Individual questionare

1. Individual questionnaire - Rosa
1. What’s the origin of the word “Halloween”?
This word had its origin in the Celtic culture when the Pope Gregory III designated
November 1st as a day in honor to all saints and martyrs. This holiday was
incorporated to some of the traditions of Samhain; the evening before was known
as All Hallows’ Eve and later its name became to Halloween.
2. Describe at least 3 superstitions related to this festivity.
a) When we see a black cat we avoid crossing paths with it because it might bring
us bad luck.
b) We try to avoid breaking mirrors, stepping on cracks in the road or spilling salt.
C) At some parties on Halloween the firs guest to find a burr on a chestnut-hunt
would be the first to marry.
3. Why do we carve pumpkins for Halloween?
We carve pumpkins to frighten away stingy Jack and other wandering evil spirits.
4. Explain how to cook a typical Halloween dish.
One of typical Halloween dish is the pumpkin pie. We need to mix sugar,
cinnamon, salt, ginger and cloves. Beat eggs in a large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and
sugar-spice mixture and add evaporate milk.
Next pour into pie shell and bake in preheated 425° F oven for 15 minutes. Finally,
cool in wire rack for 2 hours and serve.
5. What’s the origin of the celebration Day of the Dead?
Its origin is a mix of pre-Hispanic and roman catholic rituals and then is also an
illustration of the synthesis of both cultures that has come to define our country.

2. 6. What does Day of the Dead traditions consist on?
It is a holiday for remembering and honoring those who have passed away, The
Day of the Dead is celebrated as a way of retaining connections with the unseen
world to one day.
7. Which elements should an altar have?
Candles, fresh flowers or flowers petals, photographs of the deceased, the favorite
foods and drinks of the deceased, incense, water, sugar skulls, pan de muerto,
statues of saints and salt.
8. What is the meaning of each of this elements?
 Candles are light to welcome the spirits back to their altars.
 Fresh flowers or flowers petals (marigolds) symbolize death and their strong
fragrance also help leading the dead back to their altars. Also, if the
marigold petals are sprinkled on the floor the spirit may find its way inside.
 Photographs of the deceased are a framed photo of the dead person to
whom the altar is dedicated.
 The favorite foods and drinks of the deceased are an offering for the dead
person.
 Incense, its scent is still good to guide the spirits back to their altars.
 Water is for the souls thirsty after their long journey from the other side.
 sugar skulls are symbols of death and the afterlife and they are offerings.
 pan de muerto is the bread of the dead and is a symbol of the departed.
 statues of saints who were important in the dead person’s life.
 Salt represents the continuance of life.
9. What are the main symbols of Day of the Dead?
Calaveras (skulls), calacas, sugar skulls, ofrendas and papel picado.