Dialects of Halloween, Mischief Night, and Bonfire Night
Before pumpkins became the modern Halloween staple, people across the British Isles carved turnips into lanterns to ward off evil spirits.
This ancient practice, rooted in Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival that marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, was a way to protect homes from wandering spirits as they roamed on All Hallows’ Eve.
Before the rise of trick-or-treating, Mischief Night, traditionally held on November 4th, was a night of fun and pranks. In Golcar, Yorkshire, local informant James Gledhill recalls the pranks pulled around the village. LAVC resources describe pranks such as swapping shop signs or hanging gates in trees—never destructive, but always inventive.
Another playful tradition came from Mrs. Earnshaw of Holmbridge, who described Mischief Night antics like “upsetting tups” (male sheep) and engaging in harmless pranks. She also remembered rapper dancing, where three lads dressed in paper clothes would perform sword dances at people’s homes, collecting pennies or tuppence. These traditions show the joy and mischief that once marked this spooky season.
Listen to Bill Stevenson, Carleton, discuss his Mischief Night antics.
James Gledhill, 1960s (LAVC/SRE/A770r)
Bill Stevenson, 1960s (LAVC/SRE/A723r)
