Tuesday, October 11, 2022

What does bobbing for apples have to do with Halloween? by Josie Riviera

Apple Bobbing is a game played at many Halloween parties. But did you know that its origins stem back to love and romance?

The game began as a courting ritual in a Roman festival honoring a goddess of agriculture and abundance. Her name was Pomona. The goddess was often represented by apples.

The idea behind the game was that women and men could predict their future based on the game.

In 43 AD, the festival melded with the Samhain tradition around the same time, which led to the beginning of Halloween.

Bobbing for apples continued as a British courting ritual, and became popular among young, single ladies and their potential suitors.

There are several sets of rules and variations. In the game most familiar, an apple is assigned to each potential mate. The apple bobber attempts to bite into the apple named for the suitor she most desires.

For those who are celebrating, have a happy and safe Halloween. And, happy apple bobbing.

Have you ever bobbed for apples? Please leave your comments below:


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Josie Riviera is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, historical, and inspirational romances that read like Hallmark movies. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully support husband. They share their home with an adorable shih tzu, who constantly needs grooming, and live in an old house forever needing renovation.


Sign up for her newsletter and get a FREE ebook on her website: josieriviera.com





2 comments:

  1. Interesting... I had no idea the activity had such a history... and no I have never participated in apple bobbing.. I have seen others attempt the feat.. back in the dark ages when I was in grade school.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, the history of apple bobbing was interesting to me, too.

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