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The burning lantern on your doorstep was a sign that you welcomed your ancestral spirits into your home.听 It also protected the household against malevolent spirits.

Removing the lid

Nowadays we use pumpkins, because they are easier to carve and a candle or tea-light has replaced the burning coal.

Pumpkins are available at most supermarkets, greengrocers and farm shops at this time of year.听 Look for pumpkins that have a healthy orange colour and avoid any that show signs of bruising.听

Hollowed out pumpkin

You can buy special kits to help carve out the pumpkin....cutters for the eyes and scoops to make the removal of the pumpkin flesh more easy.听 But ordinary kitchen utensils work just as well.听

Please take great care when using sharp knives or cutters as accidents can easily happen!

Old square eyes

Slicing the top off the pumpkin

This will later be replaced, so cut it carefully. Traditionally this has been cut as a circle but if it shrinks it could fall through.听 So cut a triangle or square instead and then you can turn it to make it fit. 听

As you slice with a knife try and bevel the edges inwards, so that when the lid is听 replaced it sits more securely on the walls of the pumpkin.听 Make a small hole near the middle of the lid for the smoke from the candle and the heat to escape, this will help prevent shrinkage.

Finished pumpkin

Removing the pumpkin flesh

Use a wooden or metal spoon to remove the seeds, flesh and stringy bits.听You can use the flesh to make soup or pumpkin pie and the seeds can be kept and toasted.

Leave a solid wall to ensure the pumpkin holds its shape, aim for about 3cm.

Giving the pumpkin its character

Sketch out first how you want the face to look and then draw it onto the side of the pumpkin. When you are happy with your design you can start to carve.

Pumpkin lantern

The art work

Carefully, using a knife, cut out the features you have chosen.听 You can make it as simplistic or as complex as you want.听 You can cut jagged teeth and slice in some scars too to make the ghoul look more interesting and scary.

The candle

Make sure there is a firm, level base at the bottom of the pumpkin. Put some sand in there to stop the bottom getting hot and 'cooking' and place a tea-light in the middle of the pumpkin.听 Light the candle and replace the lid.

Do not leave lanterns unattended while the candle is alight and ensure the candle is extinguished properly at the end of the evening.