Carving pumpkins and squash
If you want to vary your Halloween decorations this year, you could try carving vegetables other than pumpkins. Squashes are also suitable for carving, and there are many different shapes and colours from pale orange to dark green or stripy. You can also hollow out and carve gourds. Let the shape and colour of the vegetable suggest a spooky silhouette… Try a spider, or a bat, as well as the traditional skeletal face!

Several small carved pumpkins or squashes placed in a group can have more impact than a single large one. Placing a row of carved pumpkins or other vegetables along your garden path will be sure to encourage trick-or-treaters!

Halloween fun
Here are some great resources and ideas for spooky Halloween activities.
Halloween ideas >

Trick or treat - safety tips for kids
Take a torch each and make sure the battery isn't on the way out.
Stay together in a group. Set up a paired buddy system and stick with your partner.
Don't go out without an adult. S/he can keep out of sight when you knock on doors.
Only visit the houses of people you know.
Take care when crossing the road - you are probably wearing dark clothes that are difficult for motorists to see, so switch on your torches!
Plan a safe route and agree it with your parents first.
Get a parent to check that your costume is fireproof.

What is the origin of Halloween?
Our festival of Hallowe’en probably dates back to ancient Celtic times, when the end of summer and harvesting was celebrated on 31 October, before the official start of winter on 1 November. The Celts believed that on the night between the two seasons, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of 31 October, they believed that the souls of the dead returned to walk the Earth.

In the seventh century, 1 November was designated All Saints' Day, or All-Hallows Day. The preceding night was therefore called All-Hallows Eve. This name was eventually shortened to Hallowe'en.

In the tenth century, the Church designated 2 November All Souls' Day, a day to honour the dead. It was celebrated similarly to All-Hallows Eve with bonfires, parades and dressing up in costumes as saints, angels and devils. Together, the three celebrations, the eve of All Saints' Day, All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day were called Hallowmas. This period is still part of the Church calendar.

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