flapdragon

[prettygoodword]

flapdragon or snapdragon (FLAP-drag-uhn, SNAP-drag-uhn) - n., a parlor game in which players snatch raisins, plums, etc. out of burning brandy and eat them; the raisin, plum, etc. so eaten. v., to swallow whole, devour.


A former game, popular from the 16th through 19th centuries, especially around Christmas (though in parts of the United States, it apparently attached to Halloween). The brandy would be placed in a shallow bowl and the lights put out after it was lit, so the blue flames could be seen. Exact origin of the name is uncertain, though the snap form suggests the speed needed to snatch a raisin.

---L.

Comments

[mount-oregano.livejournal.com]

I have played that game at a Christmas party. The brandy doesn't burn as hot as you'd think. In fact, one participant had flaming fingers after grabbing raisin and no harm became of it. But the trick is in overcoming the fear of fire.

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

Heh, that someone is still doing it.

---L.