Victorian Halloween Apple Games

Bite the Apple

At the left is an example of a traditional Victorian-era Halloween game.

Apples are suspended by means of string from doorways, or in this case, a ceiling, at a height that allows them to be caught between the teeth. Then, with hands at their sides, the first player who successfully takes a bite from the apple receives a prize. Traditional Halloween souvenir prizes would be emery cushions of silk representing tomatoes, radishes, apples, pears, pickles; or pen-wipers representing brooms, bats, cats, witches, etc.

Apple-Seed Test

Cut an apple open and pick out seeds from the core. If only two seeds are found, they portend early marriage; three, legacy; four, great wealth; five, a sea voyage; six, great fame as an orator or singer; seven, possession of any gift most desired.

Apple-Seed Test No. 2

Name two wet apple seeds and stick them on the forehead. The first seed to fall off indicates that the person for whom it is named is not true.

Apple Seed Jingle

The number of seeds in the apple tell the fortune after this fashion:

"One, I love; two, I love;
 Three, I love, I say;
Four, I love with all my heart;
Five, I cast away;
Six, he loves; seven, she loves
 Eight, they both agree;
Nine, he comes; ten, he tarries:
Eleven, he courts; twelve, he marries."

 

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