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
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. Boxty was sometimes first served on Halloween and then eaten throughout the following three months,
Alphabet Game— A method of FORTUNETELLING at Halloween parties involving letters cut from a newspaper and then floated in a container of WATER; the letters might form the name of a future
Allison Gross—The title of a Scottish ballad in which the eponymous character, the ugliest WITCH “i’ the north country” endeavoured to seduce a fine young man. Because he rejected her, she turned
Allantide—Cornish name for HALLOW-TIDE; derives from the nineteenth-century (and earlier) custom of giving each member of the family an Allan APPLE on Halloween. Eating the apple on Halloween night ensured good luck
All Hollands Day—Hampshire name for All Saints’ Day. The day was celebrated with plum CAKES called “All Holland cakes” or “All Hallan cakes.” A 1902 account notes the proper name for the
All-Hallown Summer— The warm season which sets in about Halloween; sometimes called “the second summer,” or (in America) “Indian summer.” The French call it L’Été de St. Martin, or “St. Martin’s Summer,”
All Fools’ Day (also April Fools’ Day)—Traditionally held April 1. Although the origin of the day is uncertain, it’s been celebrated as a day of practical jokes and PRANKING for the last
Ahoppa Awan Tewa—Zuñi celebration held towards the end of October (the name means “the dead their day”). Food for the dead is thrown on the house fire or carried to a “wide
African Americans—The history of African Americans and Halloween mirrors the history of American racism. In his 1904 poem “Hallowe’en,” black poet Charles Frederick White implies that African American children of the time
Acrostics—A popular early twentieth-century American Halloween event, presented as either a party GAME or part of a school presentation (along with PLAYS, RECITATIONS, MONOLOGS and EXERCISES). In an acrostic, each letter of
Acorn— Fruit of the oak; a tree is usually about twenty years old before acorns appear. Although oak trees were sacred to the CELTS and supposedly featured in many rites of the
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