Halloween Traditions in 1930s Ireland: A Glimpse into the Past

Ireland’s rich history of Halloween customs and folklore was vividly captured by schoolchildren in the 1930s through the Irish Folklore Commission’s Schools’ Collection, offering us a unique insight into how communities celebrated the season. In a submission from Theresa Ronan, from Mungret, County Limerick, we learn about some of these charming and mystical traditions.

One of the key beliefs was that nobody should venture out after midnight on Halloween, as it was thought that fairies roamed freely after twelve o’clock. To protect their homes and livestock, people would go around shaking holy water on cowhouses, warding off the hare believed to steal milk from cows during the night.

The fun and games were also a big part of the celebrations, especially for younger people. Apple bobbing was a popular activity, where participants would place a bath of water in the middle of the room, toss in an apple, and attempt to retrieve it using only their mouths. Another game involved placing nuts by the fire. If the nuts moved apart, it was said that the boy or girl would not marry.

Lastly, the festive supper included the traditional barmbrack, a fruit-studded bread. Hidden within were tokens such as a ring or a piece of matchstick. Whoever found the ring was destined to marry first, while the unfortunate recipient of the matchstick was destined to marry a tailor.

These customs, passed down through generations, highlight the mystical and joyous spirit of Halloween in Ireland. They blend ancient Celtic beliefs with more modern traditions, offering a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s cultural heritage.

For more information on Irish folklore, visit the National Folklore Collection at UCD.