A crafty workshop will show you how to carve a spooky turnip (the OG pumpkin)
Ireland is essentially the home of Halloween.
And long before the American notion of the pumpkin Jack-o-lantern landed on our shores, there was something far more eerie glowing in homes across the emerald isle: the turnip.
This weekend, the crafty folks down at Levis in Ballydehob are reviving a special tradition: Saithe na Samhna, the traditional lights of Samhain.
Artist Millie Egan will lead a free drop-in turnip decorating workshop in the Outback of Levis on Saturday, October 26th. All are welcome to attend – just bring along your own paring knives, ice cream scoops, or any other tools you might like to use.
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“In Ireland, people believed that spirits and ghosts could enter their world on Halloween,” they explain.
“These spirits and ghosts would be attracted to the comforts of their earthly lives. People not wanting to be visited by these ghosts would set food and treats out to appease the roaming spirits and began to make their own versions of Jack’s lanterns by carving scary faces into turnips or potatoes and placing them into windows or near doors to frighten away Stingy Jack and other wandering evil spirits “ – Samhain and The Origin Of The Jack O Lantern.”
Later in the weekend, there will be a street spectacle and live music from local artists on Sunday, October 27th (6pm) and a series of incredible light installations from artist John McGeogh across the village walls.
The crowds will follow Turnip Jack along the spooky village trail… with a few surprises along the way.
