Halloween Traditions and Superstitions – as Reported in 19th Century Newspapers | The British Newspaper Archive Blog

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Halloween Traditions and Superstitions – as Reported in 19th Century Newspapers

Boo!

Boo, again!

To celebrate “All Hallows’ Eve”, we’ve posted two, fascinating newspaper articles – from 1847 and 1892 – which report on the Halloween superstitions and traditions prevalent in the UK and Ireland during the mind and late 19th Century.

In particular, we love the ‘nutty’ tradition of how a maiden can magically discover which of her suitors is ‘the one’ who can provide her with a happy life and marriage.

Both of the articles also explain the origins and history of ‘Nutcrack Night’, and list the various names that we give to the festival of Halloween.

The Archive contains 1,000s of interesting and quirky stories about Halloween. Just do a search for ‘Halloween’, and then chose the period that you wish to read about.

Dundee Courier – Wednesday 03 November 1847

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000160/18471103/037/0004

Newcastle Courant – Saturday 08 October 1892

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000086/18921008/040/0006

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