If you want to add a historical twist to your Halloween celebrations,
try carving a turnip instead of a pumpkin.
Carving a turnip into a lantern to ward off evil spirits has been an established tradition for hundreds of years,
long before pumpkin carving became popular.
The tradition is thought to be rooted in an Irish folk tale about a man named Jack who made a deal with the devil to protect his soul.
When he died, his soul had no resting place so he was cursed to wander the Earth for eternity.
To light his way, he had only a lantern, made from a hollowed-out turnip, lit by a glowing core.
For your Halloween turnip you will need,
a sharp knife,
a turnip,
a spoon,
a craft knife,
a chopping board,
a pencil,
a tea light or candle
and matches.
Before cutting into your turnip decide which side you are going to use as its face.
Are there any blemishes or lumps and bumps that will make the face of your lantern extra creepy?
Now you need to cut a small amount off the base. This will provide a steady surface while you work.
Next you need to cut the top off the turnip, this will be used later to form a lid so you want it to be quite wide.
Make sure you don’t cut too low as you need the body to have enough height to carve the face.
Set the lid to one side.
Use the knife to score around the inside edge and loosen the inside of the turnip.
Use a spoon to hollow out the inside of the turnip until a wall only half a centimetre thick remains.
Turnips are tougher than pumpkins so it may take a bit more work.
It’s time to turn your attention to the face.
Draw your eyes, nose, and mouth on the front using a pencil.
Then carefully use a craft knife to carve out the lines of the face.
Place your small tea light inside the turnip and light it.
Never leave lit candles unattended.
You may wish to use an led light instead.
Now put the lid back on.