The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

HALLOWEEN CUSTOMS

ON HALLOWEEN THE INFORMANTS MOTHER AND HER FRIENDS USED TO GO
"WINDOW-RATTLING." A WINDOW RATTLER IS MADE BY CUTTING NOTCHES
AROUND BOTH ENDS OF A SPOOL, AND WRAPPING STRING AROUND IT.
THEN YOU PUT A PENCIL THROUGH THE HOLE IN THE SPOOL. WHEN YOU HOLD
THE RATTLER AGAINST A WINDOW AND PULL THE STRING A LOUD NOISE IS
PRODUCED, SCARING THE OCCUPANTS OF THE HOUSE.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT'S MOTHER IS 45, IRISH-AMERICAN, LIFE-LONG RESIDENT OF
LITTLE FALLS, NEW YORK

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): PRANKS

Date learned: 09-18-1969