What is the apple bobbing game for Halloween?
The apple bobbing game is almost as synonymous with Halloween as trick or treating is. You have likely come across this game at some point during a Halloween party, but you may not know the bobbing for apples rules or even really how to play this classic Halloween game.
Why do we Bob for apples on Halloween?
Today, bobbing for apples is simply a part of the seasonal fall activities. "Part of Halloween's allure is that it's also tied to harvest, since crops like corn, pumpkins, turnips, wheat, and apples were all traditionally harvested in the fall," explains Morton.
How did the British play the apple bobbing game?
But if the bobbing took three or more tries, the relationship would be doomed. Another way in which the Brits would play the game was quite a bit more competitive, with women competing against other women for the chance at love. These rules were quite simple; the first person to bite into an apple would be destined to marry first.
Is apple-bobbing a good way to celebrate Halloween?
In pandemic times, the idea of groups of children taking turns to dunk their faces into a communal vat of water seems like a surefire way to spread germs. But by the time of this 1945 photo, apple-bobbing was well-established as good clean Halloween fun.
Who wrote the book Bobbing for Apples?
Author: Mariel Synan. Bobbing for apples has been an autumn tradition for hundreds of years. Despite its presence at Halloween parties and festivals today, however, its origins are more rooted in love and romance than tricks and treats.
What would happen if the bobber tried to bite the apple?
The bobber would then attempt to bite into the apple named for the young man she desired. If it only took her one try, they were destined for romance. If she succeeded with her second attempt, he would court her but their love would fade. If it took three tries, their relationship was doomed.
What is bobbing for apples?
Bobbing for apples is a game that can be played year-round, but it's primarily played around autumn and Halloween. Here's how to play:
Where did bobbing for apples come from?
Bobbing for apples started in Europe hundreds of years ago as a common way for young lovers to court one another. While there were many versions of the game, each apple represented a special someone.
Why do we bob for apples on Halloween?
To understand modern Halloween traditions like bobbing for apples, you have to understand Halloween history.
Is bobbing for apples safe?
Bobbing for apples is a fun Halloween party game that people enjoy, but it's important to keep safety in mind if when participating. The biggest thing to remember is that you aren't the only one bobbing for apples. Other people are trying to snatch an apple with their teeth and, as such, germs can get into the water.
1. Cardamom
As a fragrant, flavorful spice; cardamom is used in Indian meat, vegetables, chai, and sweet dishes throughout the country's diverse cuisine. Try adding cardamom seeds or ground cardamom to your favorite rice or bread pudding recipe for a fragrant change from the ordinary.
Women's future relationships were judged on their apple bobbing skills
There are certain hallmarks of Halloween that are impossible not to think of when the frighteningly fun holiday comes around each year. But for some reason, bobbing for apples isn't one of them, despite its popularity. Not only is the activity super fun during fall time, but it also has a pretty endearing origin that you're going to love.
Why apple bobbing is a Halloween tradition
While the tradition certainly sounds fun, you might be wondering why it's celebrated during fall and around Halloween-time. Well, according to Southern Kitchen, apples used to be quite difficult to find and weren't native to many areas in America.
What is the game of bobbing apples?
The apple bobbing game is almost as synonymous with Halloween as trick or treating is. You have likely come across this game at some point during a Halloween party, but you may not know the bobbing for apples rules or even really how to play this classic Halloween game. The tradition of the bobbing for apples game dates back to ancient history ...
What is the objective of Apple Bobbing?
Apple Bobbing Objectives. In most versions of this game, the objective is that the first person to successfully bob for an apple wins. There are some variations where the person who gets the most apples wins. This is generally decided by the host of the party or the person running the game. Apple bobbing involves dunking your head into a tub ...
What is apple bobbing?
Apple bobbing involves dunking your head into a tub of water, biting into and holding the apple in one’s mouth without using your hands.
What is the game called in Scotland?
In Scotland, this game is referred to as “dooking” (ducking). The northern part of England refers to this game as “duck-apple” or “apple ducking”. Ireland, primarily in the County Kerry, calls this game snap apple. In areas like Newfoundland and Labrador, they call Halloween “Snap Apple Night”. In America, this game is also known as bobbing ...
Why did the Romans bring an apple tree?
As the Romans traveled to conquer this new land, they brought with them an apple tree which was there to represent the goddess of plenty (named Pomona). During the yearly celebration, the young unmarried couples would bite into apples that would either be floating in water or hanging from a string.
The spooky history behind apple bobbing
Apples and Halloween go together like funfairs and cotton candy. Whether they're covered in sticky sugar candy or the focal part of Halloween party games, apples are a wholesome part of spooky-season festivities.
Samhain
Before there was Halloween, there was Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival marking the end of summer, and still celebrated today in some circles.
Roman rituals
By 43 CE, the Roman Empire had conquered most of the territory previously held by the Celts. History.com explains that "two festivals of Roman origin were combined with the traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain."
Occult connections
Slicing an apple in half reveals a pentagram—the five-pointed star commonly associated with Satanism and the occult. Coupled with the fact that the apple was said to be the 'forbidden fruit' that tempted Eve in the garden of Eden, the innocent apple takes on a darker meaning.
Sinister apples?
The 1864 book 'Chambers Book of Days' states that Halloween has its roots in pagan tradition.
Dangerous games
The book details a painful-sounding early version of apple-bobbing, involving candles: "...the merry-makers in succession leap up and snatch at the apple with their teeth, but it very frequently happens that the candle comes round before they are aware, and scorches them in the face." This 1886 pictured version looks a lot safer!
Bob-apple
This early depiction of 'bob-apple' is taken from John Cassell's Illustrated History of England, Vol. I (1865). Apples were hung from above, rather than plunged into water.
