After the pumpkin, the next closest food item associated with Halloween is the apple. Not only are apples used for the ciders, pies, tarts, and treats we crave during autumn, they are also used in various party games throughout the season. These apple games have a rich history and serve as fun challenges and divination games in any Halloween party.
Bobbing for apples is one of the most popular traditional Halloween games. According to Lisa Morten’s Halloween Encyclopedia, references to the game have been found in literature as early as the 14th century, although it is believed that the game was played far before even then. The objective is simple – players attempt to retrieve an apple from a bucket filled with water without using their hands.
The most common way to play is as follows:
In some versions of the game, the apple itself is the prize. Sometimes each player is timed and the fastest one to grab an apple is the winner. Other versions of the game serve as fortune-telling, with the first to grab an apple to be the first to marry, or a happy life predicted for anyone who could grab one.
A less messy apple game is “Snap-Apple”. In this game apples are hung from strings and the players attempt to bite them without the use of their hands.
Some versions swap plain apples for apple cider donuts, which are much easier (and sweeter) to eat from a string.
Want more games to play with harvest apples? Here are other ideas from celebrations throughout history:
Of course, there are also a plethora of fortune-telling games with apples, their peels, and their seeds. Read more about these apple games in my Halloween Divination Games post.
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Welcome to my home of all things horror & Halloween! The Horror of Being Emily showcases resources, creative projects, small businesses, and more related to my weird and wonderful Halloween & horror obsession.
