How Much Do You Know About Halloween?

Do You Deserve a
Trick or a Treat?

Think you know everything about October’s most popular holiday?

Test your knowledge with our Halloween mini-quiz to see if this time around you deserve a treat or a trick. (Answers are at the bottom, along with some interesting trivia. But no fair peeking!)

#1: What was candy corn originally called?

  1. Kernels
  2. Skittles
  3. Chicken feed
  4. Kibble

#2. Which movie is the most commercially successful horror flick of all time?

  1. The Exorcist
  2. It
  3. Halloween
  4. The Blair Witch Project

#3. A famous magician died on Halloween. What was his name?

  1. Doug Henning
  2. Harry Houdini
  3. James Randi
  4. David Devant

#4: Which item listed below is banned in Tinseltown on Halloween?

  1. Silly String
  2. Tinsel
  3. Tents
  4. Clergy costumes

#5. Which of the following golden oldies includes the word “Halloween” in the lyrics?

  1. Witchy Woman (The Eagles)
  2. Spooky (Classics IV)
  3. Monster Mash (Bobby Pickett)
  4. Season of the Witch (Donovan)

#6. What is the medical term for the fear of Halloween?

  1. Halophobia
  2. Arachibutyrophobia
  3. Halitosis
  4. Samhainophobia

QUIZ ANSWERS

#1. Answer: C.
Candy corn was designed to resemble corn kernels, but it was originally called “chicken feed” when a Philadelphia candy maker introduced it in 1888. Skittles are another Halloween favorite — the fourth most popular in the country. (Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups take the top honors.)

Kibble, on the other hand, is a treat only your pet can appreciate.

#2. Answer: B. “It,” the 2017 screen adaptation of Stephen King’s bestseller about a not-so-funny clown, grossed $701.8 million – more than any other horror film to date.

“The Exorcist” grossed considerably less, $441.3 million. However, it was the first film of its genre to be nominated for an Academy Award, including Best Supporting Actress for 15-year-old Linda Blair.

The original “Halloween,” released in 1978, grossed only $70 million internationally but also spawned seven highly lucrative sequels.

“The Blair Witch Project” of 1999 was one of the most successful independent films ever, earning about $250 million. The film is famous for its found-footage cinematic technique, in which the story is presented in a pseudo-documentary format.

#3. Answer: B.
On Oct. 31, 1926, Harry Houdini died from a ruptured appendix leading to sepsis. (Contrary to popular lore. He did not expire while attempting one of his daring escapes.)

Canadian magician Doug Henning died on Feb. 7, 2000. He and Houdini both passed away at the relatively young age of 52. James Randi died on Oct. 20, 2020. Randi and Houdini shared an interest in debunking spiritualism. David Devant, considered England’s greatest magician at the turn of the 20th century, died on Oct. 13, 1941.

#4. Answer: A.
Possession of Silly String in Hollywood is a serious offense – but only on Halloween. In 2004, the Los Angeles City Council passed the ordinance cleaning up the next day cost the city more than $200,000. Persons caught with Silly String on Halloween face a maximum $1000 fine or six months in jail.

Tinsel is not banned in Tinseltown – at least, not anymore. But there was a time when tinsel makers used lead foil to produce the Christmas garland, and the FDA declared that to be a health hazard in 1972. Today’s tinsel is typically made from plastic.

Tents are still allowed in Hollywood, California, on Halloween. But they’re not allowed in Hollywood, Florida – at least, not on the beach — on Halloween or any other time.

While the world’s movie capital has no problem with clergy costumes at any time of the year, the entire state of Alabama does. In the Heart of Dixie, it’s illegal to dress up as a “minister of any religion, or nun, priest, rabbi or other members of the clergy” on any day. Penalties are rather stiff: up to $500 in fines and up to one year in the county jail.

#5. Answer: B.
The 1968 Classics IV song “Spooky” is a Halloween favorite and the only one with “Halloween” in the lyrics.

“Witchy Woman” does not include the word “Halloween” in the lyrics, but it’s still a standard at costume parties this time of year. Don Henley’s inspiration for the song was Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald.

The 1962 novelty hit “Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett always tops the Halloween playlist. But its lyrics do not include the word “Halloween.”

Donovan’s “Season of the Witch,” released in 1966, has been used in several (predominately low-budget) horror movies. However, the song does not include the word “Halloween.”

#6. Answer: D.
The fear of Halloween is samhainophobia. The word comes from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which celebrates the harvest. Many victims of this phobia have experienced a past trauma related to Halloween.

Halophobia is the fear of salt and salty food. The effects of excessive salt intake, such as unpleasant taste, extreme thirst, or kidney disease, often trigger it.

Halitosis is something else altogether.

Arachibutyrophobia, on the other hand, is a condition you might develop by trying to eat too many Reese’s cups: it’s a fear of peanut butter sticking to your mouth. (Yes, it’s a real thing.)

Sources:
Featured Image: Adobe, License Granted
CandyStore.com
Wikipedia
American Songwriter
Louis Laves-Webb