The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-11-02

far-oif observation-disclosures, IN fact, the Saxon
tongue is spoken-these Halloween festivities
are kept up by young and old. But it is in the
two first named countries that Hallowe EN- frolics
are seen at their best
Great bonfires are still kindled in many places,
around which the villagers join hands in
merry dance. Then as the flames subSide into
pile of glowing embers, the real fun begins
The first ceremony in Scotland consists in
pulling the kaie." Kale is a sort of cabbage.
Lads and lasses go out in couples, hand in hand,
with eyes shut, and pull the first mead of kale
they touch. The fact of its being crooked or
straight, large small is said to be emblematic
of the height and figure of the coming husband
or wife. If any earth clIngs to the roots that
means money; while the sweet or bitter taste of
the heart of the kale denotes the disposition of
the prospective life partner.
Burning the nuts is another equally famous
charm. Two hazel-nuts are placed in the lire,
having been previously named for the particular
lad and lass about to try their fortune. Ac-
cord1neiy, as they burn quietly side by SIDE, or
crack and sputter and break apart, will be the
result of the wooing. Says Burns
The auld eudewife' sweet boarded nts
Are round and round divided,
And monte lads and lasses fates
Are there that night decided.
Some kindle, oouthie side by SIDE,
And burn thegther trinity
Some start ava with saHey pride,
And jump out owre the chimie.
In England the following charm is frequently
tried: Three dishes are taken; one is empty; one
is filled with clear water, and the third with
dirty water "A boy is blindfolded and led to the
hearth where the dishes set in row. Then
he dips the left hand in one of the dishes--if in
the clean water his wife will be a maid. if in the
foul water she Will be a widow, if in the empty
dish he will remain "a horrid old bachelor The
trial should be made three times, the dishes be-
ing shifted about meanwhile.
In the country districts of Scotland much
faith is reposed in this formula: Go to a south
or aaA II 81 in 4 nj .
spot where the land of three lards come to-
gether, Then go home, hang the wet garment
before the fire, and go to bed in full view of it
Keep awake, and sometime near midnight you
will be rewarded by seeing an apparition, bear
ing an exact likeness to the future husband or
wife, come and turn the sleeve ''as if to dry the
uJhef side of it."
Doubtless many an American girl of English
or Scotch ancestry has heard of or tried the
looking glass spell" The curious one must go,
candle IN hand, to a mirror, eat an apple while
standing before it. and in due time the face of
her destined husband will be seen reflected ia
the glass, across her shoulder
There is mirth- provoking game played in
England on Hallowe'en-perhaps in this country,
too. for aught the writer knows to the contrary.
hoop from -four barrel is taken, and around
i; are fastened alternately at regular intervals
apples, cakes, candies and candle ends. The
hoop is then suspended from the ceiling and set
to revolving, The players gather in circle
round it, and each in turn tries to bite one of the
edibles. The boy or girl who is SO unfortunate
as to seize one of the candles pays forfeit.
But, in England and in America, Halloween
frolics are nowadays mere harmless sports, and
though in Scotland they still retain a more or
loss superstitous character, yet is clear that in
being repeated from year to year as simple holl-
day merrymakings, the mysteries of Halloween
have arrived at their final stage and ere many
more years have flown they viii, perhaps be
forgotten.