Know More About British Halloween Traditions

Halloween is one of the most popular festivals celebrated all over Britain. Halloween finds its roots in the ancient Celtic Festival of Samhain.The Celts believed that the barriers between the real world and the world of spirits and ghosts were the weakest on the last night of October. The ghosts, witches and the spirits also came down on earth on this night. The Celts believed in following a few traditions to guard themselves from the evil spirits and ghosts. However, now-a-days Halloween is celebrated as joyous festival wherein people wear ghost masks and dress as witches. However, it is still believed that ghosts, demons and witches roam around freely on this night. The Old tradition of Jack O’ Lantern was brought by the Irish. There are many more British Halloween Traditions that have now become an integral part of the British’s Halloween Celebration .A Few British Halloween Traditions are: -

The Hazel Nuts Tradition: Hazel nuts are considered sacred and were believed to have divine powers. On the day of Halloween, Hazelnuts are thrown into the Bonfire .The most fun part is that these Hazelnuts were named after a certain individual and then thrown in the fire.  The manner in which a certain hazel nut burned would determine the fate of the person for the following year.

Apple Blobbing for Future husband/wife’s name: – Apples are floated in a bowl full of water. Without touching the apple, you have peel one side of the apple with your teeth. You throw the peel on the left side. Repeat the process at least two times. The letter that the peeled leftover forms is the initial of your future husband/wife.

Nut Cracking: In this tradition, two nuts are placed on fire. The game involves giving two names of two possible lovers and the nuts that cracks first will be the one for you.

There are many more British Halloween Traditions and Cultural activities that are still celebrated. The British Halloween Traditions are very different from the world over. For e.g. A black cat is considered evil/most inauspicious in most parts of the world. However, in Britain, a white cat is considered evil and a black cat is considered as a good pet. Britain has many more traditions like this that. There are many stories related to Halloween Night. These stories have been passed on for generations now and are still shared among groups on a get together. People still light lanterns outside their homes to keep the evil spirits away. British Halloween Traditions are many, however, they all compromise of one common factor and that is to have a lot of fun and frolic.