A step-by-step guide to carve your way to Halloween fun

THE TRADITION of carving jack-o'-lanterns originated in Ireland, where people would hollow out turnips or other root vegetables, and carve grotesque faces into them to create lanterns.

These lanterns were used to ward off evil spirits and malevolent beings during the Gaelic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed that on Samhain (now known as Halloween), the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest, and supernatural beings would roam the earth.

The lanterns were often associated with the legend of Stingy Jack, an Irish folktale about a trickster who was denied entry into both Heaven and Hell. According to the legend, Jack was given a burning coal by the devil to light his way through the afterlife, which he placed inside a carved-out turnip.

Here's a simple guide to get you started:

1. Carve from the bottom: This clever technique lets you use the stem as a handle, making it easy to place a candle or flashlight inside without damaging your design.
2. Carve with stability: Hold the pumpkin securely in your lap to ensure steady, precise cuts and reduce the risk of accidents.
3. Sketch with ease: Use a red dry-erase marker to plan your design. It's easy to erase mistakes, and any missed spots will blend in seamlessly.
4. Scoop out with speed: A hand mixer is a game-changer for quickly and efficiently removing pumpkin guts and seeds.
5. Cut out designs with ease: Use pumpkin carving cookie cutters and a rubber mallet to create intricate designs. Heavy-duty regular cookie cutters work too!
6. Keep it fresh: Apply Vaseline to all cut surfaces to keep your pumpkin moist and extend its lifespan to 1-2 weeks. Add a festive touch by sprinkling cinnamon inside for a warm, spicy aroma when lit.

Tips and ideas:

• Use stencils or patterns to help you achieve intricate designs.
• Thin the pumpkin walls for easier carving and better light display.
• Experiment with different lighting options, like string lights or glow sticks.
• Add a personal touch with creative designs, like a favourite character or symbol.
• Use drills or small knives to create unique patterns, like dots or geometric shapes. 

Carving pumpkins can be a fun and creative activity for the whole family.