Skip navigation links (access key: Z)Library and Archives Canada / Bibliothèque et Archives CanadaSymbol of the Government of Canada
Français - Version française de cette pageHome - The main page of the Institution's websiteContact Us - Institutional contact informationHelp - Information about using the institutional websiteSearch - Search the institutional websitecanada.gc.ca - Government of Canada website

Notice to the reader: This document is no longer in effect. It has been archived online and is kept purely for historical purposes.

Banner: The Kids' Site of Canadian Settlement
IntroductionExplore the Communities
Books and LinksEducational ResourcesActivitiesAbout This SiteCommentsCopyright/Sources   Section title: Activities

Craft

Carved Turnip Head

Photograph showing three carved turnip heads
Source

In Ireland, people celebrated Hallowe'en long before the tradition became popular in North America. This festival was called Samhain or Celtic New Year. At Samhain, people celebrated by carving turnip Jack-o'-lanterns. Irish immigrants brought the tradition with them to North America in the 1840s. Pumpkins were plentiful in the New World, and easy to carve, so eventually they were used instead of turnips.

Materials

  • turnip
  • marker
  • knife
    Note: Ask an adult to help you because turnips are much harder to carve than pumpkins.
  • spoon or melon baller
  • newspaper

Instructions

Photograph showing materials required for a carved turnip head
Source		   Photograph showing step 1 of how to make a carved turnip head
Source
Materials needed for a carved turnip head.   Step 1. Slice the top off the turnip.
Photograph showing step 2 of how to make a carved turnip head
Source		   Photograph showing step 3 of how to make a carved turnip head
Source
Step 2. Hollow out the turnip, leaving a wall about 1 cm (½ inch) thick.   Step 3. Draw your face on the turnip. (If you like, research Celtic art and try a Celtic face.)

Photograph showing step 4 of how to make a carved turnip head
Source		   Photograph showing three carved turnip heads
Source
Step 4. Carefully carve the face.   Your Irish turnip head is done! (Keep your turnip head fresh longer by placing it in cold water if you're not using it right away.)

Photograph showing three carved turnip heads with candles lit inside
Source
Under adult supervision, turnip heads can be taken outside and lit with tea lights or small candles.

Proactive Disclosure
Created: 2005-01-13
Updated: 2005-01-13
Top of Page
Important Notices