Bobbing for apples originated from a blend of ancient Roman harvest rituals and Celtic traditions. This practice dates back over two thousand years.

Roman Influence

The Romans celebrated Pomona, the goddess of fruit trees, gardens, and orchards, with festivals in October. Apples were considered sacred to Pomona, symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and romance. Games involving apples naturally arose from these harvest celebrations. When the Romans invaded Britain, their customs merged with local traditions.

Celtic Traditions

The Celts celebrated Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. Apples held magical properties for the Celts, symbolizing love and fertility, and were used in divination and magic. Some Celtic beliefs associated apples with goddesses like Cliodhna and Idunn, who protected them as sacred fruits or fruits of immortality.

Merging of Customs

When Roman and Celtic cultures converged, the Feast of Pomona and Samhain influenced each other, leading to the development of apple bobbing as a custom. Initially, it was a form of divination, particularly for predicting future love and marriage. Over time, it evolved into a non-religious game, especially popular in the Middle Ages, cementing its place as a symbol of the autumn harvest. European settlers later brought these customs to North America, where bobbing for apples became a beloved part of Halloween celebrations.