Hallowe'en Festivities

PART I. HALLOWE'EN ENTERTAINMENTS. Hallowe'en

The night wind whispers—Ghosts! They are waiting for their hosts; The waning moon is weary and will not be up till late; Already there are shadows at the gate. A word, half heard, that is whispered in your ear, And a presence that is felt when no one else is near. Have you been along the corridors alone—all alone— And listened to the wind up yonder making moan? Have you thought about it all, The footfall in the hall That comes and goes—comes and goes— With the measure of a heartbeat of a life that ebbs and flows?

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Werners Readings and Recitations

No. 31.

Hallowe'en Festivities.

Hallowe'en.

An Essay.

Hallowe'en or All Hallow Even, the name given to the night of October 31, and the eve of All Saints' Day (November 1), is one of the most delightful opportunities for entertaining. On such a night there should be nothing but laughter, jollity, and mystery. It is the night best loved by sprightly little fairies, gnomes, elves, and witches, and is the night of their great anniversary.

Of all nights in the year this is the one upon which super-natural influences most prevail. The spirits of the dead wander abroad, together with witches, devils, and mischief-making elves, and in some cases the spirits of living persons have the temporary power to leave their bodies and join the ghostly crew.

Children born on this day preserve through their youth the power to converse with these airy visitants. But often the latter reveal themselves to ordinary folk, to advise or warn them. Hence it is the night of all nights for divination. Impartially weighed against the others, it is the very best time of the whole year for discovering just what sort of a husband or wife one is to be blessed withal.

Hallowe'en is a curious recrudescence of classic mythology, Druidic beliefs, and Christian superstitions. On November 1 the Romans had a feast to Pomona, the goddess of fruits and seeds, and it was then that the stores laid up in the summer for use in the winter were opened. Hence the appropriateness of the use of nuts and apples at this time. November 1 or thereabouts was also the great autumn festival to the sun which the Druids celebrated in thanksgiving for their harvest.

November was also one of the quaternary periods when the Druids lighted their bonfires in honor of Baal. The custom was kept up in many portions of Great Britain until a comparatively recent period. Wales was especially tenacious of it, and the observances which marked the November fire may be held to have descended directly from the Druids. Each family used to make its own fire; and, as it was dying out, each member would throw a white stone into it, the stones being marked for future identification. Then all said their prayers and went to bed, and in the morning they tried to find all the stones again. If any stone was missing, it betokened that the owner of it would die within a year. Some superstitions are pretty and picturesque and attractive; this was one of the many that were cruel as well as picturesque. It would take but a slight accident to cause a fright that might be actually dangerous to a superstitious person, and it would not be hard for an enemy of such a person to cause that fright by stealing his stone from the fire.

These fires in Wales were commonly followed by feasting on nuts, apples, and parsnips, and by games. Sometimes nuts were thrown into the fires, in the belief that they indicated prosperity to those who threw them if they burned well, and the reverse if they simply smoldered and turned black. There were fires also in Scotland, and there, in some parts of the country at least, the ashes were carefully raked into a circle and just within this the stones were placed, one for each person present. If in the morning any of these appeared to have been disturbed, it betokened death. Sometimes it was the custom to make large torches by binding combustible material to the tops of poles and to bear them blazing about the village, lighting new ones as often as the old were burned out. Fires were also used at different times and places on All Saints' Night, which is the eve of All Souls' Day, and on All Souls' Day itself, the 2d of November. In these cases the fires were regarded as typical of immortality, and were thought to be efficacious, as an outward and visible sign at least, for lighting souls from purgatory.

On this night the peasants in Ireland assemble with sticks and clubs, going from house to house, collecting money, bread-cake, butter, cheese, eggs, etc., for the feast, repeating verses in honor of the solemnity, demanding preparations for the festival in the name of St. Columb Kill, desiring them to lay aside the fatted calf and to bring forth the black sheep. The good women are employed in making the griddle-cakes and candles; these last are sent from house to house in the vicinity, and are lighted up on the (Saman) next day, before which they pray, or are supposed to pray, for the departed soul of the donor. Every house abounds in the best viands it can afford; apples and nuts are devoured in abundance; the nut-shells are burned and from the ashes many strange things are foretold; cabbages are torn up by the root; hemp-seed is sown by the maidens, and they believe if they look back they will see the apparition of the man intended for their future spouse; they hang a smock before the fire, on the close of the feast, and sit up all night, concealed in a corner of the room, convinced that his apparition will come down the chimney and turn the smock; they throw a ball of yarn out of the window, and wind it on the reel within, convinced that if they repeat the Pater Noster backward, and look at the ball of yarn without, they will then also see his apparition: they dip for apples in a tub of water, and endeavor to bring one up in the mouth; they suspend a cord with a cross-stick, with apples at one point, and candles lighted at the other, and endeavor to catch the apple, while it is in a circular motion, in the mouth.

If in the word Saman the Irish preserve a distinct evidence of Druidism, on the other hand in the drink called "lambs-wool" they equally confess the Roman intermixture. Lambs-wool is made by bruising roasted apples and mixing them with ale or sometimes with milk. The "Gentleman's Magazine" for May, 1784, says: "This is a constant ingredient at a merrymaking on Holy Eve." Vallency makes a shrewd etymological guess when he says: "The first day of November was dedicated to the angel presiding over fruits, seeds, etc., and was therefore named La Mas Ubhal—that is, the day of the apple fruit,—and being pronounced 'lamasool,' the English have corrupted the name to 'lambs-wool.' "The"angel presiding over fruits, seeds, etc.," was obviously a reminiscence of Pomona.

Everybody is familiar with Burns's famous poem "Hallowe'en," which gives a panoramic insight into the customs of Old Scotia on this night of mirth and mystery. Perhaps no influence has done more than this to preserve and spread these observances among English-speaking folk.

But what was once a ceremony of belief has now become a thing of sport, of welcome sport in a day of such serious thought and work and sense of responsibility that any excuse for sport should be laid hold of; so that now its observances are all a jest which young people lay upon themselves, not in the least believing in the consequences, only half hoping there may be something in it, and saying to themselves that stranger things have happened.

Hallowe'en has become so popular among the schools and colleges that each in turn tries to outdo the other, and the night is given over to the pranks of the students, and the sounds of revelry are heard issuing from residence hall, chapter-house, and around the grounds of the school or college.

The patron saint of Hallowe'en is Saint Matrimony.

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|Hallowe'en Festivities' Decorations.

General Points: If the place where the festivities are held is in the country, the lawn in front of house should be decorated with hanging lighted jack-o'-lanterns. The eyes, nose, mouth in each one should be different and as grotesque as possible. If there is a fence around the grounds, put a jack-o'-lantern on each post. Drape black muslin above entrance to house; and, at center, over door, hang skull and cross-bones.

Entrance to House: On Hallowe'en put a sign on door telling guests to knock low and slow.

Hall: The hall should be in total darkness except for light coming from jack-o'-lanterns of all shapes and sizes on tables, and hanging from doors and ceiling, or from frame in open fire-place. The hall should be draped in black; and the person who opens the door, and those who conduct guests to dressing-rooms, should all be gowned in black.

Parlors: Decorate parlors with jack-o'-lanterns made from apples, cucumbers, squashes, pumpkins, etc., hanging them somewhere in room or place on stand, piano or mantel. Use also green branches, autumn leaves, apples, tomatoes, ears of corn—red and white — and drape room with red and yellow scrim and cheese-cloth. If possible, have an open fire in parlor—a grate fire will do. Have white portieres. Place of Mysteries: The best place for mystic rites is the barn; second best is an attic full of shadows; third best is a cellar into which guests descend immediately after removing wraps; fourth best is large hall; lastly the kitchen. If affair is held in barn, build a large bonfire in front for use of guests for after-supper sports. The place where the mysteries are performed should be decorated with grewsome things—jack-o'-lanterns, skulls and cross-bones, black draperies, witches made out of cardboard and suspended from the walls, cats,-bats, owls, etc. The shades and spirits should flit about.

Dining-Room: The dining-room should have festoons of nuts, branches of oats, strings of cranberries, autumn leaves, goldenrod, odd lanterns, yellow chrysanthemums, etc. All the decorations of this room should be cheerful and suitable to the season. Charming maidens flit about serving the guests. For table center-piece use a large pumpkin with top cut off, pulp removed, and filled with water holding a large bunch of chrysanthemums or goldenrod. Bay leaves should be scattered over table and around the dishes. The menu card at each guest's plate should be of burnt leather bearing a sketch of a witch. After all unmask, lights in dining-room should be turned up and room made brilliant.

Note.—Jack-o'-lanterns are made by removing pulp from apples, cucumbers, squashes, pumpkins, etc., cutting places for eyes, nose, and mouth, and fastening a lighted candle inside.

Hallowe'en Invitation Forms.

Send invitations at least two weeks ahead.

Form 1.

Form 2.

Form 3.

Form 4.

Write the following invitation, addressing outside envelope correctly, but inside envelope backwards.

Hang correct form of invitation in parlor, where guests may see it, as follows:

INVITATION.

Form 5.

Form 6.

Form 7.

Write invitation on narrow strip of paper which roll up and tack into empty English walnut shell. Glue the two half shells together, tie them into two square pieces of paper, green outside, white inside (squares 8 inches). Place nut on end inside of squares, then gather corners up around nut and tie a piece of ribbon around paper close to nut; turn back corners of papers. To every ribbon attach a card with guest's name.

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Hallowe'en Program.

Hostess should plan definitely her evening's entertainment so that she can carry out her whole evening rapidly and without hitch. No game should be continued after the fun has reached its height.

Reception and Introduction of Guests.

Shadow Pantomimes.

Spook March.

Witches' Dance.

Goblin Parade.

Play: "Clever Matchmakers."

Games and Mysteries for Early Evening.

March to Supper.

Supper and Supper Games.

After-Supper Sports, Tests, Mysteries.

Your Lucky Sticks.

Fagot Ghost Stories.

Fortune Telling.

Games.

Home Tests.

1. RECEPTION AND INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS.

As guests enter house, barn or cellar, they are welcomed by a Shade who introduces them to another Shade by saying: "This is the shade of my grandfather," or, "This is the shade of my aunt," etc. The Shade to whom the guest is introduced conducts the guest to waiting-room and introduces guest to Ghost: "Permit me to introduce the ghost of this room, she died ten years ago," or, "She was murdered in this very room," etc. Each time a guest is introduced there should be a lot of moans, sighs, groans, clattering noises, and raps. Sometimes as guest is introduced, Shade may say when a moan is heard: "There is the moan of my ancester," or, "Your great aunt is turning over in her grave," or, "That is the groan of Hamlet who died from over-eating," etc.

After guests have removed wraps they are ushered into the first entertainment room by a band of Ghosts who close around them.

If the evening is opened with stage entertainment the whole place is kept in darkness, and moans, groans and hisses continue from all parts of the room until guests feel shivery. If all enter into the spirit of the occasion pandemonium will reign.

2. SHADOW PANTOMIMES.

If Shadow Pantomimes are presented, a large white sheet is stretched across front of stage; at back of stage on floor is placed lighted lamp or candle in front of a reflector. The Shadows move along close to curtain and in front of lamp. The more awful the shadows the better.

3. SPOOK MARCH.

Spooks or Ghosts are costumed in pure white flowing draperies. Stage should be lighted with white light; background, ceiling and sides of stage should be draped in black.

Enter Spooks R. moaning, groaning and walking as if lost. They keep heads revolving—front, right, back, left, etc., and arms waving up and down.

When a long line is formed across stage, Spooks face audience, start back, peer forward, point fingers at audience and moan deeply.

Spooks move wildly about in circle, shake heads from side to side, wave arms out toward back, and forward again.

When Spooks see audience again they hiss and moan and move up center of stage in couples, waving arms obliquely.

Spooks move across back of stage in single file to R. and L. corners; rush groaning and moaning from these corners across to stage C, on to front corners of stage with both arms at face level pointing first R., then waving arms toward L. and so on, making awful moans.

Spooks reverse and go back, as they came, to back corners, across back, down C. to stage front, form one long line across stage and sway first R. and then L., etc. moaning and groaning as lights die out, and finishing with awful moans. [Exit Spooks.—Lights turned up.]

4. WITCHES' DANCE.

Music: "Tarn O'Shanter." (Sent for 50c.)

Enter eight Witches riding brooms and dancing around stage in a circle, while constant hissing is kept up as if lots of cats were present.

After Witches have completed one circle, they reverse and go around stage in opposite directions. (Stage is lighted with white light.)

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Witches straighten into one long line at each side of stage with brooms at side. They whiil brooms in air and lines swing into one long line facing audience with hissing sound. (Stage is lighted with red light.)

Witches clump handles of brooms on stage three times and meow. (Stage is lighted with green light.)

Witches whirl brooms in air again; line divides at C. and swings back to sides with hissing sound. (Stage is lighted with white light.)

Witches clump brooms on floor three times and meow. (Stage is lighted with green light.)

Witches drop broom ends on floor and drag them; lines approach each other and pass each other to opposite sides on tiptoe saying "sh-uh sh-uh" in most witchly fashion.

At opposite sides, Witches face back of stage in two long lines and, hissing fast and loud with brooms in air, rush back sidewise to opposite sides of stage. As Witches pass each other at stage C. the hissing should be very fierce. (Stage lighted with yellow light.)

Lines face stage front, brooms held high in air in front. Witches trip wildly across front of stage and around to back of stage, meowing as they go, passing at stage front C. and meeting at stage back C, all the time whirling brooms. (Stage lighted with red light.)

Forming into couples at stage back C, Witches ride brooms to stage C, then, hissing loudly, form one long line across stage facing audience. (Stage lighted with yellow light.)

Witches rest brooms on floor and, holding them still, dance around them by way of R. ; around them by way of L., leering at guests. (Stage lighted with white light.)

Witches move around C. of stage in circle, clumping handles of broom "clump, clump, clumpety, clump," all around the circle; putting brooms between legs, ride off stage with hissing sound. (Stage lighted with yellow light.)

5. GOBLIN PARADE.

Stage in darkness.

Red tableau light discloses Goblins at stage C, in semi-circle, grinning hideously at audience.

Green tableau light. Goblins take handsprings to stage front, leering at audience.

White tableau light. Goblins open mouths wide, then take side somersaults all around stage.

Yellow tableau light. Goblins bend over and play leap-frog to stage back, then reverse and return to stage front.

Red tableau light. Goblins form in circle and whirl rapidly first R. and then L.

White tableau light. Goblins bend forward and swing bodies to R.. and L., taking funny steps, all around stage to back C, winking as they go. At back C. first two kneel, second two jump over and kneel, some distance away; next couple jump over first couple, then second couple, and so on until all couples have jumped over and are kneeling; then first couple turn and jump over each couple until they have reached front of stage; then they trip around to R. side of stage. Each couple in turn do likewise.

When all Goblins are on line at R. side of stage they put fingers at side of nose and trip wildly around stage in circle; reverse and rush off stage.

[Tableau light powder, in any of these colors, sent postpaid for $1 a pound, 65 cents half pound, 35 cents quarter pound.]

6. PLAY: "CLEVER MATCHMAKERS."

BY BEATRICE E. RICE.

Characters: Mr. Benedict Buckley, diplomatic host. Mrs. Benedict Buckley, strategic hostess. Agnes Hunt, their guest and a belle of three winters. Charley Legree, young army officer. Everett Evans, the catch of the season. Owen Reynolds, a confirmed woman hater. Miss Bruce, susceptible young bud. Millicent, Marie, Mary, Matilda, and Maud Willowby, five jolly sisters. Janet, the maid.

Scene I

Library of the Buckleys' country house. [Enter Mr. and Mrs. Buckley, the latter talking volubly.]

Mrs. Buckley. Benedict, my dear, I simply must insist upon arranging this affair to my own satisfaction. It is, as you know, high time Agnes was well married and settled down. Yes, I agree with you. She is fascinating, but she is also almost thirty, and her aunt says she can not afford to have her on her hands much longer, especially as Imogene is coming out next winter.

Mr. B. Well, but, Cecily, suppose she refuses to be married offhand in this way?

Mrs. B. Strategy, Benedict, strategy.

Mr. B. But, my dear, I have such unpleasant recollections of the last couple you brought together by—er, strategy, you know.

Mrs. B. Benedict, I must beg that you never refer to that incident again. Adelaide Turner was a high-spirited girl, who would have been divorced from the best man living in. a year's time, so I do not feel in the least to blame.

Mr. B. Ah, very well, my dear. What, may I ask, is your plan of action in this especial case?

Mrs. B. [tapping her forehead lightly with fingers]. Let ma think a moment.

[Mr. B. strides about room whistling softly with hands in pockets.]

Mrs. B. [suddenly springing up and placing her hand on his, arm]. I have it: just listen.

[Mr. B. stops whistling and listens attentively.]

Mrs. B. Eating is conducive to sentiment, is it not?

Mr. B. [somewhat surprised]. Why—er—yes, but it depends largely upon what you have to eat.

Mrs. B. Certainly, I agree with you, therefore, I intend giving a little informal dinner to-night. Just five or six covers, you know, and of course both you and I know that to-night is Hallowe'en. [She smiles at him and he takes her hand from his shoulder and kisses it.] We must, however, pretend not to know that it is, until dinner is well under way, because if Agnes smells a mouse—Mercy! what was that? [Gives a shrill little squeal.]

Mr. B. Only the portière rings moving.

Mrs. B. What made them move?

Mr. B. The wind, I suppose.

Mrs. B. [calming down]. Yes, I suppose so. Well, to continue the subject: While we are all at table you must lead off something like this: "Cecily, did you receive the Morton's invitations?" I will answer in the affirmative. Then you must say: "By the way, what's the date of their dance?" I'll say, "The fourth of November." Then you must say, as if very much surprised, "Why, 'pon my word, that's only about four days off. This is the thirty-first, and, good gracious, it's All-Hallowe'en." Then I shall clap my hand? in a jubilant manner, and say, "Yes! yes! We must test some charms." You see, Agnes will be the only girl [she gives a little jump]—I tell you, Benedict, there is something behind those curtains.

Mr. B. [striding over to them and drawing one aside]. You are nervous, Cecily; there is nothing there.

Mrs. B. And of course you must have young Legree and Everett Evans. They are both splendid catches for any girl. And one will act as a foil to the other. I will insist that Agnes shall go around the house with her mouth full of water.

Mr. B. With her mouth full of water!

Mrs. B. Certainly, you dear goose. And we will send Charley Legree or Everett out of another door with their mouths full of water. Each will, of course, be unconscious of the other's presence. Then they must proceed around the house without speaking a word or swallowing one drop of water, and should they meet, that will precipitate matters.

Mr. B. Yes, ahem, I should think so, about as much as a waterspout might, but I don't quite see how that leads up to matrimony.

Mrs. B. Oh, Benedict, you are really too stupid. If you had met me coming around the side of a house with my cheeks like this [swells cheeks out], and my mouth full of water three years ago, what would you have done?

Mr. B. Why, my dear, I surely think I should have run away.

Mrs. B. Absurd. You would have done nothing of the kind; you undoubtedly would have kissed me.

Mr. B. Never! At least not until you had swallowed every drop of that water. [The portières arc pushed aside and a very pretty young lady enters the room and looks amusedly from one to the other.]

Agnes Hunt. Well, you two conspirators, what dark and mysterious deed are you plotting now?

Mr. and Mrs. B. [after an embarrassing silence, with one accord]. We were talking over some business matters.

A. H. [laughing lightly]. Really? Well, I have just come in from making a few hurried calls on the different girls about here.

Mrs. B. [somewhat surprised]. Why hurried calls, my dear?

A. H. Well, I wanted to talk over some business matters with them. [She laughs again.]

Mrs. B. [looks askance at Mr. B.]. Agnes, we are going to give a very small dinner to-night. I'm afraid Gordon is not equal to a large affair just yet. She has sprained her wrist quite badly, and of course it will be rather stupid for you, but then Benedict has asked a man or two; that will perhaps be interesting. You are fond of men ?

A. H. Oh, yes! But [shaking a little bag attached to her chatelaine] you must not expect me to be smitten by their manly charms. I've worn this St. Joseph, lo! these many years, and I'm still "heart whole and fancy free."

[Mr. and Mrs. B. exchange despairing glances.]

Mrs. B. Agnes, dear, do you never think what a delightful thing it is, or would be, to have a husband and a home of your own?

A. H. No, indeed, you dear thing, I much prefer other people's homes and husbands, for they never cause one the least annoyance.

Mrs. B. [in pretended wrath]. I've a good mind to send you home to your aunt at once.

A. H. Oh, don't, dear! I'm so fond of you. Come, let's go and consult Gordon on the dinner question. [Slips her arm around Mrs. B.'s waist and they leave the room together.]

Mr. B. [soliloquizing]. It's all very well for Cecily to ask me to invite those two young fops, Charley Legree and Everett Evans, in order to entertain Agnes, but I'd like a sensible man to talk to myself. I think I'll just step across fields and ask Owen Reynolds to come over for a game of ecarte after dinner. He's not fond of women. [Shakes his head.] By Jove! the one must have been a queen who drove him away from here for so many years. Poor fellow, poor old Owen. [Leaves room shaking head dolefully.]

Scene II

Drawing-room of Buckley house. [Mrs. B. and A. H. in evening dress enter room and seat themselves.]

Mrs. B. There, my dear, we will leave the men to their wine and cigars for awhile. [Bell rings briskly.

Mrs. B., looking startled.] Why, who can that be?

[Enter maid with several cards on salver.]

Mrs. B. [looking at them one by one]. Oh, goodness! what shall we do? Here are the five Willowby girls and their friend, Miss Bruce.

A. H. Well, the more the merrier. Put all six girls in the attic to try their fortune with the apple and looking-glass, and secrete the two men somewhere to look over their shoulders. I sha'n't miss them—the men, I mean.

Mrs. B. Oh, Agnes, I'm ready to cry. You will persist in upsetting all my plans.

A. H. [rising and greeting six very pretty girls that enter]. Oh, you dear creatures, how lovely you look, and how sweet of you to come.

Mrs. B.[aside to Agnes]. Agnes, you wretch, you have done this on purpose.

A. H. [also aside]. Well, dear, vou wanted to marry me off, and self-preservation is the first law of nature. [Enter the men, in high spirits.]

Charley Legree. Come on. I thought we were going to bob for apples and do a lot of other things.

Mrs. B. [helplessly]. Well, we were, but—

A. H. There was only one girl before, now "we are seven."

Everett Evans. Jolly number—always lucky.

Mrs. B. [aside to Mr. B.]. I'm sure I don't know where the luck's coming in. [Aloud to her guests.] We have not hand-glasses enough to go around, but you girls can take turns in going to the attic or cellar, whichever you prefer, and eating an apple before the glass. Suppose Agnes goes first.

A. H. Ah, ha! No, you don't, my dear. Send Miss Bruce.

Miss B. [sweetly]. Why, I don't mind in the least. [Picks up an apple from a dish on table and disappears. Each girl save Agnes follows suit and the men depart also.]

Mrs. B. Well, Agnes, I hope you are perfectly satisfied with your night's work. Perhaps you will try the water charm [ironically] now that the men have departed and you are quite sure of being safe. Indeed, I think you could walk about the house half the night without fear of being molested. [Fans herself indignantly.]

A. H. [gaily]. Under those circumstances I think I'll try it. It is a lovely moonlight night, so here goes. [Takes up a glass and fills her mouth with water, waves her hand at Mrs. B. and departs through front door.]

Mrs. B. [to Mr. B., who has just entered room]. Benedict, I intend to wash my hands of Agnes Hunt after to-night. She simply won't marry herself and won't let any one else. There are half a dozen eligible men dangling around her, who would turn their attention to the other girls if she were only married. Now just look how she has spoiled this evening. She got wind of our little scheme, and purposely invited all those girls here.

Mr. B. Well, my dear, you certainly can not accuse her in this instance of monopolizing the men.

Mrs. B. Benedict, don't wilfully misconstrue my meaning. You know very well both of those men, if they are not with her already philandering in the garden, want to be.

Mr. B. [laughing softly]. I doubt it, my dear. I just passed the conservatory and saw the heads of Charley Legree and little Miss Bruce very close together; and as for Mary Willowby and Everett Evans, they are walking around the attic arm in arm utterly oblivious to their surroundings.

Mrs. B. [tearfully], There—it is just as I knew it would be. That silly little Ethel Bruce and that horse-marine of a Mary Willowby have deliberately walked off with those two men right under my nose, and I shall have to send Agnes home to her aunt without a single offer.