In parts of the north of England, Halloween was known as Nut-crack Night. Nuts were put on the fire and, according to their behavior in the flames, forecast faithfulness in sweethearts and the success, or failure of marriages.
In Lancashire, England 'Lating' or 'Lighting the witches' was an important Halloween custom. People would carry candles from eleven to midnight. If the candles burned steadily the carriers were safe for the season, but if the witches blew them out, the omen was bad indeed.
Halloween was also sometimes called Snap Apple Night. The original game of Snap Apple was played with apples suspended on a long piece of string. Players had to try an bite the apple without using their hands. Another way to play the game was to fix an apple and a lighted candle at opposite ends of a stick suspended horizontally and to swing the stick round. The object was to catch the apple between the teeth whilst avoiding the candle. Bobbing for Apples in a vat of water is a much safer variation of this game!
Many places in England combined Halloween with Mischief Night when boys played all kinds of practical jokes on their neighbors. They changed shop signs, took gates off their hinges, whitewashed doors, and tied door latches. Things which, if done today, might land them in the jailhouse!
Happy Snap Apple Night, everyone!
* NOTE: You don't have to stick to the theme I choose each Friday. Just put up the postcards you love and tell us why you like them.
* Don't forget to visit Gemma at Greyscale Territory for Weekend Mailbox.
* REMINDER: Comments and links which contain advertising and do not refer to any of the following; Postcard Friendship Friday, mailboxes, the Post office, postcards or the love of postcards, will be deleted.
