halloween superstitons from karnival costumes


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Online Catalogue > Articles > Halloween Articles > Halloween Superstitions

In Celtic times it was widely believed that evil spirits would come back to earth during the long dark winter hours and that the barriers between the spirit world and our own are weakest during the night that marks the end of summer and the beginning of winter. This was the time when spirits are most likely to be seen on earth.

Celtic winter started on November 1st making October 31st the night of our weakest defences….

As a consequence of the closeness of these spirits at the time of Halloween a number of superstitions became associated with the night. All of these involved items that would have been available to these ancient civilisations. Many of these ancient superstitions are still upheld today although in the most part they are given less credence than they were;

Superstitions related to general protection

All journeys being made on Halloween must be completed by sunset to prevent bad things happening to the traveller.

To keep themselves safe from witches, a piece of bread which had been previously crossed with salt was carried by travellers.

Superstitions to prophesy death

If a stone placed in the ashes of a fire grate are disturbed overnight, the person who placed the stone was said to be destined to die.

Superstitions related to love

An unmarried girl combing her hair whilst looking into a mirror by the light of a candle, is said to be able to see her future husband peeking over her shoulder.

Similarly, but also for the boys, if you slice an apple across the middle to reveal the star shape and then eat it in front of a mirror lit only by a candle, your future spouse will appear peeking over your shoulder

An unmarried girl who places an apple under her pillow before going to sleep on Halloween will dream of her future husband.

Peel an apple ensuring that the peel comes off in one long piece. Throw this piece over your shoulder and it is said that the peel will land in the shape of the initial of your future spouse.

Unmarried girls place hazel nuts along the front of the fire grate - one per suitor. To find out which will be her future husband she should chant 'If you love me pop and fly; if you hate me, burn and die.' Please do not perform this ritual at home as it is extremely dangerous.

Apple ducking. The first person to take a bite out of an apple, without using their teeth was destined to be the first married in the following year.