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 is no less popular, and shows an
Bobbing for Apples (also “ducking for apples,” “dookin’ for apples,” “Bob-apple”)— The most popular of all Halloween GAMES. Although it’s been claimed that bobbing for apples represents an old DRUID or pagan rite, there’s virtually no evidence to support this
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
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 descended from the Chinese festival of YUE
Bogie Books—Beginning in 1909, Dennison (a company which specialized in the manufacture of paper goods, and which was among the earliest companies to feature a wide line of Halloween products) produced the
Blackberries—A particular Irish and Cornwall fairy tradition has it that blackberries and sloes can’t be gathered and eaten on NOVEMBER EVE or after for as long as their season lasts, since the
Black Vespers—Refers to the custom (especially practiced in France) of draping churches in black on ALL SOULS’ DAY for the evening mass; worshippers also usually wear black. SOURCE: The Halloween Encyclopedia Second
Belsnickling—A CHRISTMAS mumming custom found in areas of German settlement throughout North America, its name derives from a German MUMMING tradition known as Peltznickel. Similar to numerous mumming and “masked solicitation” Halloween
Bells—It was once common practice to ring church bells for all Christian souls on Halloween. King Henry VIII (who ruled from 1509 to 1547) once directed that “the Vigil and ringing of
Beggar’s Night—In some areas of the United States, Beggar’s Night is October 30, the night before Halloween (and was sometimes used interchangeably with MISCHIEF NIGHT), but children would often TRICK OR TREAT
Bats— Traditional Halloween symbol, mainly in the United States. The connection of bats to Halloween may be as simple as the fact that bats are nocturnal creatures (see also CATS and OWLS).
Barm Brack— An Irish loaf or CAKE made with dried fruit, popular during the Halloween season. Quite often the barm brack serves as a FORTUNE CAKE. Barm brack is available commercially, and
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