Traditional Jack-O-Lantern

Also known as a 'Hoberdy's Candle', a traditional Jack-O-Lantern using a turnip or rutabaga is quite easy to make...

You'll Need:

A large turnip or rutabaga
A large metal spoon
A sharp paring knife
String, thin rope or metal wire
A tea-light candle
Matches or a lighter
A metal skewer

Step 1: Cut Off the Top

Much like carving a pumpkin, start with cutting a circle out of the top. Insert your knife on an angle to prevent the lid from falling into the hollow you will make.

Step 2: Carve Out the Centre

Much tougher than a pumpkin, it will take time and dedication to hollow out your Jack-O-Lantern.
You can save what you remove and cook it later if you like.

Use the knife to start you off and the large metal spoon to scoop out the insides.

Step 3: Make a Face

Using your sharp paring knife, carve out a simple face. The uglier the better as Jack-O-Lanterns only get scarier with age.

Step 4: Add a Handle

Pierce the turnip through with a skewer or use another sharp implement to make a hole on either side of your Jack-O-Lantern.

Attach either string or metal wire to these holes and give yourself a handle.

Step 5: Light the Candle

Place a candle inside, light it, and the place the lid on top. Now you have a traditional and functional Jack-O-Lantern.

Step 6: Take It Out Into the Night

Use your lantern to guide you through the dark of night on all hallow's eve or let the ghastly light it casts scare unwary travellers as you pass.

Comments

[radiograf]

Used to do this too as a child, my Grandmother always used to save the inner bits to cook for dinner!

[gtoal]

with haggis and tatties!

[General Zod]

Awesome....so many people don't know the true origin of Jack of the Lantern. This the perfect accompaniment for the poor wayward soul trapped between the infernal and divine realms.

[Kiteman]

Yes!

None of my friends believe me when I tell them this was traditional when I was a child in the North of England, before pumpkins were commonly imported.

[ram1961]

Nice idea ; it looks good . you can try to make the design of flowers in it. i know its difficult to make in it .I make lentern of hard paper with new design.