Halloween is a time for fun, a time to get spooked and a time to eat wonderful treats. One food that is synonymous with Halloween is the apple. It has been part of the Halloween tradition for over 1,000 years.
The Celtic people of Britain and Northern Europe had two seasons, summer and winter. On October 31, their New Year’s Eve, they had the Festival of Samhain (Sa-wan). This was a time to eat and drink of their harvest, tell stories and prepare for the winter darkness and cold until summer returned on May 1. It was also a time, they believed, that the spirits of the dead came to Earth. To keep the spirits or ghosts away, the people lit large bonfires.
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When the Romans came to Britain they brought their own celebrations and joined them with the customs of the Celtic people. One Roman festival was to honour, Pomona, their goddess of fruit. The Festival of Pomona was a happy time and a time to give thanks to all their gods. Apples were important to Pomona, so they would bring apples and nuts to her, and for the gods of fire and rain, to thank them for not harming their crops. Apples and nuts are still a big part of Halloween. In Ireland, Halloween is called, “Apple Night.”
This year, try out a game or two using apples. These are suitable for all ages:
Apple Race:Each person chooses an apple. Set a line of tape on the floor as a finish line. At the starter’s, “Go,” the racers must roll the apple to the finish line using only parts of their face. No teeth allowed.
Apple-Eating Contest:Each contestant starts with a large bowl full of apples. Set a timer (e. g. for 10 minutes). The person who has eaten the most apples so the core is visible in the set time wins.
Apple Chase(called Aipple Dooking in Scotland): Tie a string to the stem of a crisp apple. Hang the string from the ceiling. Try to bite the apple without using your hands. Bob for Apples(often done Have a safe and happy Halloween! in Wales): With the apples floating in a tub of water, try– Dana Ramstedt is a freelanceto catch an apple using onlywriter and preschool teacher ofyour teeth. No hands allowed.18 years.
Pass the Apple(a U. S. favourite): Tuck an apple under your chin and try to pass it to a partner without using your hands.
