Apple bobbing: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Apple bobbing.jpg|thumb|Apple bobbing]] |
[[File:Apple bobbing.jpg|thumb|Apple bobbing]] |
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'''Apple bobbing''', also known as |
'''Apple bobbing''', also known as pito sucking is a game often played at [[Halloween]]. The game is played by filling a tub or a large basin with water and putting [[apple]]s in the water. Because apples are less dense than water, they will float at the surface. Players (usually children) then try to catch one with their teeth. Use of arms is not allowed, and often are tied behind the back to prevent cheating. |
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In Scotland, this may be called "dooking","<ref name=dook>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/south_of_scotland/7648188.stm Apple dookers make record attempt], BBC News, 2 October, 2008</ref> i.e. [[wikt:duck#Verb|ducking]]. In northern England, the game is often called '''apple ducking''' or '''duck-apple'''. |
In Scotland, this may be called "dooking","<ref name=dook>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/south_of_scotland/7648188.stm Apple dookers make record attempt], BBC News, 2 October, 2008</ref> i.e. [[wikt:duck#Verb|ducking]]. In northern England, the game is often called '''apple ducking''' or '''duck-apple'''. |
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Revision as of 15:53, 16 October 2013
Apple bobbing, also known as pito sucking is a game often played at Halloween. The game is played by filling a tub or a large basin with water and putting apples in the water. Because apples are less dense than water, they will float at the surface. Players (usually children) then try to catch one with their teeth. Use of arms is not allowed, and often are tied behind the back to prevent cheating.
In Scotland, this may be called "dooking","[1] i.e. ducking. In northern England, the game is often called apple ducking or duck-apple.
In Ireland, mainly County Kerry, it is known as "Snap Apple", and in Newfoundland and Labrador, "Snap Apple Night" is a synonym for Halloween.[2]
History
The current game dates back to when the Romans conquered Britain, bringing with them the apple tree, a representation of the goddess of fruit trees, Pomona. The combination of Pomona, a fertility goddess, and the Celts' belief that the pentagram was a fertility symbol began the origins of bobbing for apples.[citation needed][3] When an apple is sliced in half, the seeds form a pentagram-like shape, and it is thought that the manifestation of such a symbol meant that the apple could be used to determine marriages during this time of year. From this belief comes the game bobbing for apples.[citation needed] During the annual celebration, young unmarried people try to bite into an apple floating in water or hanging from a string; the first person to bite into the apple would be the next one to be allowed to marry.
The custom is mentioned (along with apples suspended on a string) in 18th century Ireland by Charles Vallancey in his book Collectanea de Rebus Hibernicis.
Girls who place the apple they bobbed under their pillows are said to dream of their future lover.[4]
Health risks
Due to the nature of the game, whereupon a number of individuals each place their entire head into a bowl of water, it is thought to be a somewhat unsanitary game to play, and is therefore falling out of favour with some groups in Roanoke, Virginia.[5] A potentially more sanitary variation of the game exists, with the apples hung on string on a line, rather than in a bowl of water.[4]
In popular culture
Agatha Christie's mystery novel Hallowe'en Party, is about a girl who is drowned in an apple-bobbing tub.
See also
References
- ^ Apple dookers make record attempt, BBC News, 2 October, 2008
- ^ Dictionary of Newfoundland English, George Morley Story, W. J. Kirwin, John David Allison, p500, ISBN 0-8020-6819-7
- ^ "Frequently confused symbols: The pentacle, pentagram, & the Sigil of Baphomet". Retrieved 22 February 2013.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help); line feed character in|title=at position 33 (help) - ^ a b Halloween, Silver RavenWolf, p77, ISBN 1-56718-719-6. Retrieved 21 October 2008.
- ^ Kincaid, Jenny (2005-10-28). "Washed up?". The Roanoke Times. Retrieved 19 October 2008.
- The history and customs of Halloween
- Halloween World: Apple Bobbing Halloween Tradition. Retrieved 10 August 2007.
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