Author: Lux Ferre

“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…

“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…

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…

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…

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…

Boxty—Another traditional Irish Halloween FOOD, boxty is a BREAD made of potatoes and flour. It is also sometimes called Boxty-in-the-Pan, Boxty-on-the-griddle or simply boxty pancakes.…

—Hallowe’en bannock or cake. A traditional Scottish Hallowe’en FOOD, made with the meal of the new CORN and washed over with a custard made with…

Bonfires— Once one of the most popular Halloween celebrations throughout the British Isles, bonfires are now confined largely to civil CELEBRATIONS or GUY FAWKES NIGHT.…

Bonfire Night (also “Bon-a-fire Night” or “Bonnie-Fire Night”)—In England, another name for GUY FAWKES DAY. In parts of Ireland, Bonfire Night also once referred to…

Bon Festival (also Bon Matsuri, Obon, Urabon)— Bon Festival is one of the most important events for Japanese people (along with NEW YEAR’S Day); although…