An Historical Hallowe’en

An interesting play in which customs and superstitions of the various countries represented are mentioned. Costumes will add much to the program. Spirit of the Year may wear long, white robe. Owl and Cat may wear masks. In connection with the play several national anthems might be sung.

[Have a panel with curtain arranged at back of stage, so that same can be drawn open and closed very easily. The characters must be ready to appear one after the other. The Owl and Cat may draw out their yells so as to afford more time for the change behind curtain. The Spirit of the Year announces each character as curtain is drawn open. Enter Spirit of the Year.]

Spirit of the Year:

Once again ’tis Hallowe’en,

Strange figures show upon the screen;

Hallowe’en in every nation,

Still is kept o’er all creation.

Some superstitions I hold ’tis true,

I am the Spirit of the Year,

I bow to you.

[Enter Owl from left.]

Owl:

Who—Who—Who—o—o?

A very wise owl on Hallowe’en

Is often heard, but seldom seen.

[Enter Cat from right.]

Cat:

Meow—Meow—Meow—ow.

I am a cat that belongs to history,

In my heart is many a mystery.

Spirit of the Year:

Who comes here?

A voice I hear.

Owl:

Who—Who—Who—o—o?

Cat:

Meow—Meow—Meow—ow.

[The curtain is drawn and the first character is shown. Characters may pose as tableaux before reciting.]

[Egyptian, girl dressed in flowing white robe and head-dress, seated at spinning wheel.]

Egypt:

Osiris, the sun god was killed today,

His brother Siton will hold full sway;

The god of darkness, you understand,

In winter days shall rule our land.

At the turn of the year your work begin,

Spin—spin—spin.

Owl:

Who—Who—Who—o—o?

Cat:

Meow—Meow—Meow—ow.

[Englishman, boy dressed in hunter’s breeches and cap, red coat, carries short whip.]

England:

In England the hounds a-hunting go,

The Spectre Hunter leads you know;

You can hear their hoofs, though they’re only seen,

Late at night on Hallowe’en.

Leave some berries for the “Little People,”

Or the Goblins you’ll see upon a steeple!

Owl:

Who—Who—Who—o—o?

Cat:

Meow—Meow—Meow—ow.

[Welshman, boy wearing long, dark cloak and high-pointed, black hat.]

South Wales:

The Druid’s altar still is here,

With fires lighted once a year;

Many stones about you see,

A part of witch’s mystery.

If you are caught this night alone,

You may also be turned to stone.

Owl:

Who—Who—Who—o—o?

Cat:

Meow—Meow—Meow—ow.

South Wales:

In a fire, each threw a stone,

With a mark to call his own;

If in the morning ’twas not found,

In twelve months he’d be under ground.

Owl:

Who—Who—Who—o—o?

Cat:

Meow—Meow—Meow—ow.

[Japanese, girls dressed in regular Japanese costumes. Several may pose in this tableaux. After speaking, they may come forward and give a Japanese Fan or Parasol Drill. Go off stage.]

Japan:

The ghosts come back in fair Japan,

Some with parasol, some with fan;

Keep your lanterns burning bright,

Send out your boat, speed on tonight.

To bring back spirits though they’ll not stay,

To greet us on mid-summer day;

Blow out your rush-lights, one at a time,

Repeating for each a simple rhyme.

Owl:

Who—Who—Who—o—o?

Cat:

Meow—Meow—Meow—ow.

[American, girl dressed as Goddess of Liberty. Carries horseshoe.]

America:

I lean a little to ghosts and witches,

Hobgoblins too, who all use switches!

But this will keep one from all harm,

See, I carry a horse-shoe charm!

Owl:

Who—Who—Who—o—o?

Cat:

It may be another name for pluck,

But a horse shoe always brings good luck.

[Irish, girl dressed in green skirt with bodice, white blouse and apron. Have an older person speak. Smaller folks come on stage and give a fairy dance and song.]

Ireland:

Here I come with fairies many,

If you’re dull you can’t see any:

Gnomes, earth spirits by my side,

Close to earth delight to hide.

The “Little People,” very small.

The “Good People,” who are very tall;

The “Gods” and “Leprechauns” ’tis true,

Go “rat-a-tat-tat,” they make a shoe.

[All sing.]

Tune: “Lightly Row.”

Dance away, dance away,

Vanish ’ere the break of day;

Dance away, dance away,

Late on Hallowe’en.

Fairy folk all wish you well,

As they cast on you a spell;

Dance away, dance away,

Late on Hallowe’en.

[Fairies ran off stage.]

Owl:

Who—Who—Who—o—o?

Cat:

Meow—Meow—Meow—ow.

[Druids, boys wearing priest-like robes, pass at the back of stage, and recite alone or in couples.]

Druids:

As of old, each Druid passes,

Worshipping the sun;

While fairy music ’mid the grasses,

Greets them one by one.

Put out your fires on Hallowe’en,

Relight them now so they are seen;

Carry embers to each home,

Relight your fires, no harm may come.

After the Druids reappear,

No harm will come to you this year.

Owl:

Who—Who—Who—o—o?

Cat:

Meow—Meow—Meow—ow.

[Scotchman, six boys in kilts, recite following verses and then may dance the Highland Fling and sing “Blue Bells of Scotland.”]

Scotland—First Boy:

Hist! be still! what do I see?

A spirit in each walnut tree.

Second Boy:

Ha, ha, if you want to hide,

Away from the wild huntsman, ride.

Third Boy:

Nuts and apples for a treat,

All the year you find so sweet.

Fourth Boy:

The bonfires we will light in turn,

While the wicked witches burn.

Fifth Boy:

Pile cabbage stalks up by your door,

The fairies have brought the stork before.

Sixth Boy:

At cross-roads don’t linger, lad or lass,

’Tis there the Hallowe’en fairies pass.

[They give a little drill in imitation of a torch-light procession, using electric torches or electric candles. Recite as they march.]

First Boy:

Heigho, for the fairies on Hallowe’en,

They scamper away across the green.

All:

They’re looking for me, they’re looking for you,