Halloween in the UK
Halloween today is a celebratory night which takes customs from ancient rituals such as games and feasting and mixes them with fun and frivolity. In the United Kingdom there are several activities that have been passed down from these ancient events and take place on 31st October. | | Dressing up
Dressing up in scary costumes such as witches, zombies, ghosts and other ghoul like creations originates from the Pagan beliefs that they help to ward off evil spirits. In today’s Halloween celebrations this is a custom that is enjoyed by children and adults alike. Apple bobbing
Apple games were brought into England by the Romans because of there goddess Pomona, who was the goddess of fruit and tress and was celebrated at the end of October. In ancient Irish traditions, Halloween was referred to as ‘snap apple night’ and on this night a game called snap apple was played. This game involved apples being suspended from trees or candles and then players would have to try to bite an apple without using their hands. |
Today apple bobbing requires apples to be placed in a deep bowl or barrel of water, and then the player must attempt to get an apple without using their hands or pushing the apple to the side of the container. Jack-o’-Lantern
Jack-o’-lanterns is a pumpkin lantern, where the pumpkin is hollowed out and then a scary faced is carved into it; they are then illuminated by a candle which is placed inside it. According to Irish folk lore Jack was a miser who was not permitted to enter heaven because he was too poor and he could not enter hell because he had played tricks on the devil, he was therefore condemned to wonder the earth until judgement day. The candle light inside the lantern seeks to expel witches and ghosts as it was once believed that fire was powerful enough to get rid of evil spirits. Today pumpkin lanterns are seen as decorative and have become a sacred emblem of Halloween. Trick or treat
The origins of trick or treating dates back to the times of All Souls day when the rich would give the poor soul cakes and other loaves of bread to help the lost souls pass through to heaven, 'to speak pulling like a beggar at Hallowmas'( William Shakespeare). It was believed that on All Souls night the lost souls would revisit their homes and therefore it was necessary to leave food and wine for them as refreshments. Mischief Night is also part of the fundamental traditions of Halloween, and this would take place on 4th November when young children were permitted to cause mischief. The main idea was to put things in the wrong place, but it was a way for young children to raise money for sweets and other treats. In today’s trick or treating the two old customs of souls night and mischief night have been united to involve young children getting dressed up in Halloween costumes, and then seeking treats such as sweets or chocolates for their guises. If they are not rewarded with a treat then they can bestow the householder with a trick. Halloween foods
There are many types of Halloween treats and foods which can be eaten on the night. Traditionally in Ireland, Halloween was a day where people would not eat meat and instead would feast on colcannon or barm brack. In England the traditional food was soul cakes. Today Halloween food can be cookies that are cut in the shape of bats or witches or even pumpkin pie. | 
