The Jack-o’-lantern (also jacky lantern) is a type of Ignis Fatuus, or “foolish fire.” In British folklore, the jack-o’- lantern is a spectral light that drifts about at night, scaring travellers and
Carnivals—This popular form of Halloween entertainment may have originally developed as an institutionalized alternative to the destructive PRANKING of the 1920s and 1930s. Halloween carnivals are usually held on school grounds (where they help raise money for the school), and
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
—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 eggs, cream and honey, then toasted before
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. There is considerable speculation over the meaning
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 Halloween. Now, throughout Ireland the name generally
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