Backwards
Backwards—Doing things in reverse order or backwards is a common theme in Halloween FORTUNE-TELLING customs and protective charms. For example, while on the road, wearing…
Month: October 2022
Autopsy
Autopsy—Popular Halloween presentation, performed in many variations. The version referred to as “Autopsy” involves setting up a back-lit sheet, behind which a “doctor” performs either…
Auld Lang Syne
Auld Lang Syne— Song with words set by ROBERT BURNS to an old Scottish folk melody, also known as “The Miller’s Wedding” and “The Miller’s…
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Apples—Apples are probably the single most important food item associated with Halloween; they are featured in GAMES (primarily BOBBING FOR APPLES), FORTUNE-TELLING, FOODS ranging from…
Ashes
Ashes are a central element in a few Halloween FORTUNE-TELLING customs, mainly found in Ireland, the Isle of Man, and Lancashire. In one form of…
Apple Seeds
Apple Seeds—If APPLE PARING—or using the skin of an apple — is a popular Halloween FORTUNE-TELLING method, the use of the seeds within the apple…
Apple Parings
Apple Parings—In this popular Halloween FORTUNE-TELLING custom, an APPLE is pared, then the peelings are waved over the head THREE times before being thrown over…
Apkarian-Russell, Pamela
Apkarian-Russell, Pam ela—American Halloween collector and vintage COLLECTIBLES expert known as “the Halloween Queen.” Apkarian-Russell has, more than any other individual, been responsible for creating…
Anthesteria
Anthesteria—Sometimes called the Greek ALL SOULS’ DAY, Anthesteria was a three-day festival in honour of Dionysus held annually at Athens from the 11th to the…
Anoka, Minnesota
Anoka, Minnesota—“The Halloween Capital of the World.” Anoka claims to be the first U.S. city to put on Halloween celebrations to divert PRANKING. In 1920,…