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Halloween traditions have changed a great deal over the years, but one of the oldest Halloween traditions is bobbing for apples. However, this tradition is disappearing these days.
Bobbing for apples (also called apple bobbing) is a game played on Halloween, usually by kids. Several apples are placed in a tub full of water, and players have to catch the floating apples with only their teeth.
This tradition is said to date all the way back to Roman times, and it was passed on by different cultures over hundreds of years. Although apples had an association with fertility and abundance in the past, and bobbing for apples was associated with finding a romantic partner, in modern times it has become just a game played for fun.
In recent years, however, the tradition of bobbing for apples has started to disappear. In addition to a general lack of interest (kids are more interested in candy than apples these days!), there are also safety concerns related to this tradition, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic. Many people don’t like the idea of putting their mouth in a tub of water that is shared with other players. (To be honest, I don’t blame them! I’ve never been a fan of bobbing for apples, personally!)
This is just one example of how Halloween traditions have been passed along and changed over many years, across cultures and even continents. If you’d like to see another interesting example, look up the history of trick-or-treating. It wasn’t always about collecting candy!
Take care and have a Happy Halloween!
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