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TRICK OR TREET
In England, the poor went begging for "soul cakes" on the Eve of All Saint's Day. In Spain, they bribed the evil spirits by putting cakes and nuts on graves. In Belgium, the children stood in front of homes begging for money to buy cakes. Then they would eat as many cakes as they could because they felt that for each cake eaten, the suffering of one soul would be relieved.
Now, back in Ireland....we have the God, Muck Olla.
The Druid priests would put on masks, and go around to homes and farms begging for food and tithes for the Celtic House of Worship.
Because the farmers feared if they didn't tithe, Muck Olla would do something to their farms. For those that did not pay, well mysteriously their barns burnt down or an important farm animal was missing one day. Thus, it was said that ol' Muck Olla would create some "Muck" and yes, another origin of the phrase for creating havoc or chaos is born. And the expression "We're just stuck in the muck!" Dr. William Madsen, Professor of Anthropology at Santa Barbara State University feels that this giving to Muck Olla is the origin of trick or treating.
Trick or Treating as a threat by children to get candy is an American variation and relatively new to the holiday. And, the idea of the infamous Halloween sadist who does candy tampering to injure children and create fear started in the 1970's. And, that most of the reports of such incidents were either downright fraud or highly embellished. In 1987 only 2 cases of death were reported and one of those children received heroine from his uncle while the other was killed by his father. Although we all should remain cautious and alert, it shouldn't damper having a good time.
Although the Celtics started Halloween, it's the children who keep it alive because they love it. Today Halloween is based less on trick or treating and more emphasis is put on the costumes, parties and contests on who wins for best costume.
BOBBING FOR APPLES
For thousands of years, the apple has been considered a symbol of love and fertility. The early Norse gods ate apples to stay young. Ancient Hebrew women washed in apple sap to ensure fertility.
Dipping for apples was a way of divination among the Druids, and is still done today in the folk life of those who live by Celtic cultures.
Today we call it "bobbing for apples" but it was called "Snapping for Apples" in the past. It was believed that when a boy came up from a tub with an apple in his mouth, he was loved by the girl that he loved. Apparently women did not snap for apples back then?
Another form of "Snapping for Apples" was done not with apples in a tub of water but with an apple tied on a string and twirling from stick. Boys would jump up for their turn to snap at the apple. It is believed that the first one to succeed would be the first to marry.
Halloween Cake Magic
Bake a cake...any kind will do. Inside the cake put a ring, a thimble, a china doll (Apparently this is a rather big cake?) and a coin.�
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If your slice contains:
The Ring = You will marry within a year.
The Thimble = You will never marry.
The Doll = You will have many children.
The Coin = You will be wealthy.
�Halloween Colcannon
Colcannon is a traditional dish made of cabbage, mashed potatoes, parsnips and onions and is still served on Halloween in Ireland today. Just like the cake above, the same object would be placed inside the dish with the same meanings if found.
American Halloween Food
In the United States, caramel apples are a traditional food, along with popcorn balls. Because Halloween is in the fall at apple harvesting time, then many types of apple dishes, as well as apple cider go along with Halloween. here are some Halloween Recipes for some ideas. MORE RECIPES!!
In brief, Americans eat whatever they want on Halloween.�
But making goofie food seems to be the most popular activity.
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