How Is Halloween Celebrated In Scotland?

[Lallans]

I suppose it depends on which branch of Protestantism you were thinking of; without crossing the line in terms of forum rules, I have always associated the holiday more with Catholicism and other liturgical churches such as "my own" Episcopal Church, since "All Hallow's Eve" is the evening before All Saints Day in the liturgical calendar.

One thing though: Halloween as a an American holiday is a relatively recent innovation; the late 19th century at the earliest, although as I mentioned earlier, certain aspects, such as divination of the future were practiced by the Scots-Irish in the past. I doubt the more militant Protestant Scots-Irish ever celebrated the Feast of All Hallows, given its association with All Saints Day.

T.

I grew up in a bit of a culturally unique area. Now ethnically cleansed, fortunately without violence.

Somewhere in my warehouse of books, aka the spare room, where I'll never find it for a year, I have a book entitled "Memories Of An Ulster Boyhood." In that the author talks about going around on Halloween (I think) and reciting an old verse at every door. I remember the gentleman remarking that the words of the verse probably predated Cromwell. When I've dug the book out, by next year, I'll post the verse- like many things of its day, it's clearly cryptic information, a mneumonic if you will.