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!