VintageHalloween

CUSTOMS &

Bloody Mary

The Bell Witch

Lizzie Borden

LEGENDS

History of

Jack-o-Lanterns

Interactive

Halloween

Xsarahphanelia

Letters provided by

StrawberrySundae &

Unmarried women were frequently told that if they sat in a darkened room and gazed into a mirror on Halloween night, the face of their future husband would appear in the mirror. However, if they were destined to die before marriage, a skull would appear. The mirror gaze was one of many forms of love divination around Halloween and other ancient holy days.

When a girl was going to marry, it could be predicted with a candle. To play this game the participant is blindfolded, and then tries to blow out the flame. The instructions read: “If with one puff you blow out the light, 'tis a sign you'll marry this year. If with two, or three your chance is slight, and if more, give up for the night.”

Apple paring is another popular game of the early 1900s. In fact, both women and girls can be found participating in the spell of apple paring in postcard illustrations. During this party game, all participants peel their apples trying their best not to break the strip. The fun part comes in tossing the peel over the left shoulder and examining the shape in which it lands. The letter the peel assumes should reveal the beginning of their true love's name.

In one Victorian version of the apple-bobbing game, a dime is placed in one apple, a ring in another and a button in a third. These denote fortune, marriage and single blessedness for the person coming up with each apple. Another custom admonishes the apple bobber to take the fruit home and hide it beneath your pillow white, and then you'll see your sweetheart in your dreams that mystic night.