Carving a Spooky Turnip
Did you know the humble Halloween pumpkin is actually a type of berry known as a pepo? It originates from northeastern Mexico and the southern United States, where for many, the practice of pumpkin carving has become an essential part of spooky season. But while the pumpkin has its roots in America, the tradition of hollowing out vegetables, carving ghoulish faces in their flesh and placing a candle inside was actually introduced by Irish immigrants. In fact, Ireland was home to the Celtic people who first celebrated the festival known as Samhain, which many believe is a precursor to Halloween. At this time of year, as the nights grow darker and colder, the veil between this world and the next is said to be at its thinnest, and the spirits are able to pass back and forth.
The name Jack O’Lantern comes from an old Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack, who invited the Devil for a drink. Reluctant to pay the ensuing bill, he convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin so he could pay for the drinks, but then decided to keep the coin instead, putting it to next to a silver cross in his pocket so the Devil couldn’t change back into his original form. He eventually freed him on the condition that when he died, the Devil would not claim his soul. The Devil kept his word and Jack avoided Hell, but as he had led an immoral life, he was not allowed into Heaven, either. The Devil sent Jack off into the dark night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack placed the coal into a carved-out turnip and has been roaming the earth ever since, his ghostly figure becoming known as ‘Jack of the Lantern’. The name is also associated with the will-o’-the-wisp, a bioluminescent light that appears over bogs and marshes. In English folklore, this ignis fatuus or ‘foolish fire’ has symbolically come to mean a hope or dream that leads you on while being impossible to reach.
Today, Jack O’Lanterns are still essential for warding off evil spirits and spookifying the home. Pumpkins, potatoes, beetroot, turnips and other root vegetables all make excellent lanterns, and once Halloween is over, they can be moved to the compost heap, an appropriate resting place for the festival of Samhain, which marks the beginning of the Celtic year. It’s a time to reflect on the past and look to the future, for old wheels to turn anew, and for us all to return to the earth and begin again, just as this year’s pumpkins will melt into the soil and bury tomorrow’s seeds.
How to Carve a Spooky Turnip
I first heard about this idea through English Heritage, who also have a very helpful video tutorial! Turnips can be tricky to find for some reason - I couldn’t find any in my local supermarket, nor could I order one through my Riverford box - but luckily our local greengrocers had a basket of them in the window. Once you’ve finished carving your turnip (or other root vegetable), I recommend using the leftover flesh in a nourishing Scotch broth like this one - perfect for the cold autumn nights!
1. Begin by slicing a thin layer off the bottom of your turnip to create a flat, solid base.
2. Next, slice a ‘lid’ off the top of your turnip, making sure to keep it nice and wide so it can be replaced after carving.
3. Use a sharp knife to create a criss-cross pattern through the middle of the turnip, then use a spoon to scoop it all out, leaving at least half a centimetre wall around the whole turnip. Be careful not to slip the knife through to the outside of the turnip. Place the flesh to one side to use later for cooking or composting.
4. Once the inside is hollowed out, use a pencil to draw your spooky face onto the side, then use the knife to carve it out.
5. When you’re happy with your turnip, place a lighted tea-light inside, replace the lid, and bid all your local ghouls a fond farewell as they are warded away this Samhain.