Bobbing for apples dates back to an ancient Roman festival called “Ponoma.”
When the Roman Empire overtook the Celts around 43 A.D., they combined their traditions with those of Samhain.
The second day of their new year festivities was “Ponoma,” meant to honor the eponymous goddess of fruits and trees – which explains bobbing for (and eating) apples around this time of year.
During the 18th century, “bobbing” rose in popularity in the British empire – and was yet another way to flirt with a potential mate. Despite a brief wane in popularity, the game was revived by the Irish when they immigrated to America.
