All Hallow's Eve falls next Thursday, but this weekend will be filled with fancy dress, apple bobbing and, of course, pumpkin carving.
Jack-o'-lanterns are traditionally carried on All Hallows' Eve in order to frighten evil spirits. There is a well known Irish Christian folktale associated with the jack-o'-lantern which, in lore, is said to represent a "soul who has been denied entry into both heaven and hell".
"On route home after a night's drinking, Jack encounters the Devil who tricks him into climbing a tree. A quick-thinking Jack etches the sign of the cross into the bark, thus trapping the Devil. Jack strikes a bargain that Satan can never claim his soul. After a life of sin, drink, and mendacity, Jack is refused entry to heaven when he dies. Keeping his promise, the Devil refuses to let Jack into hell and throws a live coal straight from the fires of hell at him. It was a cold night, so Jack places the coal in a hollowed out turnip to stop it from going out, since which time Jack and his lantern have been roaming looking for a place to rest."
In Ireland and Scotland, the turnip has traditionally been carved during Halloween, but immigrants to North America used the native pumpkin, which is bigger and softer – making it easier to carve than a turnip.
We had a go at carving. Not bad, if we do say so ourselves!
Have a wonderful weekend!
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