Stingy Jack. According to the tale, why is Jack doomed to wander the earth with only a carved vegetable for light?

Ans: He tricked the Devil and was denied entry to both Heaven and Hell

The Devil gave him a burning coal, which Jack placed inside a carved turnip to light his endless wandering.

Q4: In Mexico, which multi-day celebration honouring deceased loved ones overlaps with Halloween and features colourful altars, sugar skulls, and marigolds?

Ans: Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Though often associated with Halloween, it's a distinct celebration with pre-Columbian roots. Families build ofrendas (altars) with photos, favourite foods, and marigolds to guide spirits home.

Q5: The tradition of trick-or-treating evolved from a medieval practice called "souling." What did people receive in exchange for prayers for the dead?

Ans: Soul cakes (small spiced cakes)

Poor people would go door-to-door on All Souls' Day (2nd November), offering prayers for the household's dead relatives in exchange for food.

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These questions work well in a horror film round or alongside a fancy dress parade.