in Caithness: A Questionnaire

Hi there,

First of all, thank you so much for taking part in this questionnaire. The data collected from it will be used to produce my dissertation for my BA (Hons) Scottish Cultural Studies.

For those of you who are interested, the full title of the dissertation is “Halloween in the Far North: the Effect of Cultural and Historical Implications on the Celebration of Halloween in Caithness”.

My aim in doing this is to learn more about the people of Caithness whilst also offering some substantial research that will hopefully prove interesting for people in the future.

The aim of this paper is solely to look at the varying attitudes towards Halloween in Caithness. Whether you love it or hate it please complete this questionnaire and return it to me at 53 Argyle Square, Wick.

There is even a prize draw with a small prize of £10 if you complete the questionnaire and put your name and contact details on the back. Of course, if you prefer, it can be done anonymously.

Many thanks again for taking part, Judith Crow

1

Where there is a symbol, please only select one answer per question. Where there is a symbol, please select as many answers as are relevant.

Do you live in Caithness?

Yes

No

Were you born in Caithness?

Yes

No

Did you grow up in Caithness? If no, then which county did you grow up in? (eg Speyside or County Durham)

Yes

No (please specify)______

2

What age bracket do you fit into?

Under 18

18 – 25

26 – 35

36 – 45

46 – 60

Over 60

How many children do you have? ______

How old are your children? ______

Which of these words do you think best describes Halloween?

Pagan

Christian

Secular

Other (please specify) ______

3

Did you celebrate Halloween as a child?

Yes

No

Do your children celebrate Halloween?

Yes

No

During the Halloween season in October-November 2013 (15th October – 15th November), did you or your children take part in any of the following:

Trick or Treating

Guising

Apple Ducking

Halloween Themed Community Event

Organised Haunted House

Alternative Christian Event

All Souls/All Saints service

Other (please specify) ______

None

4

During the Halloween seasons in 2009-2012, did you or your children take part in any of the following:

Trick or Treating

Guising

Apple Ducking

Halloween Themed Community Event

Organised Haunted House

Alternative Christian Event

All Souls/All Saints service

Other (please specify) ______

None

Which of the following have you heard of?

Samhain Dia de los Muertos

Hop-tu-naa

All Saints’ Day

All Souls’ Day

Nut-crack Night

Allantide

None

5

Which of the following could you provide a description of?

Samhain

Dia de los Muertos

Hop-tu-naa

All Saints’ Day

All Souls’ Day

Nut-crack Night

Allantide

None

Do you, or anyone in your household, answer the door on Halloween evening?

Yes

No

What would you consider to be an appropriate treat for a Trick or Treater?

Money

Sweets

Chocolate

Other (please specify) ______

Not Applicable

6

Where would you say Halloween originated?

America

England

Scotland

Ireland

Other (please specify) ______

Which of the following would you say is a symbol of Halloween?

Apple

Jack O’Lantern/ Pumpkin

Ghost Devil

Bat

Broomstick Witch

Wizard

Vampire

Skull/Skeleton

Other (please specify) ______

7

*Name (optional):

______

*Email or Telephone Number (optional):

______

*You only need to put a name and email or phone number down if you wish to enter the prize draw to win £10.

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