BETA
Chapter 1
Celtic roots and ancient fires
Chapter 2
The evolution of trick-or-treating
Chapter 3
Monsters and magic symbols
Chapter 4
Halloween goes global
YOUR GOAL
Master of The story of Halloween
Ch 3 · Monsters and magic symbols
artiteacher Monsters and magic symbols
From ancient Celtic nights, Samhain fires glowing bright, Costumes worn in fading light, Keeping spirits out of sight.
artiteacher Bats became linked to Halloween because of the insects attracted to ancient bonfires.
artiteacher Medieval superstitions turned helpful pest-controllers into symbols of bad luck and witchcraft.
Fun Fact
Oz's green witch: The stereotype of witches having green skin comes directly from the 1939 movie 'The Wizard of Oz.'
Glossary
jack-o'-lantern (noun)
A lantern made from a hollowed pumpkin with a carved face. Irish immigrants introduced the tradition to America, carving pumpkins instead of turnips in the 1800s.
A lantern made from a hollowed pumpkin with a carved face. Irish immigrants introduced the tradition to America, carving pumpkins instead of turnips in the 1800s.
Quiz
What does the word 'witch' historically derive from in Old English, meaning 'wise woman'?
Quiz
Which 1939 movie popularized the iconic green-skinned look of the modern Halloween witch?
Quiz
Who is the legendary Irish blacksmith whose story gave us the name 'jack-o'-lantern'?
Quiz
Why were black cats originally welcomed in ancient agricultural societies before medieval superstitions took over?
Quiz
Which Pope issued the 1233 decree 'Vox in Rama' that linked black cats to devil worship?
Quiz
What were the animal companions of accused witches called in medieval European superstition?
Quiz
In Irish folklore, what did Stingy Jack place inside his carved turnip to light his way?