Helps and Hints
for
Hallowe’en

By
Laura Rountree Smith

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

COPYRIGHT, 1920, By
MARCH BROTHERS

Contents

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

Introduction

Hist! be still! ’tis Hallowe’en,

When fairies troop across the green!

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!

So, careful be on Hallowe’en,

Whenever you come out;

So, careful be on Hallowe’en,

The witches are about!

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 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,

LET’S WRITE AN INVITATION HEARTY,

ON HALLOWE’EN NIGHT, TO A NUT-CRACK PARTY.

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:

On Nut-Crack Night you’ll meet your fate,

Please come at eight, do not be late;

What mysteries are to be seen,

You will not know ’til Hallowe’en.

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.

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.

There is magic in your smile,

Use it every other mile.

2.

You’d better write a note to-night

On paper blue, or pink or white.

3.

When you meet a certain lass,

You should never let her pass.

4.

When you’re looking in brown eyes,

You will get a great surprise.

5.

On a journey you will go,

In a day, a week, or so.

6.

You’ll receive a charming letter,

It will leave you feeling better.

7.

You may think your fortune funny,

But you’re going to get some money.

8.

Your fortune is a good one, very,

Go search now in the dictionary.

9.

Back of the sofa pillow see,

A roll of good things wait for thee.

10.

Some eyes are hazel, some are blue,

a pleasant fortune waits for you.

Some stunts suggested are:

1.

Tell a story about a ghost,

Be sure you don’t alarm your host.

2.

Backward walk around the room,

You’ll walk into something soon.

3.

Kiss the shadow if you dare,

Of the black cat on the stair.

4.

With paper and scissors form the habit,

To cut a very cunning rabbit.

5.

Whistle a tune or sing a song,

Don’t keep the audience waiting long.

6.

Perform a dance or whistle very

Like a wild bird, or canary.

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:

“Soon you’ll hear the lion roar,

You never met the like before.”

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:

The elephant’s gait is slow and steady,

You see his trunk is always ready.

The friendly cow is often seen,

On this night of Hallowe’en.

The tiger is often in a rage,

You’d better put him in a cage.

You may come from shores remote,

But you don’t want to be the goat.

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.

The first part of this nut you drink,

Stop a minute, better think—Cocoanut.

Humpty Dumpty had a fall,

He sat so high on a big stone—Walnut.

If you name a color found in eyes,

The answer brings you a surprise—Hazelnut.

You like to spread it thick on bread,

You drop it on that side it’s said—Butternut.

On all the mighty oak trees grow

A nut whose name you surely know—Acorn.

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

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.

Suppose at night, on Hallowe’en,

The Witch appears upon the screen—

Tell me, would anybody scream?

[Witch appears.]

2.

Suppose the Owl, who’s very wise,

Should wink and blink his great round eyes,

Would he take you by surprise?

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

3.

Suppose the Cat grew larger by half;

I wonder would it make you laugh,

So you would lean upon a staff?

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

4.

Suppose Jack-o’-Lantern spoke to you,

And in accents crisp and new,

Said, “Ho, ho, ho, I’ve come for you!”

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

5.

Suppose the Brownie’s beckoning hand,

Lured you out to Fairyland,

His language would you understand?

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

6.

A Ghost you see, scary as can be,

He eats superstitions regularly,

He’s looking for you, looking for me.

[Ghost appears.]

7.

Throw the apple paring round,

Gently three times, on the ground,

My lover’s initials I have found.

[A girl throws paring.]

8.

Mirror, mirror, tell me true,

On Hallowe’en what can I do,

If you reflect a face that’s new?

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

9.

Oh, fortune cake, make no mistake,

Before the party is over;

Of your sweetness, I’ll partake,

My true love to discover.

[A boy with an enormous cake.]

10.

On this palm-leaf fan, I see

A maiden smiling merrily,

On Hallowe’en she smiles at me.

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

11.

Druid of the long ago,

Leaning on your staff you go.

Will your fire burn a year or so?

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

12.

Ho, ho, little boy, run, oh, run!

Ho, ho, on Hallowe’en have your fun.

Ho, ho, ho, ho, our play is done.

[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

Who stuffed that cat? No one spoke in school,

For ’twas study time and against the rule.

The children in their seats might stare,

The visitor, little did he care.

What a very ridiculous nose!

What an exceedingly awkward pose!

Such extremely pointed ears

Have never belonged to a cat, my dears.

And those big, round, shining eyes

Never belonged to a cat that size!

If a real cat on the table sat,

He’d be inclined to laugh at that!

Who stuffed that cat? Was it a clown?

Who always jokes in striped gown?

Tho’ I’m not old or very wise,

For a cat you’ve made an odd disguise.

When anything you want to do,

It’s well to learn the thing, ’tis true;

Excuse me, if I laugh at that,

Your very funny, old 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.]

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.

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:

Witches, witches, leaping ditches,

Everywhere are seen;

Witches, witches, with their switches,

Late on Hallowe’en.

H.:

Hold your head up high, for passing by

The cat and owl do often cry.

All:

Meow, meow! Who, who!

A.:

Autumn time brings jolly fun,

From Jack-o’-Lantern we won’t run.

All:

He has terrible eyes, oh, my! oh, my!

L.:

Look for charm, and look for token,

Witches’ spell will then be broken.

All:

Four-leaf clover, four-leaf clover,

Look for it the wide world over.

L.:

Late at night upon the post

You may see a solemn ghost.

All:

Whist! be still, a ghost! a ghost!

O.:

Once a year you may discover,

In a mirror, friend or lover!

All:

Mirror, mirror, smile at me.

W.:

Well for you to say your prayers,

If you’re all alone upstairs.

All:

The wind may call for me and you,

OOO—OOO—OOO!

E.:

Every year, I always fear,

When the goblins are drawing near.

All:

They may be afraid of you—

Just bow and say, “How—do—you do?”

E.:

Echo hear the ghost’s shrill cry,

“It’s Hallowe’en—I’m passing by.”

All:

A ghostly cry, oh, my!

N.:

Now we all will say good night,

I hope, we gave no one a fright!

Witch:

Oh, no, my dears, you’re most polite,

It just takes me to scare you quite;

The witches often sigh, ’tis true,

Good-bye, good-bye, good-bye to you!

[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:

We all have frolicked on Hallowe’en.

We hear strange sounds, what can they mean?

First:

What if my Jack-o’-Lantern came to life?

I made his mouth so big and wide,

And put a candle bright inside!

All:

What if he came to life?

Second:

What if my Witches made of black paper,

On Hallowe’en should cut up a caper?

All:

What if they came to life?

Third:

What if the Owl I stuffed this year

Should very suddenly appear,

And cry, “Tu-who, are you all here?”

All:

What if he came to life?

Fourth:

What of the black cat, so sleek and fat,

I cut and mounted upon a mat?

All:

What if he came to life?

Fifth:

Suppose my Bat of paper there,

Should go a-sailing through the air!

All:

What if he came to life?

Sixth:

I made a Brownie, a jolly fellow,

In a jacket black and yellow.

All:

What if he came to life?

[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]:

Be very careful what you make,

Or you may find ’tis a mistake

To cut such cunning people out;

They’ll come to life beyond a doubt,

On Hallowe’en, on Hallowe’en!

Hurrah! hurrah! for Hallowe’en!

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.

We are the Clowns of Hallowe’en,

We’ll tell you what we’ll do, Sir;

The same old stunts you’ve always seen,

For we know nothing new, Sir!

Chorus.

Ha, ha, ha, we’ll keep in tune,

Tho’ where we are going,

We can’t tell you very soon,

We’ve no way of knowing.

2.

We are the Clowns of Hallowe’en,

And though we have no money,

We’ll caper lightly o’er the green,

To make you think we’re funny.

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.

What if our words should now give out,

Who’ll help us with our singing?

We will surprise you without doubt,

A little bell we’re ringing.

Chorus: [Ring a tea bell.]

[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:

I am going to bed, yes, going to bed,

And pull the covers high over my head,

Late on Hallowe’en.

All:

What’s the use of going to bed—

Is there any rhyme or reason?

Second:

What’s the use of going to bed?

You’ll have to get up in season!

[First runs off.]

Third:

I’ve gotten dressed in my very best,

So witches and goblins will be impressed,

Late on Hallowe’en.

All:

What’s the use of getting dressed?

Is there any rhyme or reason?

Fourth:

What’s the use of getting dressed?

You’ll have to undress next season!

[Third runs off.]

Fifth:

I’m going to eat some pumpkin pies,

And leave one, the witches to surprise,

Late on Hallowe’en.

All:

What’s the use of eating pies?

Is there any rhyme or reason?

Sixth:

What’s the use of eating pies?

You’ll be hungry again next season.

[Fifth runs off.]

Seventh:

I’m going to wash my face so well,

And hide away—where, I shan’t tell,

Late on Hallowe’en.

All:

What’s the use to wash your face?

Is there any rhyme or reason?

Eighth:

What’s the use to wash your face?

You’ll get soiled again next season!

[Seventh runs out.]

Ninth:

I see no use in anything at all,

So for an exit I will call,

Late on Hallowe’en.

All:

What’s the use of anything?

Is there any rhyme or reason?

[All tip-toe out but the tenth.]

Tenth:

What’s the use of anything?

Will you tell me, please, next season?

[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.

[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

Welcome to autumn, her trumpeters call,

Crimson and yellow, autumn leaves fall;

Welcome to autumn we all gather here,

Singing a farewell song.

Winter is coming, and long will we dream,

While fairy snowflakes fall o’er the flowers;

Winter is coming, he’s frozen each stream,

Still we have happy hours.

Dancing away while the echoes are ringing,

Softly the breezes are joining our singing;

Come, dance away, for bright autumn is here,

It is, as you know, the last ball of the year.

Welcome to autumn, and heed our gay song,

Gayly come dancing out on the green;

Welcome to autumn, we all wish thee long,

Welcome to HALLOWE’EN!

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

Witch:

Down the leaves all flutter, oh!

Hallowe’en has come, you know.

[All kneel.]

Witch:

They rise again and flutter ’round,

Tripping lightly o’er the ground.

[All rise and whirl in couples.]

Witch:

Wave about, but softly creep,

Soon the autumn leaves will sleep.

[All wave hands to audience.]

Witch:

Listen, listen, don’t you hear

Jack Frost’s footsteps coming near?

[All hold right hand to ear, listening.]

Witch:

What will you do, when the witch is seen,

Late at night on Hallowe’en?

[All cover faces with hands.]

Witch:

Music’s charms, music’s charms,

Will always silence all alarms.

[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]:

Hark! hark!

The night is dark,

The witches are coming to town,

On Hallowe’en,

They all are seen,

And each in a brand-new gown.

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

Boys:

Cat-tails growing by the streams,

Elves and fairies they have seen.

Girls:

At this hour let us dream,

Late at night on Hallowe’en.

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

Tune: “Lightly Row.”

1.

Lullaby, lullaby,

Swinging low and swinging high;

Lullaby, lullaby,

Late on Hallowe’en.

Nod your little drowsy head,

Play you’re fast asleep in bed;

Lullaby, lullaby,

Late on Hallowe’en.

[Mark time with feet.]

2.

Lullaby, lullaby,

On our tiptoes we will creep;

Lullaby, lullaby,

While the witches sleep.

In October it is well,

To escape the fairies’ spell;

Lullaby, lullaby,

Quiet we will keep.

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

3.

Lullaby, lullaby,

There is nothing to alarm;

Lullaby, lullaby,

Cat-tails bring no harm.

Jack-o’-Lantern’s ghost is seen,

Everywhere on Hallowe’en;

Lullaby, lullaby,

Wave your magic charm.

[March off stage.]

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]:

See the muffs on Hallowe’en,

Rather out of season;

Why at this hour they are seen,

We’d rather not tell the reason!

We hide our hands, ’tis very true,

And secrets we will keep from you;

Right foot, left foot, whirl ’round about,

The Hallowe’en muffs have all come out.

[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.:

Hallowe’en, Hallowe’en,

Witches are seen.

A.:

All the fairy folks come out.

They’ll scare you without any doubt.

L.:

Look above you, look and see,

The owls are hooting merrily.

L.:

Learn to be heard, but never seen,

At this hour on Hallowe’en.

O.:

Over the hilltop, comes a shout,

Jack Frost cries, “Come out, come out!”

W.:

Witches and hobgoblins, too,

Are often on the watch-out for you!

E.:

Elves and fairies, Jack-o’-Lanterns, too,

Are waiting to scare you, it is true.

E.:

Every year strange sights are seen,

Out in the woods on Hallowe’en.

N.:

Now the last line we have spoken,

Witches’ spell is broken, broken.

[They all sing.]

Tune: “Blue Bells of Scotland.”

1.

Oh where, and oh where, is our witch on Hallowe’en?

Oh where, and oh where, is our witch on Hallowe’en?

She’s gone to scare you all,

For what reason we can’t tell;

So we sing you a song,

And we wish you very well.

[They continue singing.]

2.

Oh where, and oh where, is the black cat on Hallowe’en? etc.

3.

Oh where, and oh where, is Brownie Boy on Hallowe’en? etc.

4.

Oh where, and oh where, is the wise owl on Hallowe’en?

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

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]:

We’re the Hallowe’en Ghosts,

Much like lamp posts;

We make curious hosts,

We’re the Hallowe’en Ghosts.

Hush, hush, hush!

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

First:

Oh! who will sing a ghostly song?

Second:

Ghostly hours to us belong.

Third:

We ought to act in a ghostly way.

Fourth:

The Harvest Moon makes it bright as day.

Fifth:

We try to speak in a ghostly voice.

Sixth:

On Hallowe’en we have no choice.

Seventh:

The time is late, the hours advance.

Eighth:

We soon will give a ghostly dance!

All:

To learn to be ghosts in any season.

Is difficult, do you know the reason?

First:

We might learn to groan and also moan!

[All moan.]

Second:

Who’s next to speak?

Why not learn to shriek?

[All cry.]

First:

I’m the ghost of a song, forgotten long,

I hum as I join this silent throng;

A ghost, of course, should properly grieve,

When he has lost “Sweet Genevieve.”

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

Second:

I’m the ghost of the flowers, for hours and hours

I’ve watered them with my tears, like showers;

What if the ghostly flowers should be seen

Here, late tonight on Hallowe’en?

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

Third:

I’m the ghost of a dream, strange it may seem,

I ride up and down on a pale moonbeam;

The witch with her cat, neither lean nor fat,

Side by side on a broomstick sat!

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

Fourth:

I’m the ghost of a turkey, who once strutted gay,

And came to his end on Thanksgiving Day!

All:

Ha ha; ho, ho; what did he say,

The turkey—a ghost on Thanksgiving Day!

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

Fifth:

I’m the ghost of the leaves, my spirit grieves,

As my fancy a picture about them weaves;

They dance and they play in merry October,

The life of the leaves can never be over!

[Children wearing dresses covered with autumn leaves dance in; six at the right, six at the left; pass 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:

I’m the ghost of a story book you know,

Left a whole year out under the snow.

All:

He left the book in some secret nook,

Tell us, has it a spooky look?

[Here a good ghost story may be told.]

Seventh:

I can neither retreat nor advance,

I tell you I’m the ghost of a dance;

I’m educated, but I regret,

I can’t remember the minuet.

[All shake heads.]

Eighth:

I’m the ghost of the cat, who for long hours sat,

Warm by the hearth, on a bright red mat.

All:

Meow—Meow—Meow.

[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.]

On Hallowe’en Night

A Play in Four Scenes

CHARACTERS

• Six Witches—Either boys or girls.
• Teacher—Larger girl.
• Little Boo-Hoo—Small girl.
• Little Never-Care—Small boy.
• Miss Teaser—Girl.
• Mr. Never-Say-Please—Boy.
• School Children—Any number.
• Four Owls—Either boys or girls.
• Four Cats—Either boys or girls.
• Trumpeter—Small boy.
• Columbus—Larger boy.
• Sailors—Any number.

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]:

On Hallowe’en night, when the moon is bright,

And all the world is still;

On Hallowe’en night, when the moon is bright,

We come tripping o’er the hill.

[Others recite]:

On Hallowe’en night, we will scare you quite,

If you mortals will come out;

On Hallowe’en night, we will scare you quite,

We’re wise witches without a doubt.

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

First:

One little boy cries when he goes upstairs.

Second:

One little boy will not say his prayers.

Third:

One little girl will cry and tease.

Fourth:

One little girl will never say “Please.”

Fifth:

Little boys, little girls, we laugh and shout.

Sixth:

Ha, ha; ho, ho; the witches are out.

[All sing.]

Tune: “Coming Through the Rye.”

1.

If you ever chance to wander,

Late on Hallowe’en;

If you ever chance to wander,

Many sights are seen.

Witches are so very funny,

In their cap and gown;

Just hear our canes go rap-a-tap,

The witches are in town.

2.

Soon the witches will be dancing,

Out upon the green;

Soon the witches will be dancing,

Late on Hallowe’en.

With their canes a-rapping, tapping,

You can hear them shout,

If they catch a mortal napping,

He had best look out!

[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:

Late today and late tomorrow,

Tardiness will bring much sorrow.

Little Boo-Hoo:

I’m always late, what can I do,

But cry again, Little Boo-Hoo.

Little Never-Care:

I’m the little boy who Never Cares,

I even forget to say my prayers.

Miss Teaser:

I’m only known as Little Miss Teaser,

Nothing ever is known to please her.

Mr. Never-Say-Please:

I am Mr. Never-Say-Please,

I quite forget kind words like these.

Teacher:

To be on time, now is the rule,

And I have kept you after school;

But you’d better run home now without doubt,

’Tis Hallowe’en, the witches are out.

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

Children:

Ha, ha; ho, ho; we need some switches,

To keep away the silly witches;

To be disturbed we do not mean,

When homeward bound on Hallowe’en.

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.

Autumn time, autumn time,

All the leaves are falling down;

Autumn time, autumn time,

Leaves of red and brown.

Trip it lightly as you go,

Hallowe’en has come you know;

Autumn time, autumn time,

Witches are in town.

2.

Hallowe’en, Hallowe’en,

Comes but once in every year;

Hallowe’en, Hallowe’en,

Fairies will appear.

Little elves in wood and glen,

Are the little fairy men;

Hallowe’en, Hallowe’en,

Spooks are drawing near.

Owl [behind scenes]:

How do you do? How do you do?

Tu-whit, tu-whoo, tu-whit, to-whoo.

Children:

If we were good, yes, very, very good,

We never would be lost in the woods.

Cat [behind scenes]:

Would you like to get out?

I could tell you how

If you learned my language,

Meow—meow.

Children:

Ghostly shadows linger near,

We are lost it doth appear.

[Witches come in, circle round the children.]

Witches:

Spell of air and spell of water,

For each little son and daughter;

Turn them into dolls today,

Or wooden statues as we say.

You’ll need some manners it is seen,

Even now, on Hallowe’en.

[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]:

Rap-a-tap, rap-a-tap,

Take a little winter nap;

Little Owls, little Cats, where have you been,

Come, join our revels on Hallowe’en!

[Enter Cats and Owls.]

Dance and play, dance and play,

Summer days are over;

Dance away, dance away,

Last night of October.

Cats:

We are the Cats, we bow and sing,

And we can do most anything.

Owls:

We are the Owls, with eyes so bright,

We’re always “seein’ things at night.”

First Cat:

What’s yonder there? [Points to children.]

Second Cat:

Just see him stare!

Third Cat:

And here, and here.

Fourth Cat:

Some spell, ’tis clear.

First Owl:

A paper doll’s worth lots of money.

Second Owl:

This one holds a basket, it is funny.

Third Owl:

A wooden statue now I see.

Fourth Owl:

His dinner pail appeals to me!

[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:

Blow, trumpet, blow; blow, trumpet, blow,

Columbus is a rover;

Blow, trumpet, blow; blow, trumpet, blow,

With his discovery over.

He may not know which way to go,

Blow, trumpet, blow; blow, trumpet, blow.

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

Tune: “Yankee Doodle.”

1.

We’re sailors bold on Hallowe’en,

We love the water’s motion;

We’re sailors bold on Hallowe’en,

We make a great commotion.

Chorus.

Sing! hurrah for Hallowe’en,

See Columbus coming;

Sing! hurrah for Hallowe’en,

Join us in our humming.

2.

We’re sailors bold on Hallowe’en,

And up the mast we’re going;

We’re sailors bold on Hallowe’en,

And stormy winds are blowing.

3.

We’re sailors bold on Hallowe’en,

We’ll land and give a party;

We’re sailors bold on Hallowe’en,

We give a greeting hearty.

Sailors:

In 1492, we made discoveries, it is true,

Some claim there is nothing ever new

At midnight on Hallowe’en.

Columbus:

Whist! be still! what have we here?

Some new discoveries it is clear.

[Columbus goes to boys and girls.]

Columbus:

Oh! who will break the magic spell,

The Witches are about;

The Owls and Cats now re-appear.

There’s mischief without doubt!

[The Witches, Owls and Cats creep in.]

Owls:

Be good—remember words like these,

Go home and do not pout or tease;

And do remember what you’ve seen

Late at night on Hallowe’en.

Or else next year we’ll call for you,

Tu-whit, tu-whoo, tu-whit, tu-whoo!

Cats:

Be good—and try to be polite,

As well as learn to read and write;

For enchanted you have been,

On this night of Hallowe’en.

If you want to improve, we’ll tell you how,

Meow—meow—meow—meow.

Witches:

Believe in witches if you choose,

Just go about and spread the news;

We’ll try to get you without doubt,

On Hallowe’en if you are out.

You’ve felt tonight the Witches’ spell,

Little mortals, fare-you-well.

[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:

We’ll wave a flag red, white and blue,

The bonnie banner for me and you;

Come, form a ring, we’ll dance and sing,

’Twill break the spell of everything.

[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

• Jack Frost
• Witch
• Jack-be-Nimble
• Jack-in-the-Pulpit
• Jack-in-the-Box
• Jack Sprat
• Jack-o’-Lantern
• Jack Tar
• Jack Horner
• Six Sailor Boys

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:

I am Jack Frost, Jolly Jack Frost,

Through the woods today my way I lost;

This self-same thing I oft discover,

In October the summer’s over.

Though elves come tripping o’er the green,

I’m the only Jack upon the scene.

Witch:

Ha, ha, ha, on Hallowe’en,

Ghosts and elves are often seen;

And many a Jack trips o’er the green,

Ha, ha, ha, on Hallowe’en!

Jack Frost:

Though the wrong road we have taken,

In that surely you’re mistaken;

Even summers charm is lost,

But I’m the only Jack—Jack Frost.

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

Jack-be-Nimble:

I’m Jack-be-Nimble, I have to be quick

When I jump over my candlestick;

I’m most as nimble as a rabbit,

For jumping soon becomes a habit.

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

Jack-in-the-Pulpit:

I am Jack-in-the-Pulpit, very shy,

Scarce glancing at the passerby;

If truths on Hallowe’en you’d teach,

You’d find me very glad to preach.

Jack-in-the-Box:

I’m Jack-in-the-Box, I know no reason,

For feeling sad in any season;

I like to pop up on Hallowe’en,

When many a curious sight is seen.

Jack Sprat:

I’m Jack Sprat, and tired at that,

There’s only one story you hear;

I’m Jack Sprat, eating lean, not fat,

At any time of the year.

Witch:

Ha, ha, ha, you’re a jolly fellow,

Come on, now, be a story-teller.

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

Jack Sprat:

My Hallowe’en cat, behold her here,

I like her well though she has but one ear;

To get a bargain she never will try,

She went after butter when butter was high!

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

Jack-o’-Lantern:

I peep in the window, or look in the door,

Jolly Jack-o’-Lantern, you’ve seen me before;

I stand on the lamp post, or grin on the gate,

On Hallowe’en night you dare not be late.

See my big mouth and shining eyes,

I’m bound to give you a surprise.

Jack Tar:

They say, “Who is this fellow? see how he dances,

Lightly retreats, and lightly advances”;

Who else is coming? around him he glances,

Jolly Jack Tar, the hornpipe he dances!

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

Tune: “Marching Through Georgia.”

MERRY SAILOR LADS

1.

Merry sailor lads are we,

Upon the sea we go;

Singing quite new-fangled tunes,

And songs of long ago.

As we journey on our way

We sing, “Ye-ho, ye-ho”

While we are sailing the ocean.

Chorus.

Away, away, our ship’s a tidy craft,

Away, away, we never stoop to graft;

See our tidy vessel now, we man her fore and aft

While we are sailing the ocean.

2.

Happy-hearted sailor lads,

We really know no fear;

Our home is out upon the sea,

We’ve sailed for years and years.

When we see the bonnie flag,

We always give three cheers

While we are sailing the ocean.

[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]:

Ha, ha, if we linger longer.

We discover old Jack Horner;

Ha, ha; ho, ho; the sailors cry,