Category: Brain Teasers

Trivia: Which First Lady first decorated the White House for Halloween?

Mary Todd Lincoln
Lou Henry Hoover
Betty Ford
Mamie Eisenhower

Correct Answer: Mamie Eisenhower

So why is this answer correct? : On October 30, 1958, First Lady Mamie Eisenhower made White House history when she organized the first Halloween decorations for a luncheon in the State Dining Room. The First Lady wanted the event to be festive, and decorated the room with skeletons, corn stalks, pumpkins, red apples, black cats, and witches. This sparked an annual tradition that was continued by the Kennedy family, who hosted the first trick-or-treating event.

Trivia: What is the highest-grossing horror film of all time?

It
Halloween
Scream
The Ring

Correct Answer: It

So why is this answer correct? : There’s just something about Pennywise the clown and his menacing grin that draws audiences in. The 2017 release of “It” — based on the classic Stephen King novel — is the highest-grossing horror film in American box office history, raking in more than $327 million. In second place with sales of around $293 million is the 1999 film “The Sixth Sense.”

Trivia: New Hampshire holds which world record?

Most lit jack-o’-lanterns
Biggest Halloween parade
Largest piece of candy corn
Biggest haunted house

Correct Answer: Most lit jack-o’-lanterns

So why is this answer correct? : Keene, New Hampshire has been awarded the world record for most lit jack-o’-lanterns on display eight different times. The current record is 30,581 lit pumpkins — a definite display of Halloween spirit.

Trivia: Which comic helped popularize trick-or-treating in the U.S. after WWII?

Garfield
Marmaduke
Dennis the Menace
Peanuts

Correct Answer: Peanuts

So why is this answer correct? : Trick-or-treating first gained popularity in the U.S. during the 1920s, but fell out of fashion during World War II due to sugar rationing. Many companies began trying to bring the tradition back after the war, and in 1951 three Halloween-themed “Peanuts” strips helped get people excited once again.

Trivia: What is banned in Los Angeles on Halloween?

Pumpkins
Candy with gluten
Silly string
Masks

Correct Answer: Silly string

So why is this answer correct? : Halloween may be a time for friendly pranks, but don’t try to pull out any silly string in Hollywood on October 31, or you might be faced with a $1,000 fine. This ban, which was implemented to prevent accidents and pollution, is only in effect for 24 hours every year.

Trivia: Which Halloween tradition is considered impolite in Japan?

Dressing in costume
Trick-or-treating
Watching scary movies
Public festivals

Correct Answer: Trick-or-treating

So why is this answer correct? : Although Halloween is not a traditional Japanese holiday, it has been gaining popularity in recent years. However, while revelers enjoy dressing up in extravagant costumes and partying the night away, Japan has held back from incorporating trick-or-treating traditions, as these may be seen as inconveniencing other people.

Trivia: What flower is a traditional symbol of Día de los Muertos?

Marigold
Rose
Orchid
Tulip

Correct Answer: Marigold

So why is this answer correct? : Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is celebrated in Mexico and several other parts of Latin America during the first two days of November. The bright orange, heavily scented marigold is called “flower of the dead” and is thought to help guide souls back home to visit.

Trivia: What is the fear of Halloween called?

Samhainophobia
Hallophobia
Ghostophobia
Nyctophobia

Correct Answer: Samhainophobia

So why is this answer correct? : Halloween is supposed to be scary, but if you find yourself suffering from intense, unwarranted fears, you may have Samhainophobia. This persistent fear can stem from many things, including a discomfort with being startled or a fear of clowns, loud noises, or masks.

Trivia: What is America’s best-selling Halloween candy?

Candy corn
Sour Patch Kids
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Snickers

Correct Answer: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

So why is this answer correct? : According to a recent study by the National Retail Federation, these chocolatey peanut butter treats from Hershey’s top the charts as the most popular candy for Halloween in America. Sold in a variety of fun seasonal shapes like ghosts and pumpkins (and in traditional cups, too), Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are a trick-or-treating staple. Coming in at second place are Skittles, followed by M&M’s.

Trivia: What was the original purpose of dressing up in costume?

To trick ghosts
To prank people
To commemorate the start of autumn
To summon spirits

Correct Answer: To trick ghosts

So why is this answer correct? : During Samhain (the inspiration for many Halloween traditions) festivals, it was thought that spirits, deities, and humans could interact with each other more easily. People began dressing up as ghosts and other mythical creatures so that they would be disguised and protected from the spirits who roamed the night.