🎃 Tonight isn’t Halloween on the Isle of Man, it’s Hop tu Naa, the ancient celebration of the Celtic new year. It’s known as Samhain, and tonight marks the start of winter.

Halloween is descended from this old holiday and before pumpkins were introduced to Europe people carved turnips. Carved little slits for the eyes and mouth and they become terrifying little shrunken heads of ghoulishness. Absolutely brilliant 😂 They’re still the tradition here on the Island.

If you’d like to get in the Celtic spirit tonight, grab a swede from the garden or supermarket and get carving. It’s a tough job though so power tools come in handy at times. Or you could do it the traditional way with a blunt spoon, sore hands, and maybe a blister or two!

Happy Halloween, Hope tu Naa, Samhain, and all of the many wonderful celebrations happening over the next two days! 🎃

This is old Hollantide night; Hop-tu-naa.
The moon shines bright; Trol-la-laa
Cock of the hens; Hop-tu-naa.
Supper of the heifer; Trol-la-laa
Which heifer shall we kill? Hop-tu-naa.
The little speckled heifer. Trol-la-laa
The fore-quarter, Hop-tu-naa.
We’ll put in the pot for you. Trol-la-laa
The little hind quarter, Hop-tu-naa.
Give to us, give to us. Trol-la-laa
I tasted the broth, Hop-tu-naa.
I scalded my tongue, Trol-la-laa
I ran to the well, Hop-tu-naa.
And drank my fill; Trol-la-laa
On my way back, Hop-tu-naa.
I met a witch cat; Trol-la-laa
The cat began to grin, Hop-tu-naa.
And I ran away. Trol-la-laa
Where did you run to? Hop-tu-naa.
I ran to Scotland. Trol-la-laa
What were they doing there? Hop-tu-naa.
Baking bannocks and roasting collops. Trol-la-laa
Hop-tu-naa, Trol-la-laa.

If you are going to give us anything, give it us soon,
Or we’ll be away by the light of the moon.
Hop-tu-naa, Trol-la-laa.

#halloween #hoptunaa #samhain #celticnewyear #isleofman #growyourownfood #spooky #jackolantern