The autumnal celebration, as observed during the nineteenth century, underwent significant transformation, evolving from primarily localized folk traditions to a more widely recognized and standardized custom. Activities varied across regions but generally involved elements of harvest celebrations, fortune-telling, and remembrance of the deceased. For example, rural communities often engaged in games involving apples and nuts, while urban centers saw the emergence of early forms of costuming and public gatherings.
The period is notable for the gradual shift in focus from superstition and divination towards more secular forms of entertainment. Increased urbanization and the mingling of diverse immigrant populations contributed to this evolution. The blending of various cultural practices, particularly from Irish and Scottish immigrants, helped solidify many of the traditions that are now associated with contemporary observances. This era laid the groundwork for its subsequent popularization and commercialization in the following century.
