Hallowe'en

Some of the traditional games included foretelling the future which could be done in many different ways.

If you were to eat an apple in front of a mirror you would see your future partner in the reflection.

If you took a lantern down to a stream you would again see your future partner, this time in the water.

If a young woman wanted to know if her lover(s) were faithful, she would put three nuts on the bars of the fire grate, naming the nuts after her lovers. If a nut cracked or jumped this proved that her lover was unfaithful. If a nut began to blaze it meant that her lover had a high regard for her. If a nut burned together with the one she had named for herself it meant that she and her lover were destined to marry.

Another way for women to discover the identity of their future love was to bind twigs from a holy bush with silken thread to represent a couple. The twigs were placed on a circle of clay and a live coal was positioned inside the circle. If the twigs caught fire it signified that the couple would someday have a romantic relationship.

If a snail was placed on a plate of flour, covered with another plate, and left until morning, its tracks would spell out the name of the future husband.

It was also traditional to bake a cake for Hallowe'en containing coins and other items. Today we have the barmbrack variety which usually includes a ring for luck. In the past the ring signified marriage, a thimble meant you'd become a spinster, a button that you'd remain a bachelor and to receive a coin meant future wealth.

In the evening a ceremonial supper was held during which salt and meal were mixed and rubbed into the crown of the head, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. This was said to prevent the fairies stealing you away if you ventured outdoors.

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