Halloween in Scotland

First confirmed in the 16th century, the name Halloween comes from a Scottish shortening of All-Hallows Eve and has its roots in the Gaelic festival of Samhain. Here are a few Scottish Halloween traditions you might have not been aware of:

TURNIP (NEEP) LANTERNS 

In the past, villages would light huge bonfires to keep evil spirits away. In true Scottish tradition, scary faces were carved into turnips (neeps) to create lanterns that would scare off ghosts and spirits wandering in the witching house. Thanks to America’s influence, pumpkins are now as common as turnips for lanterns in Scotland – and are a lot easier to carve

APPLE DOOKIN’ (DUCKING FOR APPLES)

An ancient Celtic tradition, this game remains a firm favourite at Halloween parties. Without using your hands, you have to grab an apple floating in a basin of water. Sounds easy, right? Dunking tactics include catching apples with a fork held between the teeth or, if you are brave, you can use your teeth! Have a look on YouTube at some videos for inspiration!

Becky , teacher at Idiomas Leon.