Halloween Gatherings

While in ancient times halloween was dedicated to the start of a new year, the harvest, and protection against evil spirits, it became much more about community and social gatherings come the 19th century. Parties for both children and adults were planned and executed in macabre and frightening or grotesque ways, the more so the better.

Games were often played at these parties which by todays standards were either to dangerous or to tame for adults. Some examples of the tamer ones included Pin the tail on the Donkey, Blind Man's Bluff, Bobbing for apples, and Fox and Geese. Scavanger hunts were also popular pasttimes at these events as it allowed the younger people to split into groups and meet in the woods without the peering eyes of chaperones.

Of the more dangerous the most memorable would have to be Crossroad Apples. The set up was simple take a cross of wood and tie apples on the four corners then hang the setup from the ceiling or a tree. On top of the beams of wood were lit candles, the idea was to get the apple off without getting hit in the face with hot wax.

Now these were not the only entertainments of a proper halloween affair either. One could expect a good deal of feasting on festive and seasonal harvest foods. Such as pumpkin pie , a personal favorite, roasted corn, roast pig or pheasant, etc.

After dinner had concluded it would be time to wind down before bed with some quieter activities. These might include a show done by the participants themselves, or ghost stories around the fire.