Helps and Hints for Hallowe’en

By Laura Rountree Smith

MARCH BROTHERS, Publishers 208, 210, 212 Wright Ave., Lebanon, Ohio

[2]

COPYRIGHT, 1920, By MARCH BROTHERS

[3]

NOTE

SEND FOR OUR COMPLETE CATALOG IN WHICH WILL BE FOUND ALL THE ACCESSORIES NEEDED IN CARRYING OUT THE IDEAS GIVEN IN THIS BOOK.

March Brothers, Publishers 208, 210, 212 Wright Ave., Lebanon, Ohio

[5]

Introduction

On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago. On this night fortunes are told, games are played, and if it so happens that your birthday falls on this night, you may even be able to hold converse with fairies—so goes the ancient superstition!

Hallowe’en had its origin in the old Druid festival. The Druids kept fires burning all the year in honor of the sun-god. On the last night of October, they met at the altars where their fires were burning, put them out with much pomp and ceremony, and again relighted them. They took embers from the new fires, returned home and kindled fires on their own hearths. Superstition had it, that a home where one of these[6] fires burned constantly, throughout the year, was protected from all evil. Later on, any fire kept evil spirits away. While each country still has its own witches, fairies and ghosts, they all agree the night of October 31st is a great time for celebrations.

This little book will be found useful in school, church and home, in planning celebrations for Hallowe’en.

The very air is full of magic, so,

[7]

Party Suggestions

Nut-Crack Night

[In the northern part of England, Hallowe’en is still called Nut-Crack Night.]

For a Nut-Crack Night Party, write invitations on a pumpkin-shaped booklet, cut double, with face of Jack-o’-Lantern painted outside; inside write:

Decorate your rooms with yellow and black tissue paper streamers, and hang from the ceiling by threads, cats, owls, bats and witches cut from black paper. Pinned on the curtains and screens they give a weird effect. Light the rooms with Jack-o’-Lanterns or electric candles.

The usual nut-cracking, floating walnut shells in tubs, throwing apple paring three times over head and at last on the floor, to show initials of name of future husband, may be indulged in. Have sets of letters of the alphabet in a basket, allow guest to take a handful and arrange name of lad or lass they will marry.

Walnut shells tied with ribbon will contain fortunes, or they may be attached to strings concealed in a paper pudding. Each guest draws a string for a fortune at the end.

Other fortunes may be obtained at a post office, received in the form of a letter, postal, package or paper.

[8]

To pay for the mail, require each guest to do some stunt, he must then undo his paper or whatever he receives, and reveal his fortune to the rest.

A palmist, astrologer or gipsy may also give fortunes.

Some of the fortunes will read:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Some stunts suggested are:

1.

[9]

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Hide nuts about the room, allow the guest three minutes to search, and the one with the most, obtains a prize.

Hide animal crackers also, give each guest a folded paper on which is written such a verse as:

He must search for the animal-cracker lion; if he finds any other animal he must leave it undisturbed for the right party to find. Jingles about the animals may readily be prepared by the hostess. A few are suggested:

[10]

Pass out cards with the questions and give guest a certain time to complete; those who have correct lists are presented with bags of peanuts.

Other little jingles can readily be made up like the above, naming such nuts as peanut, pecan, philbert, etc.

[11]

Hallowe’en Stunts

A Shadow Play for Hallowe’en

A person standing out of view, recites the following verses as pictures appear. The pictures may be cut from dark tag board and lowered from above or shifted in from the side, or real people may pose back of the sheet if desired. To make a screen, have a sheet stretched between a doorway, back of which a bright light is placed. Have the other room dark, in which the audience is assembled. The performers in posing between the light and the sheet make the shadows.

1.

[Witch appears.]

2.

[Owl cut from cardboard with eyes cut out so that light shines through.]

3.

[Cat cut from cardboard. Move same nearer light to produce enlarging effect.]

4.

[Jack-o’-Lantern cut from cardboard with eyes, nose and mouth cut out so that light shines through.]

[12]

5.

[Have a hand extended back of screen in the act of beckoning.]

6.

[Ghost appears.]

7.

[A girl throws paring.]

8.

[A girl with mirror, someone looking over her shoulder.]

9.

[A boy with an enormous cake.]

10.

[A boy looking at large palm-leaf fan.]

11.

[A boy in bent position, leaning on a cane.]

[13]

12.

[Little boys with real Jack-o’-Lanterns, run back of sheet, then come out in front and bow.]

The Black Cat Stunt

A student in cap and gown, stands across from a table where a very quiet, gentle cat is held still by a child. Children in a row at the back of stage hold up books, as though studying. The student recites:

THE STUFFED CAT

[The child holding the cat pokes it, the cat rises and walks about, the children laugh, while the student shows his surprise, and walks off in an indignant manner.]

[14]

A Pumpkin Climbing Game

The children are shown a room with half a dozen pumpkins on the floor. They practice walking about, stepping over them. One is blindfolded. The pumpkins are quickly removed and the rest laugh at his efforts to step over them. Apples or candles in candlesticks may be used, instead of pumpkins. This game makes much laughter.

[15]

Exercises

A Hallowe’en Acrostic

[For ten children, either boys or girls.]

A witch comes on the stage with a basket full of letters to spell the word “Hallowe’en.” She pins one on each child, and they dance about and stand in groups; as she calls for the letters, one by one they arrange themselves in a line, come forward, hold up letter and recite.

All:

H.:

All:

A.:

All:

L.:

All:

L.:

All:

[16]

O.:

All:

W.:

All:

E.:

All:

E.:

All:

N.:

Witch:

[All march off.]

Take Care, Tables Are Turned!

[The children enter, stand in line and recite. After each recitation is given, the object they mention is seen, shown over a screen at the back of stage. The Witch, Owl, etc., may wear masks, the Bat may be made of paper and swung from above.]

All:

[17]

First:

All:

Second:

All:

Third:

All:

Fourth:

All:

Fifth:

All:

Sixth:

All:

[The objects mentioned, now come forward from behind the screen, and scare the first children, who run off the stage. They shake fingers at the audience and recite]:

[18]

Drills

Clown Drill and Song

[The drill is given by ten boys dressed as clowns. March in, hands on the shoulders of the one in front, keep in step. Form line at front of stage, and sing.]

Tune: “Yankee Doodle.”

1.

Chorus.

2.

Chorus: [Clap hands.]

3.

[The music is played, they look wildly at each other as though forgetting the words, but come out strong on the chorus, waving caps.]

4.

Chorus: [Ring a tea bell.]

[19]

[March right and left, meet in two lines, stand sides to audience, hold up hands, end couple passes through; the next couple, and the next pass through, until all have passed and taken place again in lines. Form a circle, any one is chosen to skip in and out between them, when he returns to place another is chosen to skip in and out, etc. All go to center and back, every other one to center and back, all again to center, wave caps and shout “hurrah.” Form in lines right and left, sides to audience, play ball, throwing it back and forth from line to line for anyone to catch. March in lines, hands on hips. Skip in couples, all go out, re-enter, line up and recite:]

First:

All:

Second:

[First runs off.]

Third:

All:

Fourth:

[Third runs off.]

Fifth:

[20]

All:

Sixth:

[Fifth runs off.]

Seventh:

All:

Eighth:

[Seventh runs out.]

Ninth:

All:

[All tip-toe out but the tenth.]

Tenth:

[Looks about wildly for response, sees he is alone on the stage, runs off.]

Autumn Leaf Drill

To be given by any number of children of different ages and sizes; the whole school may take part if desired.

At the back of the stage stretch wire netting the entire way across, and cover completely with pretty sprays of autumn leaves, willow and oak. The children may wear white costumes with artificial leaves red, yellow, brown and green upon them.

[21]

[They enter in couples, hold hands high, bow to audience, whirl round, two and two; each takes right hand of partner, whirls round, bows to partner; girls hold out skirts in both hands, skip round partner, arms on hips; repeat, one arm on hip, one over head, join hands, skip again in couples; all pause, sing.]

Tune: “Welcome Sweet Springtime”—Rubinstein.

WELCOME TO AUTUMN

[A Witch enters at the side and taps once as she recites first verse, twice for the next, and so on.]

Witch:

[All kneel.]

Witch:

[All rise and whirl in couples.]

Witch:

[All wave hands to audience.]

Witch:

[All hold right hand to ear, listening.]

[22]

Witch:

[All cover faces with hands.]

Witch:

[The Witch disappears, they all join hands, skip forward and back, repeat song, skip off in couples.]

The drill can be lengthened by introducing any familiar folk dances and songs.

Cat-tail Drill

An even number of girls and boys enter with real or made cat-tails, tied with yellow and black streamers of tissue paper. They enter from right and left.

[The boys form a circle at the right, girls form a circle at the left, hold cat-tails high; all circle toward the right, all circle toward the left, go to center and back in each circle; each circle forms a line, stand with sides to audience, face each other, march forward and back twice; march forward, pass between and back to places, repeat and stay on opposite sides; march again, meet, hold cat-tails touching, end couples pass under the next, and next, until all have passed under and returned to place in lines. March now right and left, line tip in two lines, girls in front, boys behind, drill to four counts of music. Hold cat-tails vertically out in right hand to right, left, up, down, swing to and fro; repeat, hold in left hand, describe a circle holding in left hand, in right hand. Make the circle toward left, right, and out in front. Hold horizontally with both hands out in front, under chins, above heads, raise and lower in this position. Hold cat-tails under chins, recite]:

[23]

[Girls lower cat-tails, boys raise cat-tails, recite]:

Boys:

Girls:

[They all sing, swaying cat-tails to and fro.]

Tune: “Lightly Row.”

1.

[Mark time with feet.]

2.

[Boys march to right and in a circle, girls to left in a circle.]

3.

[March off stage.]

[24]

Muff Drill

Nine girls enter with muffs, made by covering a muff shape of tag board with white tissue paper; on one side of the muff is pasted an owl’s head, on the other a letter to spell the word “Hallowe’en.”

[Enter girls from left stage, in groups of three at a time. Each girl holds muff in right hand. First group marches to front, holds muffs up, down, right, left, to four counts; marches to back of stage and takes position facing audience. The second group of three now enters, goes through the same exercise and takes place in front of the first group. The last group enters, and goes through the same exercise as the others and takes place in front of others. All now march to front of stage keeping positions. Hold muffs up, down, right, left, wave to and fro, back line holds muffs up, second line holds muffs up, front line holds muffs up. Now put both hands in muffs, wave up, down, right, left, to and fro. All hold muffs over faces, lower them and recite]:

[Three girls on left side of group and three on right side face their respective sides and march across stage and return to their places. Center three now march around and weave in and out the left and right columns and resume position. All form circle and march around stage holding muffs high above heads, come to front of stage and holding muffs in both hands so letters are seen, recite]:

H.:

A.:

[25]

L.:

L.:

O.:

W.:

E.:

E.:

N.:

[They all sing.]

Tune: “Blue Bells of Scotland.”

1.

[They continue singing.]

2.

3.

4.

[At completion of the fourth verse they quickly whirl muffs around to show owl’s head, turn, and skip out right and left.]

[26]

Dialogs and Plays

The Hallowe’en Ghosts

[A dialog for twenty or more children, all ages. Eight wear sheet and pillow-case garments, enter from right and left on a darkened stage, make comical gestures, whirl round in couples, line up, recite]:

[One at a time, they tip-toe back to seats arranged at back of stage.]

First:

Second:

Third:

Fourth:

Fifth:

Sixth:

Seventh:

Eighth:

All:

First:

[All moan.]

[27]

Second:

[All cry.]

First:

[They hum or sing, “Sweet Genevieve.”]

Second:

[Tiny children enter with hoops of flowers, go through short drill and silently vanish.]

Third:

[A witch, cat and broom, cut from paper, are slowly lowered from above and withdrawn.]

Fourth:

All:

[A large picture of a turkey, or one cut from paper, should be lowered from above.]

Fifth:

[Children wearing dresses covered with autumn leaves dance in; six at the right, six at the left; pass[28] each other several times, form a circle. All go to center and back, holding hands high; every other one to center and back, every other one in place; every other one in center, remain there, form two circles, one circle right, one left; march right and left, meet in lines; march by twos, fours, sixes; march right and left, repeat; one line stands, the other line marches around them, weaves in and out between them; the line that marched, now remains still while the other line marches around them, and weaves in and out between them; form a circle at right and left of stage, skip out.]

Sixth:

All:

[Here a good ghost story may be told.]

Seventh:

[All shake heads.]

Eighth:

All:

[They now dance two and two and silently whirl off; or they may leave their seats one at a time, and the last one runs off shrieking.]

[29]

On Hallowe’en Night

A Play in Four Scenes

CHARACTERS

COSTUMES

Witches wear long, black capes, pointed black hats and carry broomsticks.

Owls and Cats wear masks.

The other characters may wear their names on their sashes or caps, unless more elaborate costumes can be provided.

No special scenery is needed.

Scene I

[In the woods. Witches enter from right and left.]

[Three recite]:

[Others recite]:

[They stand in line, tap canes after each recitation.]

[30]

First:

Second:

Third:

Fourth:

Fifth:

Sixth:

[All sing.]

Tune: “Coming Through the Rye.”

1.

2.

[They dance two and two, and dance out.]

Scene II

[In a schoolroom. A large sign at back of stage, “Kept After School.” Teacher at desk, several children in seats.]

Teacher:

[31]

Little Boo-Hoo:

Little Never-Care:

Miss Teaser:

Mr. Never-Say-Please:

Teacher:

[The Witches are seen peeping in door or window.]

Children:

Scene III

[Same as Scene I. Many children are seen hurrying along through the woods with dinner pails, the four who were kept after school coming in last, and finally left alone on the stage. They sing or recite.]

Tune: “Lightly Row.”

1.

[32]

2.

Owl [behind scenes]:

Children:

Cat [behind scenes]:

Children:

[Witches come in, circle round the children.]

Witches:

[They lead a boy and a girl right, a boy and a girl left, where they stand still as statues while the play continues.]

Witches [rapping]:

[Enter Cats and Owls.]

[33]

Cats:

Owls:

First Cat:

Second Cat:

Third Cat:

Fourth Cat:

First Owl:

Second Owl:

Third Owl:

Fourth Owl:

[Cats circle round boy and girl at right, Owls round boy and girl at left. The curtain falls.]

Scene IV

[Same as Scene III. Two boys and two girls still remain on stage in the statue-like positions. Three ships are next shown on a sheet, and led by a trumpeter, Columbus and his Sailors enter.]

Trumpeter:

[34]

[Enter Columbus and Sailors; Sailors dance and sing.]

Tune: “Yankee Doodle.”

1.

Chorus.

2.

3.

Sailors:

Columbus:

[Columbus goes to boys and girls.]

Columbus:

[The Witches, Owls and Cats creep in.]

Owls:

[35]

Cats:

Witches:

[The Cats, Owls and Witches go out. Columbus brings out a large flag, the Sailors circle right and left around the children, recite and close with one verse of Star Spangled Banner; children come to life and join in chorus.]

Columbus:

[All wave flags as they sing chorus, and all who have taken part in the play, re-enter, line up in the back, and join in the chorus.]

Jack Frost’s Surprise

A Hallowe’en Play in One Act

CHARACTERS

[36]

COSTUMES

Jack Frost should wear a white costume with a belt cut in points, from which little bells are hung, also a pointed cap with a bell sewed on the end of it.

The Jacks may wear appropriate costumes or have their names printed on their belts or caps. Jack-in-the-Box should wear a large pasteboard box upon his person and, of course, must pop up from the box occasionally.

Witch should wear black dress and cape and high hat. May carry a broomstick.

Sailors may wear regular sailor suits, or white suits and sailor hats.

[Enter Jack Frost from left, Witch from right.]

Jack Frost:

Witch:

Jack Frost:

[Witch taps with her cane, enter Jack-be-Nimble with candlestick.]

Jack-be-Nimble:

[Jack Frost shakes hands with Jack-be-Nimble, and the Witch taps with her cane each time, as a new Jack enters.]

[37]

Jack-in-the-Pulpit:

Jack-in-the-Box:

Jack Sprat:

Witch:

[Jack Sprat takes his stuffed cat out from under arm.]

Jack Sprat:

[Jack-o’-Lantern, boy with lighted lantern, enters by door or window.]

Jack-o’-Lantern:

Jack Tar:

[Enter many sailor boys, dance or jig, line up and sing.]

Tune: “Marching Through Georgia.”

[38]

MERRY SAILOR LADS

1.

Chorus.

2.

[While sailors are singing, Witch goes off stage and comes back with Jack Horner, who sits down at corner of stage.]

Sailors [point to Jack Horner in a corner eating pie]:

Jack Horner:

Sailors:

[The Witch and Jack Frost are in front, the other Jacks behind them; the rest of the school may line[39] up for the chorus, waving banners, on which is written the word “Hallowe’en.” They all sing.]

Tune: “Yankee Doodle.”

THE SPOOK SONG

1.

Chorus.

2.

[This may end the program, or the stage may be quickly darkened and the Hallowe’en Ghosts may be given.]

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.]

[40]

Spirit of the Year:

[Enter Owl from left.]

Owl:

[Enter Cat from right.]

Cat:

Spirit of the Year:

Owl:

Cat:

[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:

Owl:

Cat:

[41]

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

England:

Owl:

Cat:

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

South Wales:

Owl:

Cat:

South Wales:

Owl:

Cat:

[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.]

[42]

Japan:

Owl:

Cat:

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

America:

Owl:

Cat:

[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:

[All sing.]

[43]

Tune: “Lightly Row.”

[Fairies ran off stage.]

Owl:

Cat:

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

Druids:

Owl:

Cat:

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

Scotland—First Boy: