Lux Ferre

Cabbages (see also KALE)—Cabbage is one of the most important FOOD items associated with Halloween, especially in Scotland. This folk rhyme even seems to make cabbage almost divine (“Haly” is an abbreviated

Cabbage Night—Name sometimes applied (mainly in eastern parts of the United States) to the night before Halloween, when PRANKING (such as pulling up and throwing CABBAGES) was practiced. In Halifax, Nova Scotia,

Bwyd Cennad Y Meirw (Welsh)—FOOD left outside on Halloween to feed the souls of the dead. SOURCE: The Halloween Encyclopedia Second Edition written by Lisa Morton © 2011 Lisa Morton. All rights

Burton, Tim (1958– ) American filmmaker whose films as a director included Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (1985), Batman (1989), and Edward Scissorhands (1990), before 1993’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (which he co-wrote and

Burns, Robert (1759–1796)—Scottish poet most famed for his contribution to a song celebrating another holiday (the lyrics to “AULD LANG SYNE,” the NEW YEAR’S Eve favorite), but also author of perhaps the

“Burning the Witch”—A BONFIRE custom, in which a witch is burned in effigy on Halloween. Perhaps the most famous recorded example is a celebration held at Balmoral during the reign of Queen

“Burning the Reekie Mehr”—A Scottish Halloween PRANKING custom in which a CABBAGE or KALE stalk is scooped out and filled with tow (the “mehr”). One end is lit and placed up against

Broom—Traditional instrument of WITCHES. Also, in parts of Europe it is considered bad luck to sweep on Halloween, because of the souls seeking sanctuary in the home. In Ireland, one particular FORTUNE-TELLING

Bread— The baking of special breads and CAKES is one of the oldest Halloween traditions, and may date back to the CELTS, who sometimes chose victims for sacrifices by marking one piece

Bradbury, Ray (1920– )—American author best known for the classic science fiction novels Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and The Martian Chronicles (1950); Bradbury has also written more extensively about Halloween than any other